Facilities at Bolsover Castle

  • Parking

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    Parking in the town of Bolsover is free, including the Bolsover Castle car park. Please click here for a map of available car parks.

  • Food And Drink

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    There is a large café with lovely views of the Riding House. It serves hot and cold meals, sandwiches and soup. If you would like something lighter, we have delicious homemade cakes, hot and cold drinks. A vegetarian choice is available and we can make sandwiches to order if required.

    A selection of ice-creams and sweets is also available in the visitor centre.

    See our Food and Drink page for more details of what we offer at Bolsover Castle.

  • Picnic Area

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    You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in our large grassed, picnic area with its lovely view of the Riding House. Picnic benches provided.
  • Shop

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    Our shop sells a wide selection of English Heritage gifts, including jams and chutneys; toys and books; stationery and cards; heritage related collectables and much more.
  • Toilets

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    Toilets, including toilets for those with limited mobility, are located in the visitor centre and next to the Riding House. Baby changing facilities available.
  • Dogs

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    Dogs on leads welcome in the grounds only. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the Little Castle, Riding Range or Cavalier Horsemanship displays

  • Exhibition

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    Visit the introductory exhibition in the stables.

    Watch the dramatic introductory film that demonstrates the vast history of Bolsover Castle then get hands-on and turn wheels in the exhibition to reveal intriguing facts about the site - from the architecture, to the people and politics of its past.

  • Gardens

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    Small, circular sheltered walled garden with seasonal 1630s period planting around the edges and a gentle Venus fountain in the centre.

    There is plenty of room for children and families to run around and play, or to have a peaceful stroll. You are welcome to play ball games and fly kites but please do this away from the main buildings and castle itself.

  • Audio Tours

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    Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price (subject to availability at busy times and may not be available on event days). The tour covers the whole site, from the entrance right through the Little Castle.
  • Family Friendly

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    Baby Changing Facilities

    Toilets with baby changing facilities located in the visitor centre and next to the Riding House.

    Children's Audio Tour

    Yes.

    Child Sized Portions

    Yes.

    High Chairs

    Two highchairs available in the café.

    Play Areas / Adventure Playground

    Our wooden outdoor play area has been designed to look like a mini-Bolsover Castle and has swings, a slide and wooden 'battlements' and towers. Situated right outside the café it's the perfect place for the kids to let off steam while you sit quietly with a cup of tea.

    Please note some areas of the play area are closed for safety reasons.

    Push Chairs Allowed

    Yes.

    Toy / Dressing Up Box

    Dressing-up box located in the Riding House.
  • Education

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    Education

    FAMILY LEARNING
    Plenty of things to do for families and children. Please see our events page for a fun-filled family day out.
    INTERPRETATION FOR CHILDREN
    Family-friendly exhibition and education section.

  • International

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    Foreign Language Guide Books

    Some information available in French and German. Please ask in the visitor centre for details.
  • Commercial Photograph And Filming

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    English Heritage welcomes amateur photographers to our sites and we hope you will share your pictures of your visit with us on social media.

    If you are looking to use one of our sites for commercial, corporate or professional photography or as a filming location, please contact our filming team as soon as possible to check availability and acquire the relevant permissions and paperwork.

    Due to the delicate nature of our sites, English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.

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