Bolton Priory
Majestic 12th-century priory ruins set in a stunning riverside landscape, offering beautiful walks and a glimpse into history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Bolton Priory
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic 12th-century priory ruins set in a stunning riverside landscape, offering beautiful walks and a glimpse into history.
"A lovely place for a day out, stunning location with the ruins and a beautiful functional church right next to the river."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
🧺 Pack a picnic
Beautiful spots abound for a picnic lunch. Cafes are available but can get busy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bolton Priory Ruins
Central grounds
Majestic 12th-century Augustinian priory ruins set against a stunning riverside backdrop. A photographer's dream.
The Strid
River Wharfe
A famously beautiful but treacherous section of the River Wharfe with powerful currents. Admire from a safe distance.
Stepping Stones
River Wharfe
A fun, albeit sometimes wet, way to cross the River Wharfe. A hit with families and adventurous visitors.
Valley of Desolation
Walking trails
A scenic walk leading to hidden waterfalls, offering a more rugged and wild experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the River's Power
Parking and Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
🧺 Pack a picnic
Beautiful spots abound for a picnic lunch. Cafes are available but can get busy.
🚗 Book parking online
Save a little money and guarantee your spot by booking your parking in advance.
💧 Be cautious at The Strid
The river looks calm but is extremely dangerous. Supervise children closely.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
🧺 Pack a picnic
Beautiful spots abound for a picnic lunch. Cafes are available but can get busy.
🚗 Book parking online
Save a little money and guarantee your spot by booking your parking in advance.
💧 Be cautious at The Strid
The river looks calm but is extremely dangerous. Supervise children closely.
📸 Capture the ruins
The priory ruins offer incredible photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bolton Priory for its breathtaking scenery, the majestic ruins, and the enjoyable walking trails suitable for families. The riverside setting and the historic priory church are frequently highlighted as beautiful and captivating. Some find the parking fee a bit steep, and caution is advised around the dangerous currents of The Strid.
"Beautiful priory and the nearby ruins are a perfect place for picnic.
A good day out for family. The walking trail is good as well. The stepping stone is a fun way to go over the river."
Ananth Radhakrishnan
"Always a lovely experience, I have been visiting since I was a little girl. I try to return as often as I can for a beautiful walk and either a picnic or a lunch at the cafe."
Erin H.E
"What a lovely place for a day out , stunning location with the ruins of the Priory and a beautiful functional church attached right next to the river. Loads of different walks and other things to see and some fun stepping stones to get over the river ( also a bridge of you don't fancy the stepping stones) There was a trail through the woods for children with several places to stop and play. The whole place is quite vast with a few car parks which cost £15 to park in but there is no entry fee to the Priory and grounds. Places to eat and get a drink in 2 of the parking areas we saw. You could definitely spend the best park of a day here and we really enjoyed our visit."
lisa sowerby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bolton Priory is approximately 15 miles from Harrogate. You can drive, which takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
There are several car parks on the Bolton Abbey Estate, including Riverside, Bolton Abbey, and Barden Bridge. Parking typically costs around £15 per vehicle, with a slight discount for online booking.
Public transport to Bolton Priory is not straightforward. While buses may go to nearby villages like Bolton Bridge, walking from the bus stop can be significant. Driving is the most convenient option.
Yes, Bolton Priory is part of scenic cycling routes in the Yorkshire Dales. There are dedicated trails and quiet roads suitable for cycling enthusiasts.
The drive through the Yorkshire Dales offers stunning scenery. Consider routes that take you through picturesque villages and along the River Wharfe for a truly memorable journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to explore the grounds of Bolton Priory. However, you will need to pay for parking, which is usually around £15 per vehicle.
The grounds of Bolton Priory are generally accessible from dawn till dusk. The Priory Church itself has its own service times, but the ruins and surrounding estate are open throughout daylight hours.
You do not need to book tickets for entry to Bolton Priory. However, booking parking online in advance can sometimes offer a small discount and guarantee your space.
Bolton Priory occasionally hosts special events, such as art installations like the 'Museum of the Moon' or seasonal activities. It's worth checking their official website or local listings for current events.
Yes, a portion of the original Priory building still functions as a parish church and is open to visitors. It's a beautiful example of medieval architecture.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the walk to The Strid, the Valley of Desolation, and the Dales Way. There are also family-friendly trails with play areas.
Absolutely! Families love the stepping stones, the woodland play trail, and the open spaces for picnics. The Cavendish Pavilion area also has activities.
The 'Museum of the Moon' was a large-scale art installation featuring a detailed replica of the moon, often displayed within the Priory Church. Check for its current availability.
Yes, Bolton Priory Estate is generally dog-friendly, especially for walks. However, dogs should be kept on a lead in certain areas, particularly around livestock and sensitive wildlife.
Founded in 1154, Bolton Priory was an Augustinian monastery. Much of it was dissolved in 1539, but a portion was saved to serve as the local church.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and tea rooms on the estate, such as the Cavendish Pavilion and the Bolton Abbey Tea Rooms, offering refreshments and light meals.
Picnicking is highly encouraged! There are many beautiful spots along the river and in the grounds perfect for a picnic.
Yes, there are several traditional pubs in the surrounding villages, including The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa at Bolton Bridge, which offers dining.
The cafes typically offer a range of sandwiches, cakes, hot meals, and drinks. They are great for a mid-walk refuel.
While there are cafes on-site, for a wider variety of takeaway options, you might need to travel to nearby towns like Skipton or Harrogate.
📸 📸 Photography
The Priory ruins themselves, the River Wharfe with its stepping stones, and the scenic Dales landscapes offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the most beautiful light for capturing the ruins and landscapes.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or require permission. It's best to check with the estate management before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ruins and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant views.
The view of the Priory ruins from across the river, especially with the stepping stones in the foreground, is a classic and highly photographed spot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are plenty of open spaces perfect for picnics, and the Cavendish Pavilion offers refreshments and facilities. The walks are generally accessible, and the historical ruins add an element of wonder to the visit. Remember to pack sturdy shoes and be mindful of the river's currents, especially at The Strid.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Explore the riverside paths, venture into the ancient woodlands, or tackle more challenging climbs for panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales. The ever-changing scenery, from the river to the moors, ensures a rewarding experience for any nature enthusiast.
📸 Photographers and History Buffs
History buffs will be captivated by the stories of the Augustinian priory, its dissolution, and the preservation of the church. The site offers a tangible connection to England's medieval past, with the ruins and the surviving church providing a rich tapestry of historical exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Perilous Beauty of The Strid
Visitors are strongly advised to admire The Strid from a safe distance and to keep a very close eye on children and pets. While it's a stunning natural feature, its power should never be underestimated. The surrounding woodland and riverside paths offer plenty of safe viewing points and opportunities for enjoying the natural beauty without venturing too close to the water's edge.
Despite its dangers, The Strid is a key part of the Bolton Abbey experience, highlighting the raw, untamed power of nature. It serves as a stark reminder to respect the environment and to prioritize safety above all else when exploring such magnificent, yet wild, landscapes.
Exploring Bolton Abbey Estate: Walks and Activities
Popular routes include the walk to the Valley of Desolation, known for its waterfalls and rugged terrain, and sections of the Dales Way long-distance path. For families, the woodland play trail provides an engaging experience with natural play features. The iconic stepping stones across the River Wharfe offer a fun, albeit sometimes wet, way to cross, with a bridge also available for those preferring to stay dry.
Beyond walking, the estate is a popular spot for picnics, photography, and even glamping. The Cavendish Pavilion area provides amenities and is a good starting point for many family-friendly activities. The sheer scale of the estate means you can easily spend a full day exploring its natural beauty and historical sites.
A Glimpse into History: The Priory and Its Past
During the dissolution, the priory's assets were seized, and much of the structure was dismantled. Fortunately, negotiations between Prior Moon and Thomas Cromwell led to a portion of the church being saved to serve as the local parish church. A wall was built to separate this functional part from the rest of the priory, which subsequently fell into ruin. The West Tower's roof was added much later, around 450 years after the dissolution, and the windows were later enhanced with stained glass by Augustus Pugin in the 1850s.
Today, the striking ruins stand as a testament to its former glory, offering a poignant glimpse into England's medieval past. The juxtaposition of the preserved church within the atmospheric ruins makes Bolton Priory a site of significant historical and architectural interest.
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