Trifter

Bolton Abbey: Inspiration for Artists

Bolton Abbey is the Yorkshire estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It has 80 miles of moorland riverside and woodland footpaths for the visitor to explore. Bolton Abbey is truly a place for all seasons.

The Cavendish Family, Dukes of Devonshire have owned Bolton abbey since the middle of the 18th Century.

Bolton Abbey offers an extensive selection of picnic spots as well as a historic ruined priory to explore. There are nature trails with an abundance of wildlife to observe.

A guide book lists five easy walks that will help the tourist to explore the estate. These walks with the book help to explain about the geology that underpins the estate and tell the history of the area since the Ice age and the people, who have lived here in past times, They  also show how the estate is managed and cared for in these modern times. The book explains to the visitor about the wildlife in the estate and what to look for in the field.

The romantic and varied landscape has provided inspiration for such great artists as Landseer and Turner or writers like Wordsworth.

Visitors can wander along the banks of the River Wharf or scale the purple heights of heather‑covered moorland, leading up to the horizon. Other visitors decided simply to relax and enjoy the invigorating air in such spectacular scenery.

The more adventurous tourists can go on to the Strid, a sensational gorge in which the River Wharf is channelled through a narrow ravine to create a magnificent surge of water.

The Strid is surrounded by Strid Wood, which has a number of nature trails and a car park which offers refreshments with an exhibition and a picnic area. A gift shop at the entrance to Strid Wood, the Cavendish Pavilion, is a licensed café and restaurant. The Cumberland Trail through Strid Wood is a woodland nature trail, which is fully accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs.

The 12th Century ruins of the priory are situated in an outstanding position overlooking the River Wharf. Both it and the thriving parish church nearby are much visited by tourists.

Neighbouring Barden Tower started life as the principal hunting lodge in the Forest of Barden before being converted into a fortified dwelling house by the Shepherd Lord, Henry Clifford during the 15th Century.

Bolton Abbey has electric wheelchairs available for visitors with mobility problems and there is disabled access to the priory ruins, Riverside, Cavendish Pavilion and the Cumberland Trail.

There is ample parking and the estate is open all the year round from 09:00 until dusk each day.

Bolton Abbey Village Shop is a gift shop and post office which stages an exhibition as well as having an ice cream kiosk.

The Pantry is a traditional food shop, which is situated right in the centre of the village. On entering, it seems an old‑fashioned shop, but it definitely caters for the 21st Century, offering everything from local products to deluxe gift hampers!

A different and more exciting way for visitors to arrive at Bolton Abbey during the summer is by using the neighbouring Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, run by steam enthusiasts.

Bolton Abbey lies in an area which is crowded with cafes, restaurants, B&Bs and hotels, so the visitor can easily find a place to rest or obtain refreshments.

More information on Bolton abbey can be obtained from 01756 718009.