Bolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Full view
About
Travellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
2,276 reviews
Excellent
1,396
Very good
514
Average
145
Poor
77
Terrible
144
judiw10
Leeds, UK33 contributions
Jun 2020
Visited here shortly after the re-opening. It is obvious that a lot of thought has gone into how to make it as visitor friendly and safe during Covid19. You have to book and pay for your car park in advance and you get an hour's slot in which to arrive so you know you are assured of a space. A one way system , well sign posted, is in place on the pathways and in our experience this worked extremely well. The queuing system for the toilets worked well, with only 3 cubicles open in the ladies, as did the system in place for the drink / ice cream kiosk. There are a number of hand washing stations dotted about which are clean and work well. None of it detracts from the beauty of the place it simply makes you feel safe to enjoy it. The staff were all very friendly and pleasant too. We had a lovely day out and will definitely be back.
Written 5 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZBH88
Stoke-on-Trent, UK1,165 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We intentionally visited mid week to avoid the lockdown weekend masses. The place is really picturesque and it's lovely by the river. There are the stepping stones if you dare but they are a bit scary this time of year and the "beach" for the kids. The abbey itself is free but at present you can only access half of the abbey interior. There is ample parking which is prebookable at different sites but the abbey car park is £10 per vehicle.
Written 1 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricia Halstead
Baildon, UK80 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
We booked our visit in June as our first drive out somewhere for a walk and picnic after lockdown. We came here specifically because we read in advance of all the social distancing measures in place. There are one way systems, extra hand washing stations, extra toilets and organised queues for all facilities. So we felt very safe and the estate wasn’t overcrowded due to the booking in advance system. We booked and parked at Cavendish pavilion but there are 3 car parks to choose from depending where along the river you prefer to start.
We had a lovely walk up to Valley of Desolation and once back at Cavendish pavilion we had our picnic. It is £10 per car to visit but we find that really good value considering how beautiful and scenic the whole the area is. There is so much to see and lots of different walks to do so you could spend a whole day there. Thank you! ☺️
We had a lovely walk up to Valley of Desolation and once back at Cavendish pavilion we had our picnic. It is £10 per car to visit but we find that really good value considering how beautiful and scenic the whole the area is. There is so much to see and lots of different walks to do so you could spend a whole day there. Thank you! ☺️
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Innerworldofmyown
Northamptonshire, UK53 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
Before visiting the area I became aware that the Abbey were requiring everyone to book in advance and pay for a ticket due to Covid. As a walker I had to pay as if I had a car in the car park.
The Abbey and Grounds are amazing and beautiful. Over two days I walked 20 miles and loved it all. I would give five stars but for the problems I encountered.
Firstly, at no point over a very long period on two days did anyone check I had a ticket. Despite having a time slot for entry no one was at the entrance. The Café and the Shop did not ask to see my ticket. No one was bothered and, frankly, I think most people were wise to this and likely did not pay. For instance cyclists doing the road route entered the grounds and went to the Café then went back to the road. They didn’t pay. I felt taken for a mug by the estate.
Secondly, there was a one way system along the walking routes but no controls. I met lots of people who had walked past no entry signs. All it needed was the posting of a few people at key points such as the bridges. They could also check tickets. The extra revenue would soon pay for it.
Thirdly, as a result of the above points, the Covid track and trace and control measures are totally ineffective. The estate does not know who is in the estate and people cannot avoid being too close to others. Frankly it’s a disgrace.
So my advice to the estate is to charge everyone properly (with a walker rate), check on entry, control the one-way system and (by the way*) control compliance with the rule of six. Or close for the season. You can do all of this because the paths are permissive.
And my advice to anyone going there? Do go. You will love it. Do pay. These grounds cost a lot to maintain and it costs to keep you safe. You will have to, like me, put up with feeling ripped off but at least you will have done the right thing.
(*A vehicle ticket can allow up to 8 people in together)
The Abbey and Grounds are amazing and beautiful. Over two days I walked 20 miles and loved it all. I would give five stars but for the problems I encountered.
Firstly, at no point over a very long period on two days did anyone check I had a ticket. Despite having a time slot for entry no one was at the entrance. The Café and the Shop did not ask to see my ticket. No one was bothered and, frankly, I think most people were wise to this and likely did not pay. For instance cyclists doing the road route entered the grounds and went to the Café then went back to the road. They didn’t pay. I felt taken for a mug by the estate.
Secondly, there was a one way system along the walking routes but no controls. I met lots of people who had walked past no entry signs. All it needed was the posting of a few people at key points such as the bridges. They could also check tickets. The extra revenue would soon pay for it.
Thirdly, as a result of the above points, the Covid track and trace and control measures are totally ineffective. The estate does not know who is in the estate and people cannot avoid being too close to others. Frankly it’s a disgrace.
So my advice to the estate is to charge everyone properly (with a walker rate), check on entry, control the one-way system and (by the way*) control compliance with the rule of six. Or close for the season. You can do all of this because the paths are permissive.
And my advice to anyone going there? Do go. You will love it. Do pay. These grounds cost a lot to maintain and it costs to keep you safe. You will have to, like me, put up with feeling ripped off but at least you will have done the right thing.
(*A vehicle ticket can allow up to 8 people in together)
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barney
West Yorkshire, UK119 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
Went to Bolton Abbey for the first time this weekend. It’s in sunning grounds and the walk around the woods and along the river Wharfe is fab. We did the circular route from Catgill Farm to the abbey Priory, through the woods to The Strid and back, in all around 6.5 miles. The walk is mainly flat and easy so not difficult at all, there were a few tea rooms and some ice cream vans spotted along the way and around half way some toilets near a cafe and shop.
The priory is really pretty and lovely to see. There not a whole lot of it so doesn’t take long to explore. Along the walk there are loads of little fun outdoor activities for kids to do, like climbing ropes and mazes. Luckily although it was fairly busy it was far big enough to to social distance and loads of places to sit alone and have dinner/chill.
We had to pay £10 entry which was for a car park ticket of upto 8 people, and we had to get this even though we didn’t park there just for entry, I think this is a new thing, but that £10 ticket get upto 8 ppl entry and your car if your parking so it’s good value. There were security on the entrance checking and we couldn’t go in till we had an online receipt to show we had bought one. I don’t mind, with all the covid stuff going on £3 each for the experience was not bad at all and I’m sure they use it for good. The grounds are beautifully kept, there wasn’t any rubbish lying about and the water was soo clear.
So all in all a great experience and highly recommend a visit especially if you enjoy walks along the rivers.
Thanks
The priory is really pretty and lovely to see. There not a whole lot of it so doesn’t take long to explore. Along the walk there are loads of little fun outdoor activities for kids to do, like climbing ropes and mazes. Luckily although it was fairly busy it was far big enough to to social distance and loads of places to sit alone and have dinner/chill.
We had to pay £10 entry which was for a car park ticket of upto 8 people, and we had to get this even though we didn’t park there just for entry, I think this is a new thing, but that £10 ticket get upto 8 ppl entry and your car if your parking so it’s good value. There were security on the entrance checking and we couldn’t go in till we had an online receipt to show we had bought one. I don’t mind, with all the covid stuff going on £3 each for the experience was not bad at all and I’m sure they use it for good. The grounds are beautifully kept, there wasn’t any rubbish lying about and the water was soo clear.
So all in all a great experience and highly recommend a visit especially if you enjoy walks along the rivers.
Thanks
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blakey149
Essex via hull62 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We visited during the Halloween week and were surprised by the amount of people especially as the weather wasn’t great. Thankfully it is a large area and once we got into the woods it was quieter. There were still “hot spots” mainly around the cafe area and toilets. Not much to choose from to eat which is understandable in the circumstances so would recommend you bring your own especially if you have any dietary requirements. They have tried to set up a one way system in the woods, unfortunately not everyone follows the rules which isn’t great on narrow slippery paths when your having to pass. Personally I think £10 for a day out is good value for money. Lovely views of the Abbey and river. Dogs on lead welcome.
Written 2 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ForeverTravelling89
29 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
Had a lovely day out at Bolton Abbey. The estate is lovely and maintained very well. The walk is fairly easy throughout - we did an approx 6 mile round trip around the estate and it is very well sign posted as well as there being maps dotted around, you can also view the site map online which is helpful for those wanting to map out a route to take. Lots of activities scattered about the estate to ensure a fun filled day for children too. Highly recommend this spot when the weather is nice for a little explore. There are several car parks on site which cost £10 - I would recommend either the village or pavilion car park for easy access to main attractions on the estate.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KF chillin
Congleton, UK49 contributions
Feb 2020
Had an amazing day yesterday 6 Feb even though it was a bit foggy and misty so not good for photos. Walked along the river from the Abbey car park next to the village shop, it’s £10 per car which we didn’t mind paying as it goes towards the upkeep of the paths along the walk etc, well worth the money and you can move between the other car parks with the same ticket if you can’t walk between them. The walk was on good paths, some steep drops but the path is wide enough to be safe, a little up and down in places, we walked to Barden Bridge and then returned on the opposite side of the river. Stunning scenery, the sound of the water was very relaxing and we met lots of lovely friendly walkers enjoying the same scenery. We popped into the church and priory ruins afterwards, all in all a fantastic day in gorgeous Yorkshire.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison G
36 contributions
Aug 2020
Way too busy even with pre-booked tickets.
We booked afternoon tickets (2-3pm arrival) in the hope that people perhaps would have been and gone to Bolton Abbey earlier.
We arrived to find the place packed with people who had been there all day. I had believed that if you had allocated times it would have been controlled better and less people.
Whilst some of the Security Guards on the gates were checking if you were parked on the Bolton Abbey Estate, many were just letting everyone on.
The car park wasn't manned so people parked where they liked and set up gazebos in allocated parking spaces, walking areas and village all very busy with few people taking any notice to social distancing rules.
Far busier than a normal summer holiday so avoid if you don't like crowds.
We booked afternoon tickets (2-3pm arrival) in the hope that people perhaps would have been and gone to Bolton Abbey earlier.
We arrived to find the place packed with people who had been there all day. I had believed that if you had allocated times it would have been controlled better and less people.
Whilst some of the Security Guards on the gates were checking if you were parked on the Bolton Abbey Estate, many were just letting everyone on.
The car park wasn't manned so people parked where they liked and set up gazebos in allocated parking spaces, walking areas and village all very busy with few people taking any notice to social distancing rules.
Far busier than a normal summer holiday so avoid if you don't like crowds.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lolteeside
teeside,18 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We were camping nearby and went to Bolton Abbey for the day. The grounds are lovely and well kept. We really enjoyed our day and the walks are stunning. My gripe is the cost of the ticket to gain entry. The website states that all visitors need to purchase an online ticket to gain entry at a cost of £10.00. Included in the cost is car parking and it covers entry for up to 8 people. We arrived on foot and there was only two of us, totally unfair pricing in comparison to us arriving by car and in a group of 8. To top it off, there was nobody at the entrance checking tickets so we needn't have bothered purchasing. If we were in the area we would definitely go back but wouldn't purchase another online ticket.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to eat close by? (that we are able to take dogs in with us). Thanks in advance.
Written 28 December 2022
Looking to visit with a large group and mix of aged children.
Firstly, can we take balls and games to play like rounders etc?
Secondly, is there a space that's suitable for that but also near enough to the river to splash and have a picnic?
Thanks in advance.
Written 24 April 2022
Yes, all perfectly fine. No barbecues, fires or gas stoves.
Written 11 July 2022
No barbecues anywhere other than Barden Field.
Written 11 July 2022
Will there be free car parking at Bolton Abbey car park near the cafe on Christmas day this year?
Written 8 October 2021
To be honest I don’t think they will be open on Christmas Day but if they are and you are staying at the Devonshire Arms you would get free car parking.
Written 9 October 2021
Simons seat
Where would you say the best place to park?
Bolton Abbey or maybe Barden or near apple tree Wick?
Thankyou
Written 23 August 2020
We parked at Bolton Abbey. It cost a tenner but it’s a lot easier so worth it. There’s a couple of car parks and you have to pre-book via the website so make sure you google the site and follow the instructions. You need to do this to get access to the site as it’s your ticket in also.
Written 27 August 2020
Hi Guys
I'm planning on going but a little confused as the park is so big
where would the best place be to take kids and spend few hours? ideally somewhere with water streams etc and somewhere to relax.
also I've read theirs car parking fee which is fine but is that for all the parks or individual ones?
Written 11 August 2020
Yes cavendish Pavilion Riverside car park is the best
Written 14 August 2020
Is the £10 an entrance fee or a car park fee? I am camping nearby and could probably walk there, but was wondering in that case whether i need to pay/ prebook?
Written 30 July 2020
Both as you had to show your car park ticket conf on phone to security to go into the main ground
Written 2 September 2020
Showing results 1-10 of 22
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.