THE VILLAGE OF CASTLE BOLTON IN WENSLEYDALE IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES

It would seem just recently I’ve walked through Castle Bolton in Wensleydale quite a few times and felt it was perhaps time to write a little bit about the village.

A tiny village, not sure how many houses, but if I mentally count them no more than thirty. But wow what views they all have, quite magnificent looking across lush Wensleydale to Penhill, to the east and to the west. Of course the village is dominated by the castle, Bolton Castle, which the village got its name from. The houses were built mostly after the castle and were used by the retinue of Mary, Queen of Scots, when she was imprisoned in the castle for two years previous to her removal to Tutbury.

Some five miles west of Leyburn and part of the Bolton Estate of course, which includes Bolton Hall in the valley below which is the seat of Lord Bolton, a linear village enjoying a long village green.

The village may be small but well worth a stroll through, so pretty, and if St Oswald’s Church is open do have a peek inside. A tiny church but as they would say perfectly formed and still very much used today. Just as an aside, over fifty years ago I was bridesmaid for my brother and his bride-to-be there! At the other end of the village look out for a little hall with a plaque dedicated to a past domino player. Seek out Fred Lawson’s studio. The well known artist Fred Lawson originated from Yeadon near Leeds, came to visit one day and never left the village!

Of course you must visit the castle, delicious home cakes in the cafe and don’t forget to have a look in the gardens with herbs, vineyards and maze. Check on their website for opening times and events.

We have lots of cottages in Wensleydale making Castle Bolton within easy reach, call Nadine or Joanne on 01969 663559 for availability or check here online.