The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
TICKETED

Bolton Castle

North Yorkshire, England


Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle, further view Bolton Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Lord Bolton (Scrope family)
Condition
Partial ruin
Access
Staffed, ticketed

Pinpoint

Castle Bolton, Leyburn DL8 4ET

A late 14th-century fortress built for the Scrope family, still in the same family's hands today, best known as one of the places Mary, Queen of Scots was held during her long imprisonment in England - she spent around six months here in 1568. No visitor reviews are logged yet for this listing, so there's little visitor-reported detail on what a trip here feels like day to day.

Worth the trip

The Mary, Queen of Scots connection - her rooms and the story of her stay are the castle's clearest draw.

Before you go

With no visitor reviews available, check the castle's own website directly for current opening days and ticket details before travelling.

Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment site

Further reading

Castles of Britain and Ireland cover book
Castles of Britain and Ireland

Plantagenet Somerset Fry

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book
Castle: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

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The English Castle: 1066-1650 cover book
The English Castle: 1066-1650

John Goodall

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