Barden Tower North Yorkshire
A picturesque medieval ruin in North Yorkshire, Barden Tower offers a glimpse into history and stunning scenery, perfect for walks and events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Barden Tower North Yorkshire
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque medieval ruin in North Yorkshire, Barden Tower offers a glimpse into history and stunning scenery, perfect for walks and events.
"A handsome ruin, viewable up close but from without. Its also an excellent free place to park when walking to Bolton Abbey along the river."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Car park can close for weddings. Roadside parking is an option, but check local signs.
🚶♀️ Combine with Walks
Great free parking spot for walks to Bolton Abbey along the river.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ruined Tower
Barden
Explore the atmospheric medieval fortified tower, a picturesque ruin steeped in history and legend.
The Ancient Chapel
Barden
Imagine mystical ceremonies in the ancient chapel, a truly atmospheric and historic setting.
Scenic Wharfedale Views
Wharfedale
Enjoy the stunning countryside and fantastic scenery surrounding the tower, perfect for walks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the 'Barden Bellas' Connection
Access and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Car park can close for weddings. Roadside parking is an option, but check local signs.
🚶♀️ Combine with Walks
Great free parking spot for walks to Bolton Abbey along the river.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The ruins make a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially for events.
🎶 Wedding Venue Vibes
Known for beautiful weddings with amazing scenery and music.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Car park can close for weddings. Roadside parking is an option, but check local signs.
🚶♀️ Combine with Walks
Great free parking spot for walks to Bolton Abbey along the river.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The ruins make a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially for events.
🎶 Wedding Venue Vibes
Known for beautiful weddings with amazing scenery and music.
📚 History & Legend
Soaked in history, myth, and legend; a mystical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Barden Tower as a handsome ruin with a stunning location, offering a glimpse into history and a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially for weddings. While some find there isn't much to 'see' in terms of interior exploration, the surrounding countryside is universally lauded as wonderful and atmospheric.
"More a castle than a tower well worth a visit if your like your historic buildings
Had to park on road due to carpark being closed and only for wedding guests"
Veronica Laing
"A handsome ruin, viewable up close but from without. Its also an excellent free place to park when walking to Bolton Abbey along the river."
Mars Denique Victor Est
"Truth be told, there's not much to see, just an old crumbling ruin. Then again, I'm not a historian!
You can't climb on it (probably a good thing) or explore it, just walk around.
The countryside around, however, is wonderful"
Mark Hughes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barden Tower is located in the Parish of Barden, Wharfedale, North Yorkshire. It's accessible by car, though parking can be an issue. Consider combining your visit with a walk along the river from nearby areas.
Parking can be limited and may be closed for private events like weddings. Roadside parking is sometimes available, but it's advisable to check signs and consider alternative parking if visiting during peak times or events.
Yes, Barden Tower is a popular spot for walks. It's often used as a free parking point for those walking to Bolton Abbey along the river, offering scenic routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Barden Tower is generally a free attraction to view from the outside and walk around. There are no admission fees for exploring the grounds.
As a historical ruin, Barden Tower doesn't have set opening hours. You can typically visit and explore the exterior and grounds during daylight hours. However, access might be restricted if there are private events.
You can walk around the exterior of Barden Tower and view the ruins up close. However, you cannot climb on it or explore the interior spaces, which is likely for preservation and safety reasons.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The ruined tower and ancient chapel provide a stunning and historic backdrop for photography. It's particularly popular for wedding photos due to the picturesque scenery.
The best time for photography is generally during the 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is soft and atmospheric. Spring and summer offer lush greenery to complement the stone ruins.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Barden Tower is a medieval fortified tower, historically used as a hunting lodge in the 15th and 16th centuries. Despite renovations, it fell into disrepair and is now a handsome ruin managed as part of the Bolton Estate.
While the name 'Barden' is famously associated with the fictional Barden University from the Pitch Perfect movies, the real Barden Tower in North Yorkshire is a historical site and not a filming location for the movies. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a walk along the River Wharfe towards Bolton Abbey for a longer adventure. The open spaces around the tower provide room for children to move and explore safely, under supervision. It's a chance to spark their imagination about castles and history in a beautiful natural setting.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven, especially if you venture off the main paths. The scenic beauty of Wharfedale is a major draw, with well-maintained trails and breathtaking views. Barden Tower provides a picturesque landmark to orient yourself and a fascinating historical context to your outdoor adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ruins and Surroundings
The surrounding countryside is equally captivating. The tower's location makes it an excellent starting point or stopping point for scenic walks along the River Wharfe, with Bolton Abbey being a popular destination. The atmosphere is often described as mystical, steeped in history, myth, and legend, making it a truly immersive experience for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
While you can't explore the interior or climb on the structure, the visual appeal of the ruins against the natural landscape is undeniable. It's a place that invites contemplation and appreciation for the passage of time and the enduring beauty of historical sites. The fantastic scenery is a major draw, offering a peaceful escape and numerous photo opportunities.
Barden Tower as a Wedding Venue
Musicians frequently perform at weddings held here, adding to the magical atmosphere. Pianists and organists often play during ceremonies, with a repertoire that includes songs requested by brides and grooms, enhancing the celebratory mood. The venue's charm is amplified by the surrounding amazing scenery, making it a dream location for many.
Attending or celebrating a wedding at Barden Tower is often described as a wow experience, with the ruins serving as a magnificent setting for photographs and creating lasting memories. The mystical quality of the ancient chapel, in particular, contributes to the unique appeal of this North Yorkshire gem for matrimonial celebrations.
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