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Bolsover Castle
Type:Historic House
Bolsover
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S44 6PR
About
This Stuart mansion' was built as a fashionable retreat for 17th-Century courtiers to entertain influential guests. Now its reputation for revelry lives on as we entertain you and your family.
Every inch a lavish party palace, where once moustached gentlemen caroused alongside bejewelled ladies. Enjoy the labyrinth of rooms, carved marble fireplaces, beautifully painted ceilings, and richly coloured wall paintings.
There are no ropes or barriers inside the Little Castle – all the reproduction furniture here can be touched, sat on and enjoyed. Open up 17th-century style 'cabinets of curiosity' to discover Bolsover's secrets, and learn how the castle was used for banqueting, relaxing and partying, by William Cavendish.
Turn the wheels in our introductory exhibition in the Riding House to reveal intriguing facts about Bolsover Castle – from the architecture to the people, and politics of its past.
Outside head up to walk the walls surrounding the fountain garden and delight in the stunning views. Wander the romantic ruined terrace range using your multimedia guide to fire your imagination and see once more the grand dining room, long gallery and basement kitchen that stood here.
The Riding School, where one-time owner William Cavendish trained his horses, is amongst the finest in the country. Try to time your visit to enjoy a display of Cavalier horsemanship (weekends, April to September). The riders are clothed in the frills, feathers and high boots of the period and expertly demonstrate moves that we know today as dressage.
Kids can grab a multimedia guide jam-packed with fun games, bite-sized information, and extra insights. They can dress up in costumes and take to the stage in a room dedicated to theatrics. Or let them run riot in our children’s play area, built like a mini Little Castle.
Awards
- Other Awards
Self-assessed Accessibility Information - Other Awards
English Heritage 2016 - Regional and Miscellaneous
WTTC Safe Travels 2021
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
- Facilities for hearing impaired
- Facilities for visually impaired
- Wheelchairs available
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Education/study area
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups - Must be pre-booked
Parking
- Free Parking
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- English Heritage Property
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Opening Times
| Open New Year |
|---|
TripAdvisor
- Excellent894
- Very Good519
- Average137
- Poor44
- Terrible36
Map & Directions
Road Directions
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.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest train station Chesterfield, 6 miles away.
Bus 1 or 1A from Chesterfield town centre, two each per hour.
