Award winning Bolton Castle, near Leyburn in North Yorkshire, is famed for its dungeon and this Halloween, these evocative rooms are brought alive with rats, bats and skeletons – all the paraphernalia to ensure Halloween is a spooky hit for all the family. It’s not just the dungeon that takes spookiness to a whole new level, but the entire courtyard is shrouded in all things ghostly. You might need to check the pulse of some of its long-term inhabitants, with a flurry of skeletons, a coffin, witches and a cauldron brew so potent that even the witches won’t go near it! With something for every member of the family, plus pumpkins scattered about the place and trails into the autumnal gardens to get some fresh air, Bolton Castle has the works. Death appears to have swung by for a visit, but elusive as ever, can you spot him? Plus there are costumes and props to try on for those family photos! Everyone loves a photo in the stocks …. don’t they?!
Resident historical re-enactors are on site across a variety of dates over Halloween, bringing alive the haunted story from when the castle was a family home and a fortress while its defendants protected it from the marauding hoards. These enthusiastic re-enactors are at the castle Saturday 24 October, Sunday 25 October, Monday 26 October, Friday 30 October and Saturday 31 October with story time at 1pm and the witches’ trial at 2.15pm on each of these days. All included with entry!
If you want to see the Castle at night, here’s your chance. The renowned Castle by Lanternlight is taking place on Monday 26 October at 6-8pm at £23.00 per person. At one point, your lanterns will be your only source of light while the velvety darkness envelopes you. Or stay put and listen out for spooky goings-on. It’s certainly an experience in the dark within a medieval castle with such a history. The evening concludes with a drink by the fire where you can share your experiences and spooky tales. Minimum age for this evening event is 18 years.
If younger children want to experience a Halloween evening, there’s a special event perfect for younger visitors on 29 October from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Tailored to fit to family fun, but with a good dose of spookiness to make you jump! Tickets are £12.50 per adult and £5 per child.
Bolton Castle is just lovely in October, so take your chance to visit the castle just ahead of our closing for the winter season from the end of the day on 2 November. Our gardens are being ‘put to bed’ and the golden hues from the views across Wensleydale are stunning. Top it off with a visit to our tea room complete with home-made cakes and freshly made dishes. Visit www.boltoncastle.co.uk for more information on Halloween and the autumn season.
