Bolton Castle unveils plans for 'magical' country gardens to reopen

The gardens at a Yorkshire castle, which has been in the same family for 650 years, reopens next week offering glorious views across the Wensleydale valley.
By Ruth Dacey
Published 23rd Mar 2021, 11:45 GMT
Updated 23rd Mar 2021, 14:41 GMT
Pictured, The country gardens at Bolton Castle will re-open on Monday 29 March, every day from 10am to 5pm. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom / JPIMediaResellPictured, The country gardens at Bolton Castle will re-open on Monday 29 March, every day from 10am to 5pm. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom / JPIMediaResell
Pictured, The country gardens at Bolton Castle will re-open on Monday 29 March, every day from 10am to 5pm. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom / JPIMediaResell

Bolton Castle, near Leyburn, has been in the Tom Orde-Powlett’s family since it was built in 1379.

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The country gardens on the grounds of the castle will reopen on Monday 29 March, every day from 10am to 5pm.

Elizabeth Carter Gardener at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale , at work in the herb garden. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom/JPIMediaResellElizabeth Carter Gardener at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale , at work in the herb garden. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom/JPIMediaResell
Elizabeth Carter Gardener at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale , at work in the herb garden. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom/JPIMediaResell
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Behind the scenes at the castle there has been a hive of activity in the gardens including the preparation of the new medieval style flower beds - entitled Poisons & Plague and Magic & Myth which incorporate plants which were once used for protection and in magic spells.

Also pruned and waiting is a herb garden, a rose garden, a dyers’ garden for colouring cloth, and a Mary Garden (or Catholic Garden) containing over sixty different types of plant all dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Elizabeth Carter, a gardener at Bolton Castle, said: “There is no doubt that it is a beautiful place where visitors can relax and wander at their leisure enjoying the scent, colour and history of a medieval garden.”

The maze and vineyard will also be open, and garden tickets start at £4.50 per adult.

Brian Towers in the gardens at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, as preparations are underway for the reopening of the gardens on 29th March. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom/JPIMediaResellBrian Towers in the gardens at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, as preparations are underway for the reopening of the gardens on 29th March. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom/JPIMediaResell
Brian Towers in the gardens at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, as preparations are underway for the reopening of the gardens on 29th March. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom/JPIMediaResell
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Jacqui Naylor, the general manager at Bolton Castle, said: 'We're really looking forward to welcoming our visitors back.

"We recognise that people are keen to stretch their legs and take in the fresh air, within a safe environment so we're really keen our visitors feel secure yet relaxed.

"Our views over the Wensleydale valley are phenomenal and with the castle as your backdrop, you really couldn't get a better location."

Looking ahead Bolton Castle will resume its falconry displays from April 12 as part of the roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions.

Pictured, Jacqui Naylor General Manager at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale , in the maze at Bolton Castle. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom/ JPIMediaResellPictured, Jacqui Naylor General Manager at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale , in the maze at Bolton Castle. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom/ JPIMediaResell
Pictured, Jacqui Naylor General Manager at Bolton Castle in Wensleydale , in the maze at Bolton Castle. Photo credit: Gary Longbottom/ JPIMediaResell
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The gardens will then come alive on May 1 as medieval reenactors demonstrating typical activities, on the battlefield and at leisure for the castle's Living History Medieval event.

While the castle, tea room and shop will reopen from May 17.

For more information about Bolton Castle, visit here.

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