Bolton Castle, North Yorkshire

Bolton Castle, built between 1378 and 1399 by is one of the country's best preserved medieval castles. Completed in 1399 by Richard le Scrope, Chancellor of England to Richard II, its scars bear testament to over 600 years of fascinating history including involvement in the Pilgrimage of Grace, Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment and a Civil War siege.

In 1536 during the lordship of Sir John Scrope, King Henry VIII ordered the castle to be torched, causing extensive damage but within a few years the damage had been repaired and Sir John had regained his seat in Parliament.

The most famous event to have taken place in the castle's history was the stay by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1568. After her defeat in Scotland at the Battle of Langside, she abdicated and fled to England, posing a threat to the position of the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I. Mary was initially held in Carlisle under the watch of Henry Scrope but was later moved to Bolton Castle. Mary was given Henry Scrope's own apartments in the South-West tower.

The castle has never been sold and remains in the private ownership of Lord Bolton, Sir Richard le Scrope’s direct descendant.

In front of the Castle are two walled gardens which have been laid out along medieval lines. The herb garden contains over 50 varieties of culinary and medicinal herbs, all of which were in common cultivation in the medieval period.

Bolton Castle Tea Room offers delicious homemade food daily. There are regular family event days at the castle - please check the website.

(Photographs courtesy of Trish & Chris Seymour)

Opening Times

Open daily 11am to 5pm, from mid February until October.

On days when it is hosting a wedding the castle may close early. Please call to check

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Ticket Prices

Castle, Gardens & Grounds
Adults - £8.50
Concessions - £7 (O.A.P, students and children)
Family Ticket - £30.00 (2 adults and up to 3 children/concessions, must inc 1 child)

Gardens Only
(includes Boar Park, Falconry flying display, birds on weather, children's trail)

Adults - £4.00
Concessions - £3 (O.A.P, students and children)
Family Ticket - £12.50 (2 adults and up to 3 children/concessions, must inc 1 child)

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

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