Bolton Castle herb garden reopens to public for full summer season this weekend

Now its herb garden is being “revitalised and refreshed” and reopens to the public from today.

Held uniquely in the same family’s ownership for over 600 years, Bolton Castle, near Leyburn in Wensleydale, includes a walled vineyard and Mary Garden, Dyer’s Garden, Rose Garden and maze.

Gardener Elizabeth Carter, has spent the last five years thoroughly researching medieval plants, drawing on information from hundreds of websites, books and manuscripts and then completely re-planting the Herb Garden.

Set out as a ‘physic garden’, there are also borders dedicated to "Poisons & Plague” and "Magic & Myth” with more than 100 different types of plants that might well have originally been grown at Bolton Castle in medieval times.

Set at the foot of the south-facing castle walls, herbs and plants were grown for very specific uses, both culinary and medicinal.

An A to Z of the plants is now featured on the Bolton Castle website providing visitors and garden and history lovers with Elizabeth’s research which has come up with some fascinating results.

A spokesman for the castle said: “The gardens are set out to feature plants that would have been around from when the castle was built (1379 - 1399) and spanning the next 300 years.”

They include Dyer’s Garden – with over 30 species of plant used in the dyeing of cloth; Mary Garden – with over 60 species of plant dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and Herb Garden – with over 100 species of plant.

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 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.

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 a day out with a difference.

Bolton Castle and gardens is open for the full summer season from today.

For ticket prices and the 2023 events’ programme, please visit www.boltoncastle.co.uk.