Bolton Castle
North Yorkshire, England
Photo: Michael Dibb, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0 · JThomas, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Lord Bolton (Scrope family)
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Garsdale, 15.2 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment site
Pinpoint
Nr, Leyburn DL8 4ET
Telephone 01969 623981
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
A late 14th-century fortress built for the Scrope family, still in the same family's hands today, best known as one of the places Mary, Queen of Scots was held during her long imprisonment in England - she spent around six months here in 1568. No visitor reviews are logged yet for this listing, so there's little visitor-reported detail on what a trip here feels like day to day.
At a glance
Who to know
Mary, Queen of Scots · held here around six months in 1568 during her imprisonment
Worth the trip
The Mary, Queen of Scots connection - her rooms and the story of her stay are the castle's clearest draw.
Before you go
With no visitor reviews available, check the castle's own website directly for current opening days and ticket details before travelling.
What visitors say
Bolton Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 2,647 Google reviews
Reviewers describe Bolton Castle as a strikingly well-preserved 14th-century fortress with plenty to explore, from the dungeons to rooftop views over Wensleydale.
The daily activities - falconry, archery and wild boar feeding - and the herb garden make it a good day out for families.
Staff are praised as friendly, and most feel it is well worth the entry price; parking is a small paid car park.
“This was a great day out.”- James Steeds, visitor review
Within reach of Leeds (40 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Getting in - what Lord Bolton (Scrope family) says
Scheduled Ancient Monument with spiral stairs and uneven surfaces throughout; significant accessibility constraint for those with reduced mobility; access statements available for download; contact 01969 623981 for specific accommodations
Taken from Lord Bolton (Scrope family)’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.
Weddings at Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle is on our wedding roll because Lord Bolton (Scrope family) mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in England, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
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
- “Why 4* - having to pay for parking on top of an entrance fee.” - Jo G
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Even before you step inside, the scale and condition of the castle make it a memorable visit, and the views across Wensleydale add even more atmosphere.” - GraduatedWithoutHonor
- Facilities
- “The tea room also had great food and was very welcoming and friendly.” - Shane B
Common questions about Bolton Castle
Where is Bolton Castle?
Bolton Castle is in North Yorkshire, England, at Nr, Leyburn DL8 4ET.
Do you need a ticket to visit Bolton Castle?
Yes - Bolton Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Lord Bolton (Scrope family). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Bolton Castle?
The Mary, Queen of Scots connection - her rooms and the story of her stay are the castle's clearest draw.
Is Bolton Castle a ruin or still intact?
Bolton Castle is a partial ruin - Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment site.
