Offers

• 

  Discount Offer: 20% discount.

  Valid: February to November 2013 (subject to attraction opening times).
  Offer exclusions: Refer to general terms & conditions at www.freedomdays.co.uk/offers-tcs.

  Voucher MUST be presented at the venue to obtain the offer.

Description

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

Bolton Castle was a luxurious family home as well as a defensive fortress and, despite being partially 'slighted' by Cromwells' men during the Civil War siege, the Castle is preserved in outstanding condition with many interesting rooms and features to discover including the Old Kitchens, Dungeon, Solar, Nursery, Armoury, Great Chamber and Mary Queen of Scots bedroom. About one third of the rooms are fully intact and the rest of the Castle is almost completely accessible giving visitors great insight into its turbulent past.

We give our visitors a taste of what life was really like during the Castle's heyday through providing the sights, sounds, smells and experiences of life in the past! Visitors often comment on the incredible atmosphere of the Castle with many of the rooms giving the feeling that their inhabitants had just walked out.

As well as the new  Falconry Experience, Wild Boar Park, Medieval Archery Demonstrations and Bee Keeping display, which were introduced in 2011, we now have our own flock of Wensleydale and other local rare breed sheep. We can also offer a state of the art Audio- Visual tour to give you an even greater insight into Castle life between the 14th and 17th Centuries.

Bolton Castle is packed full of fun for children of all ages, and ideal for family and school visits Highlights include;

• Medieval Nursery filled with period toys and games to play
• Medieval Costumes
• Fantastic Family trails and Activity book
• Children's Outdoor activity Rucksacks
• Find the centre of the Maze

New for 2013

New Owls and Kites:
We will be welcoming several new birds to our flying team including an enormous Turkmenian Owl and tiny Southern White-Faced Scops owl as well a magnificent Kite who will add a new dimension to our falconry displays.

Interpretation:
We are also introducing several new information boards including a Castle timeline, a family tree and two fantastic illustrations of the Castle showing how it would have looked in 1399 and how it looks today.

Facilities

• Tearoom
• Gift Shop
• Picnic Area

Prices

Admission Charges:
Due to increased visitor numbers over the last five seasons we are am very happy to announce we will be reducing our admissions prices by an average of 14% this year. We hope this will enable even more visitors to enjoy a wonderful day out with us.

Castle, Gardens and Grounds:
Adults: £7.50
Concessions: £ 6.00 (Over 60s’, students and children aged 5-18)
Family Ticket: £25 (2 adults and up to 3 concessions which must include at least 1 child)

Gardens Only:
(includes Boar Park, Falconry flying display, birds on weather, bee observation hive children’s trail, local rare breed sheep including Wensleydales)
Adults: £3.00
Concessions: £2 (Over 60s’, students and children aged 5-18)
Family: £10.00 (2 adults and up to 3 concessions which must include at least 1 child)

Season Tickets:
Purchase a season ticket giving you unlimited visits to the Castle Gardens and grounds. Tickets available for Adults, Concessions, Couples and different family groups.
Please call or email the castle.

Local Residents Season Tickets:
New for 2013. Visitors living in the DL8 postcode area now have the fantastic opportunity to pay once and visit for a full year. Please ask at admission desk on arrival. Visitors must provide proof of address to qualify for this offer.

Directions

By Car:
Please utilise AA Routefinder to find out the best route to Bolton Castle.

By Bus:
Bolton Castle is easily accessible by public buses. There is a vintage tour bus which operates between Ripon, Redmire and Hawes on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It is a half mile walk up hill from the stop to the castle. Please contact Chris Bulmer on 01765 635273 for more information.

There is also a local ‘Dales & District’ service on bus numbers 156 & 157 between Hawes, Leyburn, Bedale and Northallerton which runs hourly throughout the day. For more information please visit: www.northyorks.gov.uk/businfo

By Train:
The closest mainline station to Bolton Castle is Northallerton, which is on the National Express East Coast line. For more information please visit the National Express website.

Why not use the Wensleydale Railway to get to us and make a whole family day out? The line runs from Leeming Bar to Redmire, stopping at Bedale and Leyburn on the way. Leeming Bar is only a 10 minute bus ride from Northallerton Train or Bus Stations, on bus numbers 53, 54, 73, 80, 144, 156, 157.

There is a steam train running for some of August which will make your day even more special. Redmire station is about one miles walk from the castle, most of which is uphill, but you will find plenty of food and drink in the Tea Room to refresh you once you arrive. Alternatively, you can take the bus (No’s 156 or 157) from Redmire station, which will bring you right up to the castle. For more information please visit: www.wensleydalerailway.com

By Taxis:
Pete Fleming: 07855 320467 (Up to 9 passengers).

Opening Times

Opening times 2013:
Open daily 10am – 5pm from 16th February until November 3rd 2013 (Open until 6pm during summer holidays)

Please note we will close early on the following dates (usually Saturdays) due to weddings. Our last entry will be at 1pm and we will close at 2pm on: 30th March, 13th April, 1st, 8th June, 3rd August

Season Tickets:
Purchase as season ticket giving you unlimited visits to the Castle, Gardens and Grounds. Tickets available for Castle and Gardens or Gardens only and for individuals, couples and various family groups.