Bolton Castle to Offer Group Garden Tours
Following the popularity of the opening of the newly revitalised herb gardens earlier
this year, the gardens team at Bolton Castle near Leyburn are to offer bespoke garden
tours for visitors. Led by Head Gardener Jason Hanslip and Gardener (and lead on
the herb gardens work) Elizabeth Carter, the tours will take in the full breadth of the
gardens overlooking beautiful Wensleydale.
These private tours will chart the gardens from their medieval beginnings, their original plans
and plants, to how the gardens have evolved to what they are today - a celebration of the
legacy of the gardens surrounding the castle.
Tours are available for up to 30 people for £50 per group per day (plus the usual admission charge)
and will last for approximately an hour.
Participants will also be able to ask Jason and Elizabeth any questions about the gardens
and receive their unique insight into working in and planting a garden for today’s visitor whilst
celebrating the garden’s history.
Bolton Castle enjoyed extensive national media recognition for Elizabeth Carter’s work on
researching and replanting the herb gardens. Jason Hanslip, as Head Gardener, brings
almost 20 years of gardening experience on the Bolton Estate, to the castle gardens, and
this year is spearheading work to the traditional Rose Garden and ensuring the gardens
meet the high expectations of the 21 st century visitor. Both Jason and Elizabeth advocate
sustainable practices wherever possible in the management of the gardens with Jason
providing as much produce as possible from the estate for the castle’s tea room.
Held uniquely in the same family’s ownership for over 600 years, Bolton Castle, includes a
walled vineyard and Mary Garden, Dyer’s Garden, Rose Garden and maze. An A to Z of the
plants is now featured on the Bolton Castle website providing visitors and garden and history
lovers with Elizabeth’s research.
For more information about the gardens at Bolton Castle and to make a garden tour booking,
please visit www.boltoncastle.co.uk/yorkshire-gardens/
Bolton Castle is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the country. Originally built as
one of the finest and most luxurious homes in the land, the castle bears the scars of over
600 years of fascinating history. Still in the private ownership of Lord Bolton, the direct
descendant of the castle’s original owner Sir Richard le Scrope, the castle provides a
programme of events throughout the open season, great for families, history buffs and those
who just enjoy fresh air and glorious views.
The castle, gardens and tea room are fully open
from 18 March to 2 November 2023. Falconry displays take place every day and are free
with entry. Tickets cost £12.50 per adult, £9 per child and £48 family for castle and gardens.
We encourage our visitors to book their tickets ahead via our website or on our App.