About the Castle
Bolton Castle was a luxurious family home as well as a defensive fortress and, despite being partially ‘slighted’ by Cromwell’s’ men during the Civil War siege, the Castle is preserved in outstanding condition with many interesting rooms and features to discover including the Old Kitchens, Dungeon, Solar, Nursery, Armory, Great Chamber and Mary Queen of Scots’ bedroom. About one third of the rooms are fully intact and the rest of the Castle is almost completely accessible giving visitors great insight into its turbulent past.
We give our visitors a taste of what life was really like during the Castle’s heyday through providing the sights, sounds, smells and experiences of life in the past!
Visitors often comment on the incredible atmosphere of the Castle with many of the rooms giving the feeling that their inhabitants had just walked out.
Castle history
Bolton Castle was built by Sir Richard le Scrope, Lord Chancellor of England to Richard II.
Education
Our ‘Activity Day’ gives an opportunity for school groups, or other organisations of young people, to spend time learning about their ancestors.
Location shoots
The Bolton Estate offers stunning locations, both internal and external for film and fashion shoots.