Bolton Castle — Attraction in Castle Bolton with East and West Bolton

We prebooked tickets to visit here over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend expecting it to be really busy, but it was nowhere near as busy as expected. We arrived shortly after lunch and stayed around 4 hours.

The castle itself was really interesting. A few of the rooms were made up in period style with accompanying information in each of them (which I'd have liked to have read more of but with a 2 year old in tow, this is rarely possible). There are glorious views of the countryside from the roof. Inside one of the larger rooms there's peroid style games for people to try, dress up for the kids and a chance to try quill writing. These had probably seen better days but the kids still enjoyed them. There's probably as much to explore outside in the courtyard as inside.

It's worth noting that a lot of the staircases are spiral and can be pretty tricky for really little ones or anyone unsteady on their feet.

My daughter enjoyed doing the Easter trail that was provided. There were activities on too (all run by one very multi talented lady) which were particularly enjoyable. We went for the archery demo, which everyone actually got to have a go at shooting an arrow, and the bird of prey show which was really interesting. That member of staff deserves a special mention for how friendly and knowledgeable she was.

In the gardens there's a maze that's perfect to send the kids into for ten minutes peace! It's handy that the hedges are low enough that adults can see over to help guide them out. There's a wide selection of birds of prey to see as well. There was also a bee area and herb/medicinal garden, though due to the time of year these were not very active yet. Over by the car park are the wild boars. The sows looked as though they'd not long had babies and these were adorable to see up so close. There's an opportunity to see these fed at around 4pm, however we had to leave before then, so didn't get chance to see it, but I'd have liked to.

Overall, we were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed it here and how much there was to do. It's definitely...

Firstly staff were super helpful with information, we didn't watch the archery part of the day as it just doesn't interest us that much but fantastic it's a part of the day.

Had a sit down toilet experience with a great view out the window.

We firstly explored the castle which has boards full of information, and is fantastic that you can still see some of the castle with ceilings still in place, considering how old it actually is, and what it's been through it's quite impressive. Most castle are just ruins.

We went to the 2nd bird show of the day and it was magnificent seeing these birds so close. The raven was my delight but seeing the owls was super as well with there graceful flight.

We then explored the gardens which are very small but very very pretty, nothing special but pretty to walk around and mostly well maintained.

Finally we walked up to the wild boars at feeding time which was cool as well. As pigs and boars are just so fun to watch as they snort and squeal around.

Overall a great day out and sadly we were one down in our group. As normally we have a dog who was in the vets for surgery. We choose to go to Bolton castle because of this as we knew dogs can't go. Not an issue as I get it, and it states clearly no dogs. I wouldnt like another animal coming into my home while my dog was about totally respect your point of view on this matter. It's the birds and the wild boars home.

The reason for the drop in a star is basically car park was 5 pound I don't think it's overall expensive but could be or purpose I feel it should be included in your ticket price.

Also popped into the church for a mooch about.

Thanks...

Anyhow, visited last Sunday. Glorious weather, though a trifle windy, which helped us to have a really lovely visit. From the moment we arrived, all of the staff were wonderful. The castle is interesting, with explanation boards throughout. A lot of history packed in.

We love history, gardens... and scones! Ideal place to visit.

Admission was not expensive -£15each - compared to a lot of places we have been to.

The young lady leading the archery demonstration and experience was funny, informative, inclusive... and knew how to work a crowd. Well done, her! Guides like that are an asset. ...(would just incidentally like to add that I managed a bull... not that I am boasting, of course)

My husband was very pleased with himself at the time it took him to solve the maze. The gardens were interesting, especially the herb garden, and the dyeing garden.

The birds of prey were again informative, interesting and... same young lady... fun.

We naturally had to refuel in the cafe. Lively cherry and almind scones, and it would have been rude not to have had jam and cream to go with them. This was strictly to make up for the fact the couple in front of us bought the last two cheese scones... (and then went back for millionaire shortbread!!!)

All in all, a great day out. My only reservation is the steps... for those of us who have dodgy knees... it was quite wearing. Uneven spiral stone steps are not the easiest to negotiate... but I'm not sure why they hadn't installed a lift shaft especially for Mary, Queen of Scots? Maybe she had better...