Bolton Castle
Leyburn, North Yorkshire
About Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle is superb medieval fortress with a packed programme of daily events and activities indoors and out, great for a family day trip!
Family entertainments include archery demonstrations where kids can have a go, Birds of Prey Displays and tours of the castle guided by costumed characters (groups only)! Plus visit the Wild Boar Park and watch the hungry piggies be fed, check out the bee observation hive and see the local rare breed sheep including Wensleydales.You will find a wealth of sights, sounds and smells which bring the castle and it's history to life!
Throughout every day there are also Trails, Period Dress Up, Calligraphy, Medieval Games and Traditional Crafts! Bolton Castle is one of the country's best preserved medieval castles and bears the scars of over 600 years of quite fascinating history but as such it should be noted that it's not easily accessible for those with reduced mobility as spiral stairs and loads of uneven surfaces exist throughout the building so be careful with small and wobbly ones.
You can also visit their new garden with bright displays of flowering plants traditionally associated with the virgin Mary such as (in fond botanical terms) her slippers, thimble, teardrops and her nightcap. Plus explore the fragrant Herb and Rose Gardens, lose dad in the Vineyard and lose everyone else in the privet Maze!
Authentic medieval castle. Archery, birds of prey and wild boar.
Authentic medieval castle with lovely gardens including a maze. Twice daily falconry displays, an archery demonstration in which you can have a go and wild boar talk and feed.
Tea room on site and lots of events throughout the season which are included in the usual admission prices.
Most intact medieval castle in the UK
The castle is one of the last in tact medieval castles in the UK. Mary Queen of Scots lived here for 6 months and her living quarters can still be seen.
Lots of things for the children to enjoy.
There are 5 levels of the castle to enjoy from the dungeon to the battlements. The falconry displays are excellent and have a go at archery. Our living history team are often on site and they bring the history of the castle to life with tours, drill calls, armoury and cooking, etc.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Baby Changing
Food Available
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday 1st March until Friday 31st October 2025
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Please note that the castle will be closed on some days for weddings.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-17) : £12.50
- Adult (17-18+) : £15.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-3) : Free
Adults: £15.00
Concessions (Over 67s', students and children aged 4-18): £12.50
Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 concessions which must include at least 1 child): £60.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Bolton Castle by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
Local buses from Leyburn to Hawes
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 10:05 04/06/2026
Bolton Castle Reviews
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