Bolsover Castle
Derbyshire, England
Photo: Andrew Michaels, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Andrew Knowles from UK, CC BY 2.0 · Amanda Slater from Coventry, West Midlands, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Langwith - Whaley Thorns, 3.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Roofed Little Castle; ruined terrace range
Pinpoint
Castle St, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR
Telephone 01246 822844
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
Open daily, 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
Visitor essentials
- Facilities
- On-site tearoom, a castle-shaped children's play area, and an included multimedia guide.
A 17th-century pleasure palace built more for show than defence, with the roofed 'Little Castle' preserving painted ceilings and decorative fireplaces alongside a ruined terrace range and a working riding school on the grounds. It reads less like a fortress and more like an elaborate stately folly, and reviewers say it's genuinely fun for children too.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The painted ceilings inside the Little Castle - reviewers single these out repeatedly as the most striking survival in the building.
Before you go
The garden fountain has been reported non-functional on visits, so don't plan a trip around seeing it running; there's a dressing-up box on site that reviewers say keeps children entertained through a full visit.
What visitors say
Bolsover Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 6,758 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently enjoy Bolsover Castle's quirky, richly decorated rooms and expansive views, along with the friendly staff and family-friendly activities like the dress-up box.
A couple of visitors note smaller niggles, a non-functioning fountain and a cafe that felt pricier and less polished, with disposable plates, than other English Heritage sites.
“Beautiful little castle. Plenty of space for children to steam some energy off. Beautiful garden with a fountain in the centre. Unfortunately, the fountain was not functional. Would have loved to see it sprinkling some…”- Cristian Coman, visitor review
Getting in - what English Heritage says
Fountain Garden with flowers. Large café at entrance. Wooden play area designed as castle. Dogs on leads in grounds only; not allowed in Little Castle, Riding Range, Cavalier displays. Wheelchair access limited in castle areas. Accessible toilets, disabled parking, audio loops. Comprehensive accessibility.
Taken from English Heritage’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
History
Charles Cavendish · 1612
Sir Charles Cavendish constructed this pleasure palace between 1612 and 1617 over medieval foundations, designing it for elegant living rather than military defence. Featuring the famous 'Little Castle' with ornate painted ceilings, it was continued by his sons influenced by Inigo Jones. Civil War briefly halted work before later owners restored and expanded it.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “We struggled a bit for parking and ended up parking on the hill, but most of the parking is free.” - Scary Mary
- Guided tours
- “I got the audio guide when I went round and it was incredibly informative and really useful that it also had a map on.” - Rebekah Collins
- Facilities
- “And plenty of toilet facilities,including baby change and disabled toilets.” - M
Common questions about Bolsover Castle
Where is Bolsover Castle?
Bolsover Castle is in Derbyshire, England, at Castle St, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR.
Do you need a ticket to visit Bolsover Castle?
Yes - Bolsover Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Bolsover Castle?
The painted ceilings inside the Little Castle - reviewers single these out repeatedly as the most striking survival in the building.
Is Bolsover Castle a ruin or still intact?
Bolsover Castle is largely intact - Roofed Little Castle; ruined terrace range.
