Derbyshire: A Visit to Bolsover Castle

A visit to Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire should be on everyone's bucket list. It is an impressive sight as you drive up to it. It has an imposing position overlooking the entire countryside. It is not hard to imagine why this site was chosen. 

The entrance to Bolsover Castle is well signed. Parking is available and the walk to the visitor center is flat. Other parts of the castle will not be accessible including the Little Castle.

English Heritage maintains Bolsover Castle and in Fall 2015, the entrance fees are £10.80 for adults; £9.70 for seniors and students and £6.5 for children. A family ticket is priced at £28.10. An audio guide which is very good is provided with your entrance fee. Membership to English Heritage is just £49 per year and allows free entrance. If you plan to visit a few sites, it pays for itself while helping maintain these properties. 

The visitor center has a café and a gift store as well as bathrooms.  

A Little History

The Peverell family built the original medieval Bolsover Castle in the 12^th century. They fled England in 1155 and it went through many owners including the crown. Sir Charles Cavendish bought the ruined castle in 1612 and began the building of the Little Castle. His son William completed it as well as the Terrace Range and the Riding House. He even entertained King Charles I here in 1634.

The first part of Bolsover Castle you visit is the Riding House. It is three floors that offer views of what was once the finest indoor riding school in England. In the same building is the Discovery Center. A model of the Little Castle that is large enough for children to climb around is popular. 

Cardboard models of the historical characters who are a part of Bolsover Castle's history are posted around the interior of the building. Take time to read the interesting facts about them that are available, it is not just dry history. I sat down and enjoyed listening to the audio guide which had some very interesting information for this section of the tour. 

The Terrace Range was the main living area of Bolsover Castle. Later owners stripped the lead from the roof and today it is an atmospheric ruin. You see the remains of the reception rooms, the kitchen and the private living quarters. The view from this area is quite spectacular and it makes for a great photo opportunity. I spent a lot of time shooting photos from every possible angle and through open holes formerly occupied by windows.

I fell in love with the Little Castle. Even though it has been neglected for hundreds of years, it is still quite lovely. Murals adorn the walls which are surprisingly vivid and amazing fireplaces, one of which is pictured here. You finish your visit indoors in the basement where a video starring the former owners and staff wraps up your visit. You leave here knowing a lot about the history of Bolsover Castle and wanting to return again and again.

On returning outdoors, you can view a magnificent fountain and beautiful garden. A visit here will leave you with a very good idea of how a 17th-century English gentleman lived and what he did with his leisure time. It is quite an amazing property and should be included in any visit to Derbyshire. We certainly enjoyed our visit to Bolsover Castle. 

Bolsover is located off of the M1 at exit 29A. Head east just a couple of miles. Chesterfield is 6 miles to the west. These two can be combined for a very pleasant day out.

If you want to find out about more places to visit in the area here is some additional reading:

The Old Granary

Cromford Mills