Bolton Castle Castles

Bolton Castle is a spectacular mediaeval fortress, situated in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, on the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It was built in 1399 by Richard le Scrope, 1st Lord Scrope of Bolton and Lord Chancellor of England. Bolton has never been sold, and remains in the private ownership of Lord Bolton, Richard le Scropes' descendant. Go to the history pages to find out more about the fascinating trials and tribulations of Bolton's captivating history.

Bolton Castle is open to visitors all year round. There are five floors, sparsely furnished with tableaux depicting castle life in the 15th century. Visitors usually roam around in their own time, but if you would like a themed guided tour for a group please contact us beforehand and arrange it. Built over 18 years it was completed in 1399. During the English Civil War Bolton was a royalist stronghold, and was besieged and fell to Cromwell in 1645. The castle is externally three-quarters complete and internally about a third; it is one of the best preserved castles remaining in private ownership.

In the walled herb-garden we have over fifty varieties of culinary and medicinal herbs, all of which were in common cultivation in the mediaeval period. Varieties such as; Betony, Bugioss, Yarrow, Loveage and Tansy. It is fascinating to discover what they were used for. Comfrey was used as a poultice to wrap around wounds, and it has since been discovered that it contains a alkaloid compound called allantoin which helps broken bones knit together.

The herbs are grown in two big borders and ten square beds, all surrounded by box hedging.

There is a shop which sells souvenirs and postcards and a tea-room which serves a selection of home-made cakes, cream-teas and light lunches. The local pubs & restaurants also provide a good lunch.

Some areas on the lower floor are accessible by wheel-chair, but the staircases are too narrow to get a wheel-chair to the upper floors. .