Bolton Castle
Step Into History at Bolton Castle - A Perfect Day Out for Groups of All Ages
Just five minutes from Leyburn in beautiful North Yorkshire, the award-winning Bolton Castle is one of England’s best-preserved medieval fortresses - and a hidden gem for groups looking for a rich, varied day out in the heart of the countryside.
Set amid stunning views of Wensleydale, Bolton Castle offers a warm welcome to groups of all sizes, with excellent coach parking, easy drop-off, and the option to tailor a bespoke tour to suit your group’s interests. Whether it’s history, gardens, hands-on experiences, or simply a relaxed day with great food, there’s something for everyone.
Included with admission is access to the beautifully recreated gardens, inspired by the castle’s original herb, dye, and rose gardens.
Garden tours are available and can be tailored to your group. Visitors can also explore the extensive maze at the garden’s heart or unwind on the lawns while enjoying the daily falconry displays and have-a-go archery.
Inside the castle, five fascinating floors await, including a dungeon and fully dressed rooms that bring to life the dramatic story of Mary, Queen of Scots’ imprisonment. On-site facilities include ample parking, clean restrooms, and the much-loved Tea Room, renowned for its homemade dishes and hospitality.
To complete the day, groups can pre-book one of the castle’s hospitality packages, featuring homegrown produce from the estate and gardens. A highlight for many visitors is the famous Afternoon Tea, ensuring your group leaves well-fed and thoroughly satisfied.
Group Booking Details:
-
Groups of 15+ visitors: £10 per person,
plus general admission (minus £1 per person)
-
Available: Throughout the open season (excluding event weekends)
Garden and History Tours:
-
Available March–October
-
Cost: £50 per group (min. 8, max. 30), plus per-person entry
-
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
-
Includes: A look at the gardens’ medieval origins, original
planting plans, and their modern-day evolution
Educational Visits
Bolton Castle offers an exciting and immersive educational experience for schools and youth groups, with prices starting from just £8 per student. These visits are designed to bring history to life, giving young people the chance to discover what castle life was really like and explore key historical events in a fun, hands-on way.
Most of the day is spent actively engaged, with students dressing in period costume and taking part in activities such as medieval dancing, archery, spear drills, and pomander making. A full day typically runs from 10am to 5pm, offering plenty of time to explore and learn.
The castle offers a variety of visit formats, including full activity days led by staff, themed guided tours, teacher-led sessions, and self-guided tours with tailored activity sheets. Topics can include medieval life, The Tudors, castle life, and Mary, Queen of Scots, with content adapted to suit your group’s focus or curriculum needs.
Hospitality Options:
Tea Room packages start from £5.50 per person for tea and homemade cake. Pre-booking is required and can be adapted to suit different budgets and requirements
Garden view from tower at Bolton Castle credit Gareth Buddo
Lovage at Bolton Castle credit: Gareth Buddo
Bolton Castle credit Gareth Buddo
For bookings or more information, visit www.boltoncastle.co.uk or contact the team directly to plan your
perfect group visit.