Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Bolsover Castle, located in Derbyshire, England, is an extraordinary 17th-century aristocratic retreat. Perched on a ridge high above the Vale of Scarsdale, it stands on the site of a medieval fortress. Let me share some fascinating details about this historical gem: The Little Castle: This exquisite part of Bolsover Castle boasts remarkable wall paintings and lavishly decorated interiors. Imagine being transported to a lost age of aristocratic extravagance as you explore its rooms. The Little Castle is a testament to Stuart-era opulence. The Riding House: The Riding House at Bolsover Castle is the earliest such building in England to survive complete. It’s a place where equestrian skills were honed, and the echoes of horse hooves still resonate within its walls. Terrace Range and Wall Walk: Roam the ruined Terrace Range and take in stunning countryside views from the restored wall walk. The panoramic vista across the Derbyshire Countryside is truly breathtaking. Interactive Exhibitions: Families will love the interactive exhibition in the stables. Additionally, kids can let their imaginations run wild in the castle-themed play area next to the café. Don’t Miss: Marvel at rare wall paintings, amazing carved fireplaces, and replica tapestries in the Little Castle. Take the multimedia tour to dive deeper into the castle’s history. Remember, you can book your tickets online to get the best price and guaranteed entry. If you’re a Member, your ticket is still free. Escape the traffic and travel to Bolsover Castle by train, bus, or bicycle to receive a 20% discount on your walk-up ticket. Plan your visit and step into a fairytale world at Bolsover Castle! 🏰🌟
YanniYanni
10
What a find on a beautiful sunny day! We stopped in the area to charge our car and have lunch and decided to visit this castle before continuing on our way. Managed by English Heritage, there were all the typical amenities: cafe, gift shop, many volunteers ready to talk to you about whatever you are curious about. We used the free audio guide, which had a few different options for families, adults and schools. They included some video elements, which were difficult to see on the sunny day, but would probably keep primary aged kids engaged throughout. There was so much information that if you had the whole day to listen to it all it might take that long! As it was, we just listened to the highlights and learned a great deal. The Little Castle was still pretty much intact, whereas one large part of the remaining castle is a ruin and open to the elements. There are gorgeous paintings/frescoes on the walls and ceilings in some rooms and the “throne” room was hung with era typical tapestries. The large walled garden is beautifully maintained and would be a lovely place for a picnic. Views all around of the stunning Derbyshire countryside. Highly recommended.
Diane Severson MoriDiane Severson Mori
00
As a real lover of both horses and riding I adore jousting as I truly appreciate the skill and horsemanship of the knights in their 100lb custom made armour and the beautiful steeds and the weight of a lance all combined but horsey or not jousting is great to watch for all ages and loved by many people from all walks of life. It's really entertaining and you DONT have to be horsey to enjoy it. Bolsover itself is a lovely little town and Bolsover Castle is a great place to visit with most of the castle accessible to walk around explore and photograph including the gardens and grounds all included in the admission cost. There is also a bookshop library well worth a visit and a nice souvenir shop. Events are held there throughout the year so there is never a time that won't be good for a visit. It has its own history as well as ghosts of course and if the weather isn't kind there is still a lot to see there. Parking is limited so for special events get there early. I want to come back not only for the jousting but also to stay in Bolsover next time. It's v pretty and the church is gorgeous. I'd have liked more time there.
Elleanor BakerElleanor Baker
10
Very enjoyable visit. I was there at opening time, 10.00am, and because it wasn't too busy, Melanie (one of the volunteers) took me round the rooms in the Little Castle explaining the history of this place and pointing out features I would have otherwise missed. Thank you Melanie, you were my own private guide. This Castle was created by the Cavendish family with its focus on entertainment and the sensual pleasures, as depicted through some of the paintings. This theme is carried forward into the enclosed walled garden at the centre of which is a Statue of Venus. I found the small rooms embedded into the wall of this garden, for gentlemen to "entertain" a friend, quite amusing. You get great views on the West side of the Castle across to Chesterfield and the Peak District beyond. Looking to the North West from the top the garden wall, accessed via the first floor of the "Little Castle", if the sun is shining on Sheffield you can make out a tall white block of flats there. In the Range you have a museum recounting the history of this place and an unusual feature, a riding school range.
Miles MacdonaldMiles Macdonald
80
Yet another brilliant place to visit - thank you English Heritage. Visitors centre, lovely cafe, good sized shop and toilets. The castle and surroundings are a good size, I'd allow a couple of hours. There's some video footage, boards everywhere a second hand bookshop and lovely grounds. Then the Little Castle - which isn't really so little at all !! With amazing art work - a little crazy really, but fabulous. Great guide today explaining about the God's and the way of life in those days. The castle wall walk is short, but there's views for miles. Lovely today to see school parties, great to see the children enjoying the space so much. I can highly recommend the Veggie and cheese baguette, the staff are all friendly and helpful. There's a children's play area, and picnic bench. Motorhome parking is best alongside the castle where there's plenty of room, right on the corner by the old school, a little drive through a open gate. Brilliant value.
Polly WainwrightPolly Wainwright
20
Our first time here. Parking was an issue as the nearest car parks were full but on the main road on the left just after the turn off there was a big one which is free so find that. When we got there we couldn't see any sort of info signs to tell us about the castle or buildings. After being there 4 hours I'm still none the wiser on when it was built or who built it. The large outbuildings are pretty bare but nice to look around and the main small castle building is also nice to look in but has some beautiful decoration inside and the paintings on the walls and ceilings are good to see. Theres the usual cafe and shop but if you take packed lunch then it's outside seating only so make sure the weather is good. There was lots of entertainment today too with a man in a suit of armour taking about fight and then later on showing the kids how to sword fight. Overall we had a nice afternoon here but not sure we would return.
AndyAndy
10
Nearby Attractions Of Bolsover Castle
Carr Vale Nature Reserve
Bolsover Cundy House
Carr Vale Nature Reserve
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Bolsover Cundy House
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Nearby Restaurants Of Bolsover Castle
The Pillar of Rock - JD Wetherspoon
Blue Bell Bolsover
Cavendish
Sanctuary Inn
Alleppey Kitchen
The Pump
Gurkha Aroma
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The Fidlers Rest
Pizza Rizza
The Pillar of Rock - JD Wetherspoon
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Blue Bell Bolsover
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Cavendish
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Sanctuary Inn
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Castle St, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR, United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 1246 822844
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Website
english-heritage.org.uk
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Overview
4.6
(2.8K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
Bolsover Castle is in the town of Bolsover, in the north-east of the English county of Derbyshire. Built in the early 17th century, the present castle lies on the earthworks and ruins of the 12th-century ...
attractions: Carr Vale Nature Reserve, Bolsover Cundy House, restaurants: The Pillar of Rock - JD Wetherspoon, Blue Bell Bolsover, Cavendish, Sanctuary Inn, Alleppey Kitchen, The Pump, Gurkha Aroma, Casa fresco ltd, The Fidlers Rest, Pizza Rizza
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