55 MINUTES FROM PATELEY BRIDGE
Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle has stood guard over Wensleydale since the late 14th century, still owned today by descendants of the family who built it. Mary Queen of Scots spent six months held captive here in 1568, and the rooms, vineyard, walled garden and maze make for a genuinely rounded day out among one of the most complete medieval castles in the north. Around 55 minutes from Pateley Bridge.
Visit information
- Location
- Bolton Castle, Castle Bolton, Leyburn DL8 4ET
- From Pateley Bridge
- 55 minutes via Masham and Wensleydale
- Open
- Seasonal - check boltoncastle.co.uk before travelling
- Entry
- Paid admission covers the castle, grounds, vineyard and maze
- Dogs
- Welcome on leads in the grounds
- Facilities
- Tearoom, gift shop and car park at the castle
A castle that never left the family
Richard, Lord Scrope, was given licence to fortify his manor house in 1379, and the resulting castle has remained associated with the Scrope family and their descendants ever since, a continuity that is rare among England's medieval castles, most of which passed through many hands or fell into ruin under state care.
The castle suffered during the Civil War, when it was besieged and partially slighted by Parliamentary forces, leaving one corner tower ruined while the rest survived remarkably intact, giving Bolton Castle its distinctive lopsided silhouette today.
Mary Queen of Scots arrived here in 1568 after fleeing Scotland following her defeat at the Battle of Langside, and stayed under the custody of the castle's owner for around six months before being moved south, deeper into the captivity that would eventually last almost twenty years.
Making the most of your visit
Allow two to three hours to see the castle rooms, walk the grounds and visit the vineyard and maze. The castle is unheated and stone-floored throughout, so dress for the temperature even on a warm day outside.
Like many of the dale's attractions, opening is seasonal, so check the website for current days and times before setting off, particularly if travelling outside the summer months.
The drive up through Wensleydale to reach the castle is a pleasure in its own right, and pairs naturally with a stop at Aysgarth Falls or the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes on the same trip.
What to see
The Castle Rooms
Built in the late 14th century for Richard, Lord Scrope, the castle is remarkably complete for its age, with rooms furnished to give a sense of medieval life, including the chamber where Mary Queen of Scots is said to have stayed during her imprisonment.
Mary Queen of Scots' Imprisonment
Mary was held at Bolton Castle for around six months in 1568 after fleeing Scotland, before being moved further into custody. The castle makes much of this episode, with displays exploring her time here and the wider political drama around it.
The Vineyard
One of the most northerly vineyards in England sits on the castle's south-facing slopes, an unexpected and rather charming addition to a medieval fortress, with wine produced on site available to buy.
Walled Garden and Maze
A recreated medieval walled garden grows herbs and produce of the kind that would have been used in the castle's kitchens, while a maze in the grounds gives children something active to do between the history.
Into Wensleydale, 55 minutes away
Bolton Castle is open seasonally, so check current opening days and times before you travel.
