Bolsover Castle

At the heart of the district stands a Cavalier’s Pleasure Palace that is Bolsover Castle with its turrets and battlements rising from a hilltop which dominates the vale below, but in reality it is a romantic gesture. The 17th century Mansion is principally the work of William Cavendish, later the Duke of Newcastle, the grandson of the infamous ‘Bess of Hardwick’.

The Little Castle which is built on the foundations of an original 12th century Norman Castle, and has mock medieval fortifications. There’s a fairytale quality to Bolsover Castle that makes it a firm favourite with anyone looking for a great value day out. Highlights include the sumptuously painted walls and ceilings of the Little Castle, intricately carved fireplaces and the magnificent indoor Riding School.

The impressive indoor riding school dating back to the 1630’s is one of the oldest surviving examples of its type in Europe and was used to practise ‘Haute Ecole’ of which William Cavendish was a leading exponent. This was originally as important a centre of equestrianism as the Spanish Riding School in Vienna is today.

Adjoining the Little Castle are the roofless Cavendish apartments and the Terrace Range State Rooms, the latter a banqueting area in which Charles I would have enjoyed the sights and sounds of masque ‘Loves Welcome to Bolsover’ performed in his honour in 1634 at an estimated cost of £15,000. The Venus Fountain Garden hosts the ‘rudest’ fountain in the country with its cherubs and mythical beasts

There is plenty to do for all the family in the Discovery Centre with its fascinating audio-visual displays, and extensive grounds to explore with lots of green space for a family picnic. And with panoramic views over the Vale of Scarsdale, Bolsover has everything you need for a fun day out in Derbyshire.

The Castle is managed by English Heritage and is host to numerous historic and cultural events throughout the year. For further information please telephone 01246 822844.

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