Pictures of Bolton Castle

a Castle in the town of Castle Bolton, in the county of North Yorkshire

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About Bolton Castle

On a misty morning the ruined crenulated towers of Bolton Castle take on an eyrie aura and it is easy to imagine what this once great fortress was like in the days when Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned here under the orders of Elizabeth I.

A castle has existed on this spot since 1379 when the young King Richard age 12, gave permission to Sir Richard le Scrope to crenellate his manor house. Lord Scrope employed a master mason who had worked on other important castles and the result was a magnificent stone fortress built around a central courtyard. The gatehouse with its vaulted passageway is set in the massive east wall, it is the main entrance to the courtyard. Five other doorways lead into the castle, each with its own portcullis. Local stone was used for the 9 foot thick walls, with other more expensive stone being brought from other parts to add detail to windows and doorways. The castle's great hall is situated on the first floor of the building on its north side.

During the turbulent days of the Civil War the castle was besieged by Cromwell's troops and after almost a year, it finally fell to the Parliamentarians in 1645.

The castle has never been sold, it belongs to Lord Bolton, direct descendent of Sir Richard le Scrope. This captivating, romantic ruin has a fascinating history and set as it is on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales in what was once the Forest of Wensleydale, it is not surprising to find that it has been used as a back-drop and setting for films and television. In keeping with modern times the castle hosts a series of events, these include celebrations of the Civil War, the Armada and a Jazz Evening.

This is wonderful walking country, the Yorkshire Dales are dominated by lonely fells, dry-stone walls, and picturesque villages. Bolton Castle rises stark against the skyline above the village of Castle Bolton in an area of great scenic beauty. It is not far from the lovely Aysgarth Falls and is close to the Yorkshire Dales Visitors Centre. In its spectacular setting, this truly atmospheric medieval castle, is well worth a visit.

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Recommended attractions near Bolton Castle

	Aysgarth Falls (1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction S) These magnificent falls, although not the highest in the land are certainly one of the most picturesque sights in Yorkshire. The..... Information \| Pictures (34) \| Hotels
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Recommended towns & villages near Bolton Castle

	Aysgarth (2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction SW) The ground rises sharply as you head towards this high upland village which is dominated by what are renowned as the prettiest falls in Yorkshire. It is also famous for the..... Information \| Pictures (46) \| Hotels
	Reeth (4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction N) An area of startling clarity, populated with beautiful old stone buildings, Reeth is a famous centre from which to tour the beautiful Yorkshire Dales... Information \| Pictures (11) \| Hotels
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Nearby travel help

Leyburn Station	(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction E)
Bedale Station	(15.2 miles, 24.5 km, direction E)
A1(M) Junction 56	(15.3 miles, 24.6 km, direction NE)
A1(M) Junction 57	(18.4 miles, 29.6 km, direction NE)
Teesside International Airport	(24.9 miles, 40.0 km, direction NE)
Leeds Bradford International Airport	(33.6 miles, 54.1 km, direction S)
Bolton Castle to London	(208.9 miles, 336.1 km, direction S)

Hotels near Bolton Castle

	Buck Hotel Reeth, Reeth, North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, England (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction N) Dating from the 18th century, this family run hotel continues the long established tradition of its former coaching inn days by offering quality accommodation, fine food and a friendly atmosphere. ... More info and book online.. Price from £70.00
	The White Swan Hotel Market Place, Middleham, North Yorkshire, England (6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction E) The White Swan is now Middlham's finest hotel, in a prominent position overlooking the market square. The hotel has 17 individually furnished en-suite bedrooms and combines a traditional flagstone bar... More info and book online.. Price from £69.00
	Stone House Hotel Yorkshire Dales, Hawes, North Yorkshire, England (9.4 miles, 15.2 km, direction W) The Stone House Hotel is a classic country house overlooking Hawes, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With comfortable en suite rooms, delicious food, fine wines, log fires and stunni... More info and book online.. Price from £103.00
	The Kings Head Hotel Market Place, Richmond, North Yorkshire, England (10.5 miles, 16.8 km, direction NE) The King's Head Hotel overlooks Richmond's cobbled market square, the largest in the country, and the Norman castle. Charming Georgian hotel full of character & warmth in lovely Swaledale, only 4 mile... More info and book online.. Price from £60.00
	Elmfield Country House Arrathorne, Bedale, North Yorkshire, England (11.2 miles, 18.0 km, direction E) At this welcoming family-run guest house in a peaceful rural setting, the Towning family offer comfortable and well appointed rooms with good home cooking using locally sourced ingredients. This aw... More info and book online.. Price from £52.00