Bolsover Castle (English Heritage)

Castle Street
Bolsover
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S44 6PR
England

Website

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/bolsover-castle/

E-mail

Visitor Operations Manager

andrea.hill@english-heritage.org.uk

Site Supervisor

diane.hinchcliffe@english-heritage.org.uk

Site Supervisor

jackie.parker@english-heritage.org.uk

Telephone

01246 822844

Fax

Office

01246 241569

All information is drawn or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
An interior shot of Bolsover Castle
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Bolsover is a 17th century house built on the site of a Norman fortress and is a wonderful place to meander and muse. See the fairytale house, designed as a fantasy house for entertaining, of rooms stacked on top of one another to create the "Little Castle" with its range of charming and spectacular interiors.

Venue Type:

Museum, Historic house or home, Castle or defences

 Opening hours

1-31 Oct daily 10am-5pm, 1 Nov-12 Feb Sat-Sun 10am-4pm, 13-17 Feb daily 10am-4pm, 18 Feb-31 Mar Sat-Sun 10am-4pm, Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan

 Admission charges

7.80/7.00/4.70/20.30

Discounts

  • Historic Scotland
  • English Heritage
  • Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments

Additional info

Wedding enquiries : 01246 856456

12 Caesar paintings based on originals by Titian. They were commissioned in the 17th century by William Cavendish and are back at the castle after being taken away in the 1970s for restoration work.

Collection details

Architecture, Fine Art

Key artists and exhibits

  • 12 Caesar paintings returned to the castle in 2004
  • Award winning fountain in the Venus Garden
Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.

Cavendish's Horses Return!

25 — 26 May 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Clash of Knights!

26 — 27 May 2013

Join us for the ultimate competitive historical combat as 4 teams each of 12 fully armoured Knights attempt to emerge victorious from a recreated Crest Melee. Watch as the Combatants fight with Shield and Club in a genuine contest of skill and strength.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

11am-4pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/clash-of-knights-bol-26-may

Knights and Princess School

28 — 31 May 2013

Give that toy sword a whirl or put on your prettiest dress and head back in time for activities on a medieval theme. Transform yourself into a noble lord in squire training, and even try on armour in our academy for budding knights and princesses.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/knights-and-princess-school-bol-28-may

Cavendish's Horses Return!

1 — 2 June 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Cavendish's Horses Return!

8 — 9 June 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Cavendish's Horses Return!

15 — 16 June 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Cavendish's Horses Return!

22 — 23 June 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Cavendish's Horses Return!

29 — 30 June 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Cavendish's Horses Return!

6 — 7 July 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Midsummer Nights Dream

12 July 2013

Chapterhouse Theatre Company present Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream, be whisked away to magical forests, meet star-crossed lovers, playful fairies, raucous travelling players and picnic with family and friends in the grounds of Bolsover Castle.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

7:30-9:30pm

Admission

£15.00

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/midsummer-nights-dream-bol-12-jul

Cavendish's Horses Return!

13 — 14 July 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Cavendish's Horses Return!

20 — 21 July 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Heroes and Villains Academy

22 — 26 July 2013

Could you be a fearsome highwayman? Your training starts here! Take part in a thrilling musket drill, listen to the myths and legends surrounding our favourite rogues and plan your own ambush.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/heroes-and-villains-academy-bol-22-jul

Cavendish's Horses Return!

27 — 28 July 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Kings and Queens Academy

29 July — 2 August 2013

Let the kids get stuck into history by taking part in a range of regal activities and hear about some of England's most notorious monarchs! Learn about the important royal links to the Castle in our fun Royal trail, hidden around the grounds!

Suitable for

  • Family friendly

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/kings-and-queens-academy-bol-29-jul

Cavendish's Horses Return!

3 — 4 August 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Medieval Fun and Games!

5 — 9 August 2013

How would you have fared 500 years ago? Join us at Bolsover Castle for a journey back through the ages to medieval times and find out what life would have been like, with hands on activities and games.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/medieval-fun-and-games-bol-5-aug

Cavendish's Horses Return!

10 — 11 August 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Knights and Princess School

12 — 16 August 2013

Give that toy sword a whirl or put on your prettiest dress and head back in time for activities on a medieval theme. Transform yourself into a noble lord in squire training, and even try on armour in our academy for budding knights and princesses.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/knights-and-princess-school-bol-12-aug

Cavendish's Horses Return!

17 — 18 August 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/cavendishs-horses-return-bol-17-aug

Time Travellers School

19 — 23 August 2013

Take a journey through time with Bzents at Bolsover Castle this summer. Join in a variety of plays that will introduce children to some of England's most interesting time periods and monarchs, and play the fool at our circus school!

Suitable for

  • Family friendly

Admission

£8.50

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/time-travellers-school-bol-19-aug

Grand Medieval Joust

25 — 26 August 2013

A magnificent medieval joust where fighting knights do battle in a live action show. Revel in the drama of clashing knights on horseback and cheer on your favourite. Be entertained by the court jester for plenty of laughs too. Let the battle commence!

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

11am-4pm

Admission

£12.00

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/grand-medieval-joust-bol-25-aug

The Wind in the Willows

6 September 2013

Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad for a perfect summer of adventure. Bring your chairs, picnics and friends to Bolsover Castle to enjoy fun and frolics aplenty with this glorious new adaptation of the classic novel.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

7:30-9:30pm

Admission

£15.00

Website

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/the-wind-in-the-willows-bol-6-sep

Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.
 Face to face resources

Art and Symbolism - The Cavendish Code Discovery Visit

Experience the scale, proportions, materials, symbolism and magical atmosphere of this site through investigating the buildings and their decoration. Discover the purpose of the building and its historical context, learn some architectural language and enjoy sketching and recording some impressive architectural design details.
Duration: 1 hour
Key Stage: 2, 3 History, Art and Design

How to obtain

Call 01604 735440 to arrange a 1 hour tour on weekdays during term time. Price £60 per group of up to 30 pupils until April 2009, £75 per group after April 2009. Visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19499 for more information.

English Civil War Discovery Visit

Join your guide to explore Bolsover Castle. Discover its flamboyant past at the time of the English Civil War and peep into the lives of Elizabeth and Mad Madge who lived there in the 17th century.
Duration: 1 hour
Key Stage: 2,3 History

How to obtain

Call 01604 735440 to arrange a 1 hour tour on weekdays during term time. Price £60 per group of up to 30 pupils until April 2009, £75 per group after April 2009. Visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19499 for more information.

Meet a Medieval Soldier Discovery Visit

Venture into history with a costumed guide on a tour to fire the imagination. How did armies attack the castle and how did those inside keep them out? Discover medieval food, living conditions (including toilets!), medieval surgery and a glimpse into the dark world of crime and punishment.
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Key Stage: 1, 2, 3 History

How to obtain

Call 01604 735440 to arrange a 1 hour tour on February 2, 5 or 6 2009. Price £60 per group of up to 30 pupils. Visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19499 for more information.

 Resources

Educational Visits from Schools & Universities

English Heritage offers FREE educational visits to schools, universities and all educational establishments.
Education room available, please book this room early to be sure of availability.
Pre-booking is essential.
Call 01604 735400 for booking information and to obtain a FREE educational permit booking form for Bolsover Castle.

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