Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Bolton Castle near Leyburn, North Yorkshire: Events 2021
With the gardens at Bolton Castle reopening from 29 March, plans for a season of events are now confirmed. Set with views across the Wensleydale Valley, the gardens will host events from 1 May with a programme of activities, re-enactment days and outdoor theatre opportunities for all the family. Falconry displays will start again from 12 April. The team will continue to encourage social distancing and, mindful of the Government’s roadmap for reopening, the Castle, Tea Room and Shop will reopen from 17 May. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets on line by visiting the website www.boltoncastle.co.uk which also includes any additional details for visitors to enjoy a safe and memorable visit. Visitors who have already booked will be given priority on arrival. Events are free with entry unless otherwise stated, and 10am to 5pm in-line with the garden and castle opening times.
Bolton Castle has achieved ‘We’re Good to Go’ Industry Standard from Visit Britain meaning that Bolton Castle has followed Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, has a Risk Assessment in place and a process to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
Medieval Living History Day
Saturday 1 May
In 1461 a family feud over who had the right to be king, later to be known as The War of the Roses, had divided England. Thomas, Lord Scrope, owner of Bolton Castle, supported Richard, Duke of York and later his son, Edward, against King Henry V1 of the House of Lancaster. He has joined Edward’s army somewhere near York, but has left behind a small garrison to guard the castle. Come and meet them, join in their work around the castle gardens and find out how they conducted their daily lives.
Bolton Castle Opens
Monday 17 May. In line with Government guidelines, Bolton Castle opens to visitors.
17th Century/English Civil Wars Living History Re-enactors Weekend
Saturday 19 June and Sunday 20 June
In August, 1642, King Charles first raised his standard outside Nottingham, calling on all his loyal subjects to join him in his fight against parliament. The conflict was to last, in one form or another, for the next 18 years. Generally known as the English Civil Wars, but more accurately the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, it divided the country, pitting father against son, brother against brother, family against family. The last Lord Scrope had died in 1630, leaving Bolton Castle to his illegitimate son and daughters. John Jeans Scrope held the castle for his king for three years, surviving a long siege, only surrendering on November 5 1645, when all the food had run out. Come and meet the garrison, listen to their stories of life in the 17th Century, then see who you would have fought for in those turbulent times, which many contemporaries viewed as a ‘war without an enemy’ in a ‘World turned upside down'.
An Audience with Mary, Queen of Scots
Thursday 24 June
£12.50 per person, 6.45pm to 9pm
The execution of Mary Queen of the Scots on the 8 February 1587 shocked Europe to the core and gave rise to an often maligned Queen but an instantly recognisable figure, adored by many to this day. Jane Collier of the Marie Stuart Society and re-enactor with Discover Buxton, will give you an intimate view of this gifted, charming, fun loving and intensely loyal Queen, her stay at Bolton Castle still a time of hope for her, and her descent into despair during her 19 years of illegal imprisonment before the inevitable tragic end.
Captain Saville’s Re-enactment Weekend
Saturday 26 June and Sunday 27 June
This wonderful re-enactment weekend offers visitors a chance to see a fully equipped camp complete with medieval tens and a camp kitchen. Re-enactors carry out the everyday tasks of medieval life such as chopping wood, fetching water, food preparation and, within the castle itself, displays of spinning silk as well as cooking, the medieval way. The weekend is a real slice of medieval life, with a court hearing and role play re-enactment, inspection of archers, a ‘Mummers’ play (a traditional folk play).
Paranormal Evening with Dusk Til Dawn Events
Saturday 24 July
£55 per person, 6.45pm to 3am
Take the plunge and immerse yourself in the ghostly goings on at Bolton Castle. This castle comes with a turbulent past, including two unsuccessful exorcisms, which were carried out in Mary, Queen of Scots’ bedchamber. Discover our resident ghosts in our dark dungeons, a myriad of rooms linked by creepy corridors and stairwells. Enjoy full use of our ghost hunting equipment, table tipping experiments, Ouija board experiments, séance and vigils in the most active areas of the castle. Join us if you dare!
Handlebards Outdoor Theatre Production of Macbeth
Thursday 5 August
£18 per person – 7pm to 9pm - tickets must be booked via the Handlebards website: https://www.handlebards.com/tickets/macbeth-bolton-castle/
Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK. Join the all-female troupe at Bolton Castle for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare's classic. Forget the tears and tragedy - this is a frantic, delirious, full-of-beans show like you've never seen before. This is an outdoor production, so please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather!
Quantum Events present: Peter Rabbit 2.30pm and Midsummer Night’s Dream 7pm
Sunday 8 August
Adult £12.50 Child £8.00
Join Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in this Beatrix Potter classic for all the family. And/or enjoy Shakespeare’s classic comedy of love and intrigue in a bewitching weave of fairy dust and frivolity, performed by Quantum Events’ renowned outdoor theatre troupe.
Living History Tudor Re-enactment Weekend
Saturday 21 August and Sunday 22 August
Come and meet the Tudor household of Lord Scrope. Find out about their daily lives and some of the great changes that affected them; join in with some of their activities and see how well you would have fared as a Tudor. Learn more about one of the most famous of the castle’s guests, Mary Queen of Scots, and how she spent her time during her six months of captivity here. Enjoy the sights and smells of a Tudor kitchen at work; train as a member of the local militia; met the brewer; make a candle or follow the tour that covers five floors of the castle.
IK Productions’ Outdoor Theatre - Beauty and the Beast
Sunday 22 August
6pm to 7.45pm Adult £12 concessions £10
Following their sell-out success with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, IKP return with a brand new “delightfully daft” (The Stage) re-telling of the classic story - Beauty and the Beast. This enchanting production promises to be fast-paced, family-friendly and fun, so prepare to be amazed and amused as IKP give this tale of adventure and acceptance their trademark ‘bonkers’ treatment.
Living History Re-Enactment Weekend British Civil Wars
Saturday 11 September and Sunday 12 September
Our resident living history historians are telling the story of Bolton Castle's involvement in the civil wars that divided families and split the country between 1642 and 1660. Come and listen to their stories before you make the decision as to which side you would join; king or parliament?
Wedding Fair
Sunday 12 September
11am to 2.30pm
Looking for new ideas on every element of a wedding to make your day perfect? Then join us for our wedding fair where you can meet suppliers and see Bolton Castle dressed for a wedding. This is a one-stop-shop for couples and their families to get inspired for the big day.
Medieval Music in the Dales
Friday to Sunday 17 to 19 September
Details to follow but pop it in the diary!
Paranormal Evening with Dusk Til Dawn Events
Saturday 2 October
£55 per person, 6.45pm to 3am
Book via https://www.dusktilldawnevents.co.uk/bolton-castle-ghost-hunt-p-1478.html
Take the plunge and immerse yourself in the ghostly goings on at Bolton Castle. This castle comes with a turbulent past, including two unsuccessful exorcisms, which were carried out in Mary, Queen of Scots’ bedchamber. Discover our resident ghosts in our dark dungeons, a myriad of rooms linked by creepy corridors and stairwells. Enjoy full use of our ghost hunting equipment, table tipping experiments, Ouija board experiments, séance and vigils in the most active areas of the castle. Join us if you dare!
Living History Medieval Re-Enactment Weekend
Saturday 9 October and Sunday 10 October
In 1461 a family feud over who had the right to be king, later to be known as The War of the Roses, had divided England. Thomas, Lord Scrope, owner of Bolton Castle, supported Richard, Duke of York and later his son, Edward, against King Henry V1 of the House of Lancaster. He has joined Edward’s army somewhere near York, but has left behind a small garrison to guard the castle. Come and meet them, join in their work around the castle and find out how they conducted their daily lives. You can see the kitchens at work, have a go at archery, handle the weaponry of the period, make your own candle and enjoy a guided tour of the castle.
Halloween Half Term Events & Activities
Saturday to Sunday 23 October to 31 October
A week of spooky but fun Halloween events for all the family. See website for details.
Paranormal evening with Dusk Til Dawn Events with optional sleepover
Thursday 4 December
£55 per person – book https://www.dusktilldawnevents.co.uk/bolton-castle-ghost-hunt-and-optional-sleepover-p-1463.html
Take the plunge and immerse yourself in the ghostly goings on at Bolton Castle. This castle comes with a turbulent past, including two unsuccessful exorcisms, which were carried out in Mary, Queen of Scots’ bedchamber. Discover our resident ghosts in our dark dungeons, a myriad of rooms linked by creepy corridors and stairwells. Enjoy full use of our ghost hunting equipment, table tipping experiments, Ouija board experiments, séance and vigils in the most active areas of the castle. Sleep over if you dare!
With the exception of the Paranormal event on 4 December, the castle and gardens close to visitors from the end of November.
Commanding outstanding views across the Yorkshire Dales, Bolton Castle in Wensleydale boasts one of the most romantic settings in Yorkshire. Built as a luxurious home by Sir Richard Le Scrope 600 years ago, Bolton Castle is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the country and uniquely remains under the private ownership of Lord Bolton, a direct descendant of Sir Richard.
The Castle provides a fascinating insight into life within its walls and gardens, with a range of opportunities to see, enjoy and learn how life – warts and all - really was at the castle across the centuries. The castle also holds a unique position in history as the host of Mary, Queen of Scots, purportedly held here in captivity for the longest time, and who enjoyed some luxury which the Scottish Queen will not have experienced at her previous residence, Carlisle Castle. Bolton Castle’s The Solar, the family’s well-appointed suite of rooms, held her and her many servants until her escape with the help of her supporters. Local history reveals that she was eventually recaptured nearby on a hill which today bears the name Shawl Hill, after her shawl was reportedly found revealing her whereabouts.
Brought alive by a series of events and activities for visitors of all ages, the castle with its five floors, daily falconry displays and exceptional country gardens, including a maze and a small but perfectly formed walled vineyard, is the perfect day out for families of all ages, heritage buffs, educational groups and those who just want to enjoy the best that Yorkshire can provide as a day out. Most events are free with entry.
Daily tickets from £9 per adult, £7.50 concessions and £35 for a family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 concessions (must include one child). Annual membership is available. Garden tickets start at £4.50 per adult.