Name: Bolton Abbey
Rating: 5.0

Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey, Nr Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Bolton Abbey is a vast historic estate in North Yorkshire, offering stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and outdoor experiences all year round. Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it covers 30,000 acres of countryside shaped by history, nature, and community. It is a peaceful yet adventurous destination for families, walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers.

The estate features over 80 miles of walks and trails, spanning moorland, woodland, riverside paths, and wilderness areas. Key attractions include the Priory Church and Ruins, the famous 62 stepping stones across the River Wharfe, Strid Wood and the Strid, the Valley of Desolation waterfall, Barden Tower, the aqueduct, the Money Tree, and ancient landmarks such as The Laund Oak. Bolton Abbey also hosts year-round events and activities including wild curlew safaris, bat walks, fungal foraging, outdoor theatre, family trails, cycling routes including the Tour de Yorkshire, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as otters, deer, buzzards, kingfishers, and woodpeckers.

Car park entry is required to access the estate, with early bird tickets booked in advance costing £12.50 and on-the-day entry tickets costing £15.00. This pricing applies to Bolton Abbey Car Park, Riverside Car Park, and Strid Wood Car Park, covering access to the wider estate and its trails.

Bolton Abbey offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventure. Whether crossing the stepping stones, exploring ancient ruins, or enjoying seasonal events, every visit feels unique. It’s an ideal destination for relaxed walks, family days out, wildlife discovery, and experiencing one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscapes.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Walks and Trails: Whether you stroll along the river, traverse the vibrant purple expanses of the heather moorland, or discover the woodland nature trails, there’s something to inspire everyone.
Priory Church and Ruins: At the heart of Bolton Abbey Estate lies the Priory Church and Ruins of an Augustinian Priory in its beautiful riverside setting. The land was gifted to the Augustinian canons by Alice de Rumilly in 1154. The canons lived and worshipped here until 1539 when the dissolution of the monasteries stripped the Priory of its assets.
Stepping Stones: Synonymous with Bolton Abbey, the stepping stones were the crossing point for the lay workers at the Priory. The 62 stepping stones offer a fun and challenging experience for today’s visitor. For those who do not wish to cross via the stepping stones there is a bridge offering a safe and dry passage.
Valley of Desolation: This tranquil valley links the River Wharfe corridor to Barden Fell. Walk up through the valley and discover that nature has long since repaired the devastation. At its head walkers are rewarded with a beautiful waterfall. The walk continues up on to the moors to Simon’s Seat, where on a clear day, the views are breathtaking.
Flora and Fauna: Bolton Abbey is described as “one of the finest wildlife habitats for miles around, the array of species that can be seen and enjoyed is magnificent.” Lucky visitors might spot the otters playing in the River Wharfe, the green woodpecker on the east bank or the buzzard soaring over the moors.
Barden Tower: Barden Tower was one of six hunting lodges and the principle seat of administration for Barden hunting forest. Henry Clifford, the Shepherd Lord, rebuilt the hunting lodge in the late 15th century and made it his principle residence. In 1515 he built the Priest House next to the chapel.
Strid Wood and the Strid: Strid Wood, one of the largest remnants of sessile oak trees in the Yorkshire Dales hugs the banks of the river Wharfe and invites visitors to walk its shaded paths. Renowned for the flora and fauna, bluebells flower in late April and early May, followed by wild garlic in bloom. This majestic wood is home to a myriad of wildlife including roe deer, otters, kingfisher and greater spotted woodpecker.
Aqueduct: The large turreted bridge which crosses the River Wharfe north of Strid Wood is the aqueduct. The splendid castellations hide the pipe that carries water from the reservoirs at the top of Nidderdale to the cities of West Yorkshire.
The Money Tree: Follow the path from the stepping stones bridge up stream through the woodland. Along this path you will pass three fallen trees all laden with coins. Who pushed the coins in the tree and how did they do it? Can you pull them out?
The Laund Oak: In the 16th century the Laund Oak marked the point where the Forests of Barden and Knaresborough met. The magnificent tree was was over 600 years old before it dies and is thought to have been named after John of Laund who was the Prior from 1286 to 1330. In the past oak from Strid Wood was used to build the Priory, Tithe Barn and the bridge at the Cavendish Pavilion.

Facilities

Food & Drinks: Embrace the simple pleasure of great locally-sourced food in beautiful surroundings, and take a piece of Bolton Abbey home with you.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Early bird ticket booked in advance of date of visit: £12.50
Entry ticket booked on date of visit: £15.00

Pricing URL: https://boltonabbey.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/1

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Bolton Abbey Estate is open throughout the year. View our current opening times. Pre-booking is advisable, but not essential, in order to guarantee your preferred time of arrival.

Address: Bolton Abbey, Nr Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX, England

Post Code: BD23 6EX

Council: North Yorkshire

County: North Yorkshire

By Car

For satellite navigation follow BD23 6EX
7 miles from Skipton (10 minutes travel time)
17 miles from Harrogate (30 minutes travel time)
19 miles from Bradford (50 minutes travel time)
23 miles from Leeds (60 minutes travel time)
51 miles from Manchester (1 hour 30 minutes)

By Bus

The NYCC minibus 74A service runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between Ilkley and Grassington calling at Bolton Abbey.
The DalesBus 74 service from Wakefield, Bradford, Shipley, Ilkley calling at Bolton Abbey and then onwards to Grassington. (Saturdays only)
The DalesBus 874 service from Wakefield, Leeds, Otley and Ilkley calling at Bolton Abbey, and then onwards to Grassington and Buckden (Sundays and Bank Holidays)
The DalesBus Cravenlink 873 service from Dewsbury, Bradford, Shipley, Ilkley, calling at Bolton Abbey, Embsay, Skipton and onwards to Malham (Sundays and Bank Holidays)

By Train