The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Bolton Abbey estate is a 30,000 acre area covering stunning moorland, agricultural land and woodland, centred around the River Wharfe. The estate takes its name from the, now ruined, 12th century monastry, and contains 6 sites of special scientific interest.
Bolton abbey is ideal for young families who can expect to enjoy riverside picnics, building sandcastles on the river beaches, paddling with fishing nets, and exploring the riverside paths and woodlands. Family events also take place throughout the year. Be sure to spend some time hopping across the stepping stones next to the priory! High chairs are available in dining areas and all toilets include changing facilities.
Large sections of the estate are wheelchair accessible (see FAQs below for more detail) and online reviews report staff to be friendly and accommodating. Lots of seating is available throughout the estate, and signage and displays are clear and accessible.
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All the estate car parks have disabled parking bays and accessible toilets, with the exception of Barden Field car park.
Large sections of the southern part of Bolton Abbey estate are easily wheelchair accessible, including the archway, priory and memorial fountains.
A linear walk in the middle portion of the estate, along the river between Riverside car park and The Strid is wheelchair friendly.
At the northern end of the estate, you will need to park at Strid car park where you will find numerous paths including the Cumberland Trail to be accessible, however the riverside paths here are not suitable for wheelchairs.
Wheelchair accessible paths are mostly flat, at least 2m wide, and made of compacted stone. Occassionally gradients reach 1:10.
For a visual representation of wheelchair accessible walks at Bolton Abbey, visit https://boltonabbey.com/your-visit/bolton-abbey-map/
Although currently unavailable due to Covid-19, mobility scooters are usually available to hire from Cavendish Village shop between 10am and 4pm, April to October. Manual wheelchairs are available year round.
On lead dogs are welcome on the majority of the estate. The exceptions to this are Barden Moor and Barden Fell, including 'The Valley of Desolation' and Simon's Seat, where dogs are not permitted.
The local tearooms and pubs welcome dogs, and there is a water tap available outside of the gift shops.
There are numerous tea rooms, cafes, restaurants and refreshment kiosks on the estate, selling a range of food and drink.
You are also welcome to take a picnic.
Disposable and portable BBQs are permitted in Barden Field car park at weekends and bank holidays only. You will need to have purchased a ticket specifically for Barden Field car park in order to use a BBQ. BBQs are not allowed anywhere else on the estate.
No, you will need to purchase a ticket for your chosen car park. Each ticket is for 1 car of up to 7 people. This can be considered as your entry ticket to the estate. Be sure to purchase a ticket for the car park you want to be based from for your day out as you cannot transfer to other car parks or leave and come back in.
Last entry is at 5:30pm and the car parks are closed at 7pm.
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