Bolsover CastleBolsover Castle

Bolsover Castle Interior  Bolsover Castle Star Chamber

This romantic residence - built by Sir Charles Cavendish in 1612 and completed by his son William - is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the Golden Age of Chivalry. With glorious panoramic views over the Vale of Scarsdale, the Castle was designed as a fantasy house for entertainment and pleasure. Marvel at the fairytale Little Castle and its rich panelling, elaborate fireplaces and painted ceilings and learn about Bolsover's rich past - and a royal visit in 1634! Explore the atmospheric ruined Terrace Range and the enchanting Venus Garden with its secluded love seats and intriguing statues. See the most important 17th Century riding house in the country - where Sir William trained his horses in disciplined manoeuvres (the forerunner of the sport of dressage). An audio trail is included in the admission price.

New for 2013
The horses are coming back to Bolsover's famous Riding School!
Every Saturday and Sunday, from April to 1 September (except for August Bank Holiday), see horses and riders in 1670s style performing 'Haute Ecole' - the highest form of classical dressage, which take horse and rider years to learn. Displays at 1 pm and 3 pm (telephone to confirm) advance booking not available.

The Little Castle is not accessible to wheelchair users but the grounds are all accessible on level, impacted gravel paths. Some steps but alternative routes are available. Tactile exhibits in the Discovery Centre and extensive use of sound for visually impaired visitors, and audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price for hearing impaired visitors.

View key to symbolskeyCredit cards accepted (no fee) Baby changing facilities On-site catering Facilities for educational visits Gift shop Facilities for groups Accepts groups Coach parties accepted Disabled access Education/study area English Heritage Property On-site light refreshments Public toilets Facilities for corporate hospitality Facilities for conferencing Children welcomeDisabled accessDogs not accepted (except guidedogs)Facilities for hearing impairedFacilities for visually impairedSmoking not allowed

Prices


Adults £8.50, Concessions £7.70, Children (5-16 years) £5.10, Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £22.10.
Children under 5 years admitted free. Prices may vary at special events.

Opening details

Season Dates and Opening Hours
Season Dates Opening Hours
Fri 29 Mar 2013 - Sun 3 Nov 2013 Mon - Sun 10:00 to 17:00
Mon 4 Nov 2013 - Sun 16 Feb 2014 Sat - Sun 10:00 to 16:00
Mon 17 - Fri 21 Feb 2014 Mon - Sun 10:00 to 16:00
Sat 22 Feb 2014 - Sun 30 Mar 2014 Sat - Sun 10:00 to 16:00
Notes Last admission one hour before closing. Part of the Castle may close for one hour if an event is booked. Please call to check.
   
Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle-Knight School
 
 

Contact

Enquiries
Tel: 01246 822844
View the Bolsover Castle websitewww.english-heritage.org.uk/bolsover
Send this link to a friendemail a friend

Venue

Bolsover Castle

Castle Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 6PR

View the Bolsover Castle websitewww.english-heritage.org.uk/bolsover

See location of Bolsover Castle on Google maps.See location on Google maps.    

Map reference: SK 472705  Lat: 53.23007  Long: -1.29423


From North (follow brown signs)
Leave M1 motorway at junction 29A and take 1st exit off roundabout (Markham Road). At next roundabout take 3rd exit (Markham Lane). Follow road to next roundabout and take 3rd exit (Markham Lane). At next roundabout take 2nd exit (A632). Follow road for approx 1 mile and, at roundabout, take 2nd exit (A632). Follow road for just under a mile into Bolsover and take right turn (Castle Street, brown signpost for Castle). Follow road to left hand bend and Castle is on right. Car parking available close to Castle entrance.

From South (follow brown signs)
Leave M1 motorway at junction 29A and take 3rd exit off roundabout (Markham Road). Follow road under M1 and, at roundabout go straight on. At next roundabout take 3rd exit (Markham Lane), then follow route from North.

From East
Follow A617 to junction with M1 motorway. At roundabout take 4th exit (M1 North). Leave M1 at next junction (29A), then follow route from South

From West
Follow A619 to Chesterfield. At traffic light controlled roundabout (Matalan) select middle lane and take 3rd exit. Keep in left lane and, at traffic lights go straight on. At roundabout select middle lane and take 2nd exit (A632). Follow road, going straight on at traffic lights, for about 1 mile and, at traffic lights (Royal Hospital) go straight on. Follow road, going straight on at mini roundabout, for approx 1¼ miles to traffic lights and go straight on. At roundabout take 3rd exit (A632). Follow road for just under a mile into Bolsover and take right turn (Castle Street, brown signpost for Castle). Follow road to left hand bend and Castle is on right. Car parking available close to Castle entrance.

Parking : free

Accessible by Public Transport : 4 miles (6.4 kms) from Chesterfield station

East Midlands Tourism Bronze Award for Think Family 2006
East Midlands Tourism Silver Award for Small Visitor Attraction 2006

VistEngland VAQASEast Midlands Tourism SilverEnglish HeritageSelf-assessed Accessibility Information

Events at this venue

Select event title for details
date event
Sun 26 May 2013 Clash of the Knights
Tue 28 - Fri 31 May 2013 Knights and Princess School
Fri 12 Jul 2013 Midsummer Night's Dream
Mon 22 - Fri 26 Jul 2013 Heroes and Villains Academy
Mon 29 Jul 2013 - Fri 2 Aug 2013 Kings and Queens Academy
Mon 5 - Fri 9 Aug 2013 Medieval Fun and Games
Mon 12 - Fri 16 Aug 2013 Knights and Princess School
Mon 19 - Fri 23 Aug 2013 Time Travellers School

Self-assessed accessibility details

Parking

  • Designated parking for guests with disabilities
  • Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
  • The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
  • is solid
  • Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
  • The route from the parking area to the entrance:
  • Is flat (i.e. without steps)

Entrance

  • Entrance is well lit
  • Automatic door at the main entrance

Public Areas

  • Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
  • From the entrance to reception / ticket area
  • To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
  • To the gift shop
  • Good contrast between the floor and walls
  • Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Visitor information available in large print (14pt and over)
  • Visitor information available in audio format
  • Hearing loop installed in public areas

Food

  • Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
  • Good contrast between the floor and walls
  • Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
  • Sugar free (diabetic)
  • Gluten free (coeliacs)
  • Lactose free (dairy free)
  • Low potassium
  • Low sodium
  • Nut free
  • Additive free
  • Organic
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair
  • High chairs for children
  • Children's menu

General

  • Hearing loop system
  • Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
  • Good colour/tonal contrast for visually impaired visitors
  • Wheelchairs provided
  • Free
  • Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
  • Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
  • Audible alarm system