Summer Holidays at Bolton Castle

Tuesday, 23rd July 2019

Summer Holidays at Bolton Castle

What’s On: Summer Holidays to October Half Term Events

Commanding outstanding views across the Yorkshire Dales, Bolton Castle in Wensleydale boasts one of the most romantic settings in Yorkshire.  Built as a luxurious home by Sir Richard Le Scrope 600 years ago, Bolton Castle is one of the best preserved Medieval castles in the country and uniquely remains under the private ownership of Lord Bolton, a direct descendant of Sir Richard.  

Opened on 30 March for the 2019 season, the Castle provides a fascinating insight into life within its walls and gardens, with a range of opportunities to see, enjoy and learn how life – warts and all - really was at the castle across the centuries.   The castle also holds a unique position in history as the host of Mary, Queen of Scots, purportedly held here in captivity for the longest time, and who enjoyed some luxury which the Scottish Queen will not have experienced at her previous residence, Carlisle Castle.  Bolton Castle’s The Solar, the family’s well-appointed suite of rooms, held her and her many servants until her escape with the help of her supporters.  Local history reveals that she was eventually recaptured nearby on a hill which today bears the name Shawl Hill, after her shawl was reportedly found revealing her whereabouts.   

Brought alive by a series of events and activities for visitors of all ages, the castle with its five floors, and exceptional country gardens, including a maze and a small but perfectly formed walled vineyard, is the perfect day out for families of all ages, heritage buffs, educational groups and those who just want to enjoy the best that Yorkshire can provide as a day out.   Events across the summer include fantastic falconry displays, weaving, woodworking and cookery demonstrations and re-enactment days, with easy parking, shop and cafĂ©.  Most events are free with entry.  Opening fully for the summer season from Monday 1 April until 1 November 2019, the castle kick-starts the new season with a series of events created around fresh air and fun over the coming months.   

Daily tickets from £9 per adult, £7.50 concessions and £35 for a family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 concessions (must include one child).  Annual membership is available.  Garden tickets start at £4.50 per adult.  Tickets are available on arrival or online at https://www.boltoncastle.co.uk/buy-tickets-online/

For more information on Bolton Castle, visit https://www.boltoncastle.co.uk/

For media information and images, and photo and filming opportunities, please contact Kendra Grahame-Clarke at Kendra PR on 07910 214474 or email Kendra@kendrapr.co.uk

Summer and Early Autumn Events at Bolton Castle

Full Season Opening

From Monday 1 April, 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.15pm) Bolton Castle is open every day and admission includes access to a range of fun entertainment, including falconry displays, archery demonstrations, children’s costumes, trails, calligraphy, Medieval games and wild boar feeding.  Some activities are weather dependent, so please check the website if coming from afar.  Please also check dates on the website when the castle is closed for private events. 

Living History Weekend

Saturday 27 July and Sunday 28 July,10am to 5pm.

Free with admission.  In 1461 a family feud over who had the right to be King, later to be known as the War of the Roses, had divided England.  Thomas, Lord Scrope, owner of Bolton Castle, supported Richard, Duke of York, and later his son Edward, against King Henry VI of the House of Lancaster.  He has joined Edward’s army near York, but has left behind a small garrison to guard the castle.  Come and met them, join in their work around the castle and find out how they conducted their daily lives.  See the kitchens at work, have a go at archery, handle the weaponry of the period, make your own candle and enjoy a guided tour of the castle.  

Medieval Tavern Evenings

Thursday 1 August and Thursday 8 August.   

An evening of Medieval music within the walls of the castle.  Tickets available from www.medievalmusicinthedales.co.uk

Living History Weekend – Spanish Armada

Saturday 17 August and Sunday 18 August, 10am to 5pm.

Free with admission.  The year is 1588. The Spanish Armada has been slighted in the Channel, and an English fleet has sailed to meet them.  The castle garrison is on full alert although there is no news of how the battle is going.  Have the invaders been defeated, or is a Spanish army already on its way to take the castle? Come and train with the soldiers and help defend the castle.  You can also join in with the garrison’s daily life.  The soldiers will need to be fed, wood to be chopped and the basic necessities of everyday life in Tudor England be met.  

Handlebards

Tuesday 3 September 6.30pm outdoor theatre

The world’s first cycling theatre company, The HandleBards, will perform The Tempest at Bolton Castle.  Pedalling from venue to venue with all the set, props and costume necessary to perform environmentally sustainable Shakespeare across the globe.  The Tempest in true HandleBards style, is a riotous and energetic performance, with a good dose of laughs.  Guests are invited to bring a picnic and rugs to sit on. Visit https://www.handlebards.com/tickets/the-tempest-bolton-castle/ for tickets.  Adult tickets are £16, early bird (available until 3 July) £12, under 18s £10 pp.

Medieval Music in the Dales

Friday 6 September, Saturday 7 September and Sunday 8 September 

Now in its fourth year, Medieval Music in the Dales at Bolton Castle is the UK’s unique festival of medieval music. For three days, the castle comes alive with the sounds of the Middle Ages with a number of performers and an international exhibition by makers of medieval musical instruments, plus workshops, concerts in St Oswald’s Church, a medieval market and a great deal of informal playing.  This year the focus is on the music and times of William Marshal – the great English hero of the twelfth and thirteenth century who died exactly 800 years ago.

Visitors can buy a Festival Pass for one, two or three days with full access to including all the daytime concerts at St Oswald’s, and evening access to the Castle when the Medieval Tavern is open for drinks and music-making.  With a day’s normal entry ticket to the castle you can enjoy performances at the Castle, the exhibition, the medieval market, and the Tavern up to 5pm.  Only the Festival Pass will also you access to the workshops and concerts.  Sunday is William Marshal Day and to add to all the music-making, visitors can enjoy living history from The Household, scenes from the life of the Marshal, and a talk from historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick, author of ‘The Greatest Knight’.  More information and advance booking at www.medievalmusicinthedales.co.uk

Medieval Weekend

Saturday 5 October and Sunday 6 October

Free with admission.  In 1461 a family feud over who had the right to be King, later to be known as the War of the Roses, had divided England.  Thomas, Lord Scrope, owner of Bolton Castle, supported Richard, Duke of York, and later his son Edward, against King Henry VI of the House of Lancaster.  He has joined Edward’s army near York, but has left behind a small garrison to guard the castle. Come and meet them, join in their work around the castle and find out how they conducted their daily lives.  See the kitchens at work, have a go at archery, handle the weaponry of the period, make your own candle and enjoy a guided tour of the castle.

An Evening of Ghostly Tales at Bolton Castle

Saturday 26 October to Thursday 31 October

Come and enjoy a medieval themed evening and find out about the ghosts of Bolton Castle. The evening includes a two course Medieval themed banquet of curry and fruit pie and a drink of mulled wine.in the Great Chamber. There will also be optional additional tours of the Castle and dancing to enjoy up to 10pm.  Evening starts at 6pm. Minimum age of 12 years.

Tickets cost £25 pp and include the meal and a drink.  Call 01969 623981 or book via website.

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Bolton Castle

North Yorkshire

DL8 4ET

Tel: 01969 623981 Email: info@boltoncastle.co.uk https://www.boltoncastle.co.uk/

https://www.boltoncastle.co.uk/

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Bolton Castle events continued./..

Please note that sometimes we are closed for a wedding.  The dates are included on our website.  Currently we are closed all day 14 September, 16 September, 21 September,

28 September and 16 October.  Please check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Please note dogs are not allowed in the Castle and due to the falconry experience we cannot allow dogs in the gardens as they can frighten the birds. Dogs Must Not Be Left Unattended In Hot Cars. Please refer to our home page on our website for details and alternative options for your pet. 

ENDS