Bolton Priory — Local services in Bolton Abbey

Came here after it was suggested as one of the ‘most beautiful places in England’ on a forum, so that is the basis on which it is being judged. Imho, it is nice, but not THAT nice. Fountains Abbey imo is nicer for instance. What is nice however is that this abbey survives in part to this day as a working church, unlike most (if not all) of the others that Henry VIII told to pack up & go home.

I did the walk along the Wharfe river to the former aqueduct bridge (the one you reach before Barden Bridge) and then back down the other side of the river for a distance of about six miles. Some gentle up & downs but nothing too strenuous for this 50+ hiker. I didn’t bother with the Valley of Desolation, I’d seen pictures of it, it didn’t look that interesting to me apart from its waterfall but that was a mile there & a mile back from the riverside path. The Strid meanwhile is a nice enough river feature without being amazing.

I didn’t like the fact that you have to nominate/choose your particular car park here (Abbey or Riverside) & then that is the only car park you can stay on as far as I’m aware. So look at the estate map before arriving & choose carefully.

One slight criticism is they have Tramper scooters available for the disabled but you cannot go from the Riverside Car Park right up to the abbey from there (because of steps) & likewise you cannot go along the river to The Strid from the Abbey Car Park if anybody in your party hires one of these. Tramper cost is £5 on top of the car park fee (£12.50 in advance, £15 on the gate, no blue badge concessions).

WC facilities were spot on, no complaints there. Indeed the whole place was clean. We took a picnic so cannot comment on food quality & pricing.

Stepping stones were out of use as at Sept 2023 due to missing stones, this was a minor...

Lovely scenery, ruins, and has a great feel to the place. I have been walking there for years. This was tarnished on Saturday 1st September when a friend and I went to have a brisk walk by the river. Before even leaving the main road and attempting to walk towards the entrance to the car park, we were set upon by the not too friendly security chap with the massive muscles and massive ego. First off he decided to ask if the black car was mine, and that we were parked on double yellow lines as we were not allowed to park there. I told him we were not to which he replied he had just driven past in his 4x4 pick up and that we were. We were actually parked a good 100 metres up the road from the double yellow lines on a grass verge very legally. He then proceeded to tell us that the estate was closed and is private. Considering at that point we were still on the main road and were simply looking over the fence, I think he would have been better to at least wait until we attempted to walk in before jumping down our throats. His demeanour does not give a very good impression of the place. Considering the amount of foreign tourists who must go there to explore British heritage, a similar occurrence could leave a sour taste with regards to the politeness of the British people. Management could do with sending him on a training session in how to do his job politely and correctly. We won't be going back ever and will not be recommending the place to anybody. They just appear to want your money (£10 to park?!?). Stay away and visit some of the other nearby beautiful friendly places in the Yorkshire Dales that don't just want your money such as Kettlewell, Malham, Hawes and Ingleton, to name...

Visited Bolton Abbey on Thursday 23rd June. First time visit here went with my mum. The day was very hot so walking was a bit hard going because the humidity was very high ( we both have copd and arthritis) We started off by going to the strid car park (3 car parks in total). The cost was £15 which got you into and around the whole grounds. First off we had our breakfast on the strid carpark cafe which cost £11.50 for 2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausage and beans and little tomatoes plus about 6 pieces of toast and a cup of tea. The other items were a bit on the pricey side but what isn't these days!! After we had finished we then started the walk to the strid ( river wharf) which was a long way away up and down steep paths. There are benches where you can have a sit down here and there.( definitely needed!!) When we finally got there it was worth a visit ( pics uploaded). After this we then went to another car park (forgot name?) where you can see Bolton Abbey and where the stepping stones are across the river ( some stones are missing so you cannot get across without getting wet). Walked down a longish path from the car park to the river and view of the Abbey ( no pics of Abbey, etc. My phone battery died. Sorry) We had a good long day ,weather was superb but to visit the whole site would need another day or two for us anyway!! ( not young kids no more lol) I would definitely recommend anyone to visit if you like the countryside and walking its a beautiful place and I would love to...