Bolton Abbey: Priory, River Wharfe and Historic Trails

Bolton Abbey combines historic buildings with riverside and woodland scenery, as well as an extensive network of trails. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Bolton Abbey, you can start by choosing an area based on the focus of your trip: the Priory and Great Barn, nature along the River Wharfe, walks or the historic railway. The features below offer practical starting points for planning.

Priory, church and Great Barn

Bolton Abbey’s Priory Church and Ruins are the remains of an Augustinian priory by the river. Bolton Priory was founded in 1155 by a community of Augustinian canons. Since its foundation in the 12th century, it has been a place of continuous Christian worship. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, half of the church was allowed to remain as a parish church for the village of Bolton.

The Priory Church of St Mary & St Cuthbert holds numerous guided tours throughout the year. If you’re planning a tour, check the latest dates. This lets you include a visit to the church in your itinerary, rather than treating it only as part of a walk around the ruins.

Another historic building is the Great Barn near Bolton Priory. It is one of the best-preserved medieval timber-framed barns in northern England. The building is listed as Grade II*; it is thought to date from the 16th century. The listing and the tentative dating offer two different perspectives on the building: its significance as a protected structure and its likely period of construction.

River Wharfe, Strid and landscape

Strid Wood is one of the largest surviving areas of sessile oak woodland in the Yorkshire Dales and lies along the River Wharfe. At the Strid, the river suddenly narrows, forcing the water through with great pressure. The Bolton Abbey Estate warns that the Strid is very dangerous and advises visitors to keep well back from the edge. Also follow the signs on site.

The nature information also covers two separately named areas: the publicly accessible areas of Barden Moor and Barden Fell are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). These landscapes add a distinct nature and conservation perspective to the river and woodland features.

Trails, accessibility and cycling

The Bolton Abbey Estate has 80 miles of well-maintained trails. One specifically described route is the green trail from Cavendish Pavilion to the Strid: it follows surfaced paths and is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. As conditions can change, check the route information before your visit. In general, the Estate is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs wherever reasonably possible; some paths may vary.

The Bolton Abbey walk offers a different, clearly defined route: it is a linear walk along the River Wharfe through the Bolton Abbey Estate. The green trail is described in terms of its surface and suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, while the Bolton Abbey walk is defined by its linear riverside route. Cycling at Bolton Abbey also includes sections of the Tour de Yorkshire route.

Getting there and further guidance

Bolton Abbey is just off the A59 between Skipton and Harrogate. To reach the Priory Church of St Mary & St Cuthbert, take the B6160 north of the village of Bolton Abbey: go through the eastern opening in the wall, then follow the access road to the end. The Bolton Abbey car park is closest to the Priory Church and Ruins and the Stepping Stones. A bridge there offers a safe, dry alternative to crossing the Stepping Stones.

The historic railway is another notable attraction: the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway runs for four miles between Embsay Station and Bolton Abbey Station. Bolton Abbey station has been restored in the authentic Midland Railway style and includes a working signal box. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider the railway as a separate focus alongside the Priory buildings and trails.

Discover more destinations: Newton-Le-Willows, Rosedale Abbey, Cawood, Stearsby, Sherburn In Elmet, Danby, Escrick, Masham.

For the broader travel overview: North Yorkshire.