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Bolton Castle
Award winning Bolton Castle is a stunning Medieval family owned castle, opening to visitors for eight months a year. Offering family events, garden and castle tours and private hire opportunities.
About Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle has remained in the same family’s ownership for over 600 years and bears the scars of its history.
A whole day out.
A day out here includes five floors of castle, a dungeon, plus gardens, maze and tea room, daily falconry displays, archery (have a go!) and wild boar feeding.
Events, perfect for families, history buffs and garden lovers.
The castle is renowned for its fun and informative events programme. Offering a diverse range of events, many free with entry, we bring the story of the castle alive, such as re-enactor days, storytelling and open-air theatre.
Add a bookable experience to your visit.
Book a full day Castle Experience to include archery, feeding wild boar, working alongside our falconers and hand-on time with the birds. Try a hands-on owl experience or a half-day falconry experience. Click on our weblink or experiences listings below for details.
Groups
The castle is well versed in historical and garden tours, offering tours for groups of all ages, educational and leisure, New for 2026 the Cancer Garden commemorates and celebrates the life of The 8th Lord Bolton who fought the disease bravely. Also on offer, lawns, views and plantings all relevant to the castle’s story.
Coming up…
New for 2027: Bolton Castle hosts its first ever exhibition. ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ which includes artefacts, costumes and immersive displays telling her story within the walls where she stayed. This is the first castle in England to host this exhibition.
Opening times:
We are open all week throughout the season 10am until 5pm up to and including 1st November 2026. We are closed only very occasionally for private events – please check our website before you travel.
Photo credit: Gareth Buddo
Opening hours
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Monday
10:00 - 17:00
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Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
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Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
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Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
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Friday
10:00 - 17:00
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Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
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Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
Frequently asked questions
- Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not allowed into the castle or gardens, however we have an area just outside the tea room and before the garden entrance where you can sit with your dogs. We also provide a take away service from the tea room and there are lovely walks from the castle.
- Is the castle accessible?
There are many steps in the castle so it is not suitable for wheelchair users. There are hand rails on every stairs and places to sit on every level. The gardens are wheelchair accessible via grass and gravel pathways.
Facilities
- Dogs not accepted (except guide dogs)
- gift shop
- On-site catering
- Groups welcomed
- picnic area
- Coach Parking
- Guided tours for Groups
Sustainability Criteria
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