Bolton Castle Summer Events 2026

About

Bolton Castle in North Yorkshire has announced a varied programme of summer events for 2026, offering family days out, living history weekends, storytelling, trails, traditional skills, children’s activities and open-air theatre.

Located around ten minutes from Leyburn, Bolton Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. Visitors can explore five floors of castle rooms, including the dungeon, alongside the gardens, maze and tea room. Daily falconry displays, have-a-go archery and wild boar feeding add to the experience.

Bolton Castle Visitor Information

• Castle and gardens tickets: £15 per adult, £12.50 per child aged 5 to 18, and £60 for a family ticket
• Children aged 4 and under enter free
• Garden-only tickets: £6 per adult, £5 concessions, and £25 for a family ticket
• Car parking: £5 per vehicle
• Most events are included with admission, although visitors should check individual listings
• Events usually run from 10am to 5pm unless stated otherwise
• The castle is open until 1 November 2026

Visitors are advised to check the Bolton Castle website before travelling, particularly on non-event days, as the castle may occasionally close for private events.

Summer Events at Bolton Castle

Lord Scrope’s Living History Weekend

Saturday 13 May and Sunday 14 May

Five historians will bring Tudor life to Bolton Castle, focusing on Lord Scrope’s household and the turbulent world of the Border Reivers. Set in 1596, the event explores the tension between England and Scotland following the escape of Kinmont Willie from Carlisle Castle.

Living History Weekend

Saturday 23 May, Sunday 24 May and Monday 25 May

This Bank Holiday event recreates Tudor life at Bolton Castle. Re-enactors in period costume will share the sights, sounds and daily routines of castle life during a time of unrest.

Lord Scrope’s Living History Weekend

Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May

Visitors can explore Lord Scrope’s household and discover how the castle operated, from the gardens and kitchens to the routines of an aristocratic Tudor family. The weekend will include demonstrations of peaceful pastimes and preparations for war.

Living History Weekend

Saturday 13 June and Sunday 14 June

Re-enactors will explore Bolton Castle’s role during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The weekend will look at why people across the British Isles went to war and how the conflict shaped castle life.

Captain Savile’s 15th Century Weekend

Saturday 20 June and Sunday 21 June

Sir John Savile’s household returns with a medieval camp, tents and kitchen. Visitors can see demonstrations of archery, drill, combat and everyday medieval activities throughout the weekend.

Traditional Skills Presentation

Wednesday 1 July, 10am to 3pm

This hands-on demonstration explores traditional spinning, from dyeing wool to creating finished pieces inspired by medieval craft. The activity is included with castle entry.

Lord Scrope’s Tudor Weekend

Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July

Lord Scrope’s Tudor household returns with a focus on the Border Reivers and the unrest of 1596. Visitors can experience a busy Tudor kitchen, meet tradespeople and see how the castle prepared for a raid into Scottish territory.

Knights School

Wednesday 22 July, Thursday 30 July, Thursday 13 August, Wednesday 19 August and Wednesday 26 August

Knights School gives children aged 7 to 13 the chance to experience training inspired by the routines of young aristocrats in the 15th and 16th centuries.

• Price: £15 per child
• Pre-booked tickets only
• Session length: 3 hours
• Activities include weapon handling, armour, longbow practice, drill, jousting, sword training, music, dancing and quill writing

Mary Queen of Scots Family Event

Tuesday 4 August, Wednesday 5 August and Thursday 6 August

This interactive family event brings the story of Mary Queen of Scots’ stay at Bolton Castle to life with humour and audience participation. Performances take place at 2.30pm on 4 August, and at 11am and 2.30pm on 5 and 6 August.

Living History Weekend

Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August

This medieval living history weekend explores the challenges of everyday life in medieval England. Demonstrations and activities will highlight how castle inhabitants lived, worked and survived.

Lord Scrope’s Living History Weekend

Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August

Set in 1588, this event follows Lord Scrope as he prepares his men after news of the Spanish Armada reaches England. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities and demonstrations as the castle garrison prepares for possible invasion.

Handlebards at Bolton Castle

Thursday 20 August, from 6.30pm

The Handlebards bring an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth to Bolton Castle. The fast-paced production is suitable for all ages.

Tickets are available from the Handlebards website.

Plan a Family Day Out in North Yorkshire

With medieval history, gardens, falconry, archery, living history and family-friendly performances, Bolton Castle offers a full day out in the Yorkshire Dales. The 2026 summer and autumn events programme provides opportunities for families, history enthusiasts, garden visitors and those looking for an outdoor cultural experience in North Yorkshire.

image: Gareth Buddo