Fancy a visit to one of the north’s most beautiful attractions with a range of family activities and events to suit all the family? Or perhaps a day of fresh air and fun at this castle nestled in a glorious valley? We like to keep our summer visitors busy, so why not join us and get hands-on! There’s something for everyone at this award-winning castle whatever the weather.

Located close to Leyburn, the castle is one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles and a visitor attraction which offers a diverse programme of family activities to keep little and older ones happy this summer.

With five floors including a dungeon, rooms dressed for Mary Queen of Scots who was held here as a prisoner for some time, and a tower with glorious views over the countryside, the castle is a great location this summer. Lots to do inside and out.

(Image: Bolton Castle)

Activities take place daily, including falconry displays where you can see hawks and owls soar into the sky and swoop down for a treat, wild boar feeding takes place every afternoon and inside there are also costumes so our younger visitors can have a go being a medieval knight or a princess. See how you’d fare at calligraphy, listen in to one of our medieval talks - great for everyone – or back outside try archery for the more adventurous.

Visitors to Bolton Castle feel as if they have stepped back in time combined with a good dose of ‘have-a-go’ fun, and all these activities are included in entry. For £7.95 we also have activity packs for younger visitors for sale in the shop. Available in different colours, these super packs provide useful accessories to take on tour of the castle with fun facts and activities to keep younger visitors engaged whether you’re inside or out. Pre-order or purchase on arrival.

(Image: Bolton Castle)

Re-enactor events are a speciality over the summer with an in-house team who bring the story of the castle alive with a range of activities for all ages, most included with entry, and a programme across the open season including outdoor theatre and entertainment to appeal to everyone and every pocket. Watch as our re-enactors battle it out to decide who wins the castle or see how daily castle chores kept the castle going during sieges. It’s a real insight into life in a castle and it’s brought alive by costumes, storytelling and demonstrations. 

Bolton Castle loves families who want to get involved and this summer has a range of events to appeal to everyone. Need re-energising? Our Tea Room is jampacked with home-made goodies, including cakes and pasties made on site, and savoury and sweet treats to keep energy levels up.  Most of our ingredients are sourced locally or from the Bolton Estate. 

(Image: Bolton Castle)

Bolton Castle has also recently won globally with the Castle recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024. The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor. Come and see for yourself!

Bolton Castle is open every day* and the majority of our events are included with admission. Some events do require booking and involve a small additional spend. Please see our website www.boltoncastle.co.uk for more information and details of summer events such as our renowned Living History and Civil War Weekends, Handlebards Outdoor Theatre and the Medieval Music Festival, among others.

(Image: Bolton CastleBolton Castle)

*Please check on our website in case of private bookings when the castle may be closed to visitors.