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Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle
England · North Yorkshire, Yorkshire Dales · Near Leyburn
Built 1379 · 14th-century English quadrangular
Quick Facts
- Hours
- Open daily March to November. Closed December to February except for special events.
- Tickets from
- €10
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Best time
- April to October
- Nearest city
- Leyburn
Highlights
- ✦Mary Queen of Scots imprisoned here for six months in 1568–1569
- ✦One of the best-preserved 14th-century quadrangular castles in England
- ✦Spectacular position above Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales
- ✦Medieval herb garden and vineyard in the castle grounds
- ✦Exhibitions on Mary's captivity and daily medieval life
Skip the queue with a guided tour
Skip-the-line tickets & expert guides
Bolton Castle stands on a commanding spur above the green sweep of Wensleydale, its four corner towers largely intact after more than 640 years. Built by Richard le Scrope, Chancellor of England, from 1379, the castle is one of the finest examples of the 14th-century quadrangular castle design in England — a self-contained fortress palace arranged around a central courtyard. Its most famous chapter came in 1568–1569 when Mary Queen of Scots was held here as a prisoner of Elizabeth I for six months, occupying the upper floors under relatively comfortable conditions before being transferred further south. Today the castle houses engaging exhibitions on Mary's captivity, medieval life, and castle history, alongside a recreated medieval garden and vineyard. Its setting in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is magnificent.
History
Built by Richard le Scrope between 1379 and 1399, the castle passed through the Scrope family for generations. It was besieged during the English Civil War and partially slighted — the north-east tower was left in ruins — but the remaining three towers and much of the interior survived. The famous association with Mary Queen of Scots dates to her flight to England in 1568, when she was placed in comfortable captivity here before being moved to Tutbury Castle. The castle has remained in private ownership throughout and is still home to the Orde-Powlett family.
How to Visit
Bolton Castle is in Castle Bolton village, 6 km west of Leyburn in the Yorkshire Dales. Leyburn is served by bus from Northallerton and Darlington. A seasonal bus runs from Leyburn to the castle. By car it is 80 km from York and 70 km from Leeds. The castle makes an excellent stop on a Yorkshire Dales drive combining Aysgarth Falls (4 km) and Hawes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mary was imprisoned at Bolton Castle from July 1568 to January 1569 — approximately six months — before being transferred to Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire.
Location
Castle Bolton, Leyburn, DL8 4ET, England
Nearby Castles
Tours & Tickets
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Entry from
€10/ adult