Bolton Castle

Bolton Castle, nestled in the heart of Wensleydale near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, is one of England’s most impressive and best-preserved medieval castles. Built between 1378 and 1399 by Sir Richard Scrope, Chancellor of England, the castle was designed by master mason John Lewyn. It exemplifies 14th-century quadrangular castle architecture, featuring four corner towers linked by curtain walls that enclose a central courtyard. Despite partial ruin, much of the original structure remains intact, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into medieval life .

The castle’s rich history includes serving as the prison for Mary, Queen of Scots, for six months in 1568. She was held in the South-West tower under the custody of Sir Francis Knollys, accompanied by a sizeable household. Legend has it that during an attempted escape, she lost her shawl on a nearby cliff edge, leading to the naming of the area as “The Shawl” .​

In modern times, Bolton Castle has featured in various film and television productions, including the original BBC adaptation of James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small (1978–1990) . The castle’s authentic medieval ambiance provided a fitting backdrop for the series, which celebrates the rural life of the Yorkshire Dales.

Today, Bolton Castle is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to explore its historic rooms, restored medieval gardens—including a maze, herb garden, rose garden, and vineyard—and enjoy falconry displays . The castle remains under the ownership of the Scrope family descendants, preserving its legacy as a significant historical and cultural landmark in North Yorkshire.​ It is a member of Herriot Country Tourism Group and Yorkshire’s Great Houses Castles and Gardens.