School trip to Bolton Castle
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.
Educational history school visit
Brought alive by a series of events and activities for visitors of all ages, the castle with its five floors, 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.
For their educational groups most of the day is spend with ‘hands on’ history, the children dressed in period costume having a go at activities as diverse as dancing archery, spear drill and pomander making.
A full day can run from 10am to 3pm. Different options include full activity days, themed guided tours, teacher led activities, self guided tours with activity sheets available for different topics and themes.
Topics available include ‘Medieval life’, Castle defences’, Castle life’, ‘The Tudors’, ‘The Stuarts’, ‘Mary Queen of Scots’, ‘Rich and Poor’, ‘The War of the Roses’ and the ‘Civil War’ but they can adapt to your individual theme or topic on request.