Bolsover Castle
A stunning 17th-century 'party palace' on a hilltop, offering opulent interiors, breathtaking views, and a rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Bolsover Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 17th-century 'party palace' on a hilltop, offering opulent interiors, breathtaking views, and a rich history.
"A great place to spend 3 to 4 hours, with fascinating history and stunning views."
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Engage with knowledgeable guides for fascinating stories and historical context.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring grounds and potentially uneven surfaces.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Little Castle
Central Keep
A stunning 17th-century 'party palace' with opulent rooms and intricate ceiling paintings, designed for entertainment.
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Wall Walk & Views
Castle Ramparts
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Derbyshire and the surrounding landscape from the castle's elevated position.
The Riding House
Grounds
An impressive and historic structure, showcasing the importance of equestrian pursuits for the Cavendish family.
Jousting & Medieval Displays
Castle Grounds
Experience thrilling jousting tournaments and immersive medieval life reenactments during special event days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Explore Beyond the Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Engage with knowledgeable guides for fascinating stories and historical context.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring grounds and potentially uneven surfaces.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Follow signs carefully; overflow parking is available but not always obvious.
📸 Capture the Views
The elevated position offers stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Engage with knowledgeable guides for fascinating stories and historical context.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring grounds and potentially uneven surfaces.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Follow signs carefully; overflow parking is available but not always obvious.
📸 Capture the Views
The elevated position offers stunning photo opportunities.
📅 Check for Events
Jousting and medieval displays make visits extra special.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bolsover Castle for its fascinating history, stunning 'Little Castle' interiors, and beautiful grounds offering panoramic views. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, particularly guides, significantly enhance the experience. While parking can be a minor challenge, the overall visit is highly recommended for its engaging historical insights and picturesque setting.
"A great place to spend 3 to 4 hours. We joined a guided tour and the lady was tops, she had soooooo much interesting information to share. Packing can be fun but the overflow was ok, just need to go past the entrance then it’s on the right it’s signposted but not the best. Staff were great, the introduction at the ticket office helped to set the scene.
They have some very interesting paintings on the ceilings, sort of gives you a feeling of the parties that must have taken place all those years ago!!"
malcolm watson
"Visited today and was warmly greeted by a lovely lady called Alexia. I’m within the customer service industry myself and I know super customer service when I see it and this member of the team was a fresh of breath air and beyond super!!…so warming and friendly, great to chat too and such a credit to the team.
Once inside the grounds, all very clean and tidy and very interesting and loved learning all about the history of the castle.
Well worth a visit and can highly recommend Bolsover Castle. You can go up different floors and explore each room of the castle and then walk around the walls and garden plus explore some of the old ruins.
Go take a visit and learn all about the past :)"
M M
"A very small castle, but my goodness what a history. to be honest you can normally walk around it in an hour but on my visit 25.8.25 there was a jousting display and static displays of medieval life with interesting talks. A superb family day out for all ages. I really can't recommend joining English Heritage highly enough, the whole day, and it was a whole day was fabulous."
Brian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bolsover Castle is located in Derbyshire, England. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site or nearby. For those using public transport, local bus services connect to the town of Bolsover, and then it's a short walk to the castle.
The address for Bolsover Castle is Castle Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield, S44 6PR.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. However, it can get busy, and sometimes overflow parking is necessary. Following the signage is recommended.
Yes, you can reach Bolsover Castle via local bus services to the town of Bolsover. From the town center, it's a walk to the castle.
The nearest train station is Chesterfield, which is a few miles away. From Chesterfield, you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach Bolsover Castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bolsover Castle's opening times vary seasonally. It's best to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission prices for Bolsover Castle are available on the English Heritage website. Membership with English Heritage often provides free entry to their sites.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance for Bolsover Castle, especially for special events, is often recommended to secure your entry and potentially save time.
English Heritage offers various discounts, including for families, seniors, and children. Check their website for details on current pricing and potential concessions.
Yes, Bolsover Castle generally allows dogs on leads in the outdoor areas and grounds. However, access to the indoor castle buildings may be restricted for dogs. Always check the latest policy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside Bolsover Castle, you'll find the 'Little Castle,' a lavish 17th-century 'party palace' with ornate rooms and ceiling paintings. The grounds also feature the impressive Riding House and offer scenic wall walks. +1
While there isn't a dedicated modern play area, the extensive grounds and the historical nature of the castle provide ample space for children to explore and imagine.
Absolutely! The grounds of Bolsover Castle are extensive and offer beautiful walking opportunities, including a wall walk with great views.
Yes, guided tours are often available at Bolsover Castle and are highly recommended for gaining deeper insights into its history and architecture.
Bolsover Castle was built as a pleasure palace by Sir Charles Cavendish in the 17th century, on the site of an earlier medieval castle. It's also known for its connection to Margaret Cavendish, a prolific 17th-century writer.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Bolsover Castle has a cafe on-site where visitors can purchase refreshments and light meals.
Picnics are generally welcome in designated areas of the grounds at Bolsover Castle, allowing visitors to enjoy their own food amidst the historic surroundings.
The cafe typically offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, and snacks. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted at Bolsover Castle for personal use, especially in the outdoor areas and grounds. However, flash photography might be restricted inside certain buildings to protect the interiors.
The wall walk offers stunning panoramic views, the 'Little Castle' itself is highly photogenic, and the grounds provide picturesque settings. Don't forget the Riding House!
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites like Bolsover Castle to protect the heritage and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with English Heritage directly for their specific drone policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for special event days featuring jousting and medieval reenactments, which are particularly engaging for younger visitors. While there isn't a dedicated play area, the historical setting itself offers a unique adventure. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the grounds and ramparts.
🏰 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the intricate details of the 'Little Castle,' including its famous ceiling paintings, and appreciate the architectural ingenuity of the Riding House. Guided tours are highly recommended to delve into the stories of the Cavendish family and the castle's significant past.
+1🚶♀️ Walkers & View Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Bolsover Castle: From Medieval Ruins to Jacobean Splendor
The castle's design reflects the Stuart era's taste for elaborate architecture and grand living. While parts of the complex, like the Riding House, showcase other aspects of the Cavendish estate, the 'Little Castle' remains the jewel. Later additions and modifications have contributed to its unique character, making it a fascinating blend of historical periods.
+1Today, managed by English Heritage, Bolsover Castle offers a glimpse into this opulent past. Visitors can explore the 'Little Castle,' walk the ramparts for stunning views, and discover the history of its inhabitants, including notable figures like Margaret Cavendish, a prominent 17th-century writer.
Experiencing Bolsover Castle: What to Expect on Your Visit
+1Beyond the 'Little Castle,' the site boasts extensive grounds perfect for exploration. The wall walk provides panoramic views of the Derbyshire countryside, and the impressive Riding House hints at the estate's equestrian heritage. Special events, such as jousting tournaments and medieval reenactments, are frequently held here, transforming the castle into a vibrant historical spectacle.
Visitors often praise the friendly and informative staff, with many highlighting the value of guided tours for a deeper understanding of the castle's rich history. While the castle itself might seem compact, the combination of the interior, grounds, and potential events ensures a fulfilling visit of several hours.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit