Travel Bolton Abbey

Visit a stunning abbey just north of Leeds

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Travel: Bolton Abbey

Only 20 miles outside Leeds, a visit to Bolton Abbey on the banks of the river Wharfe fills you with a sense of calm that makes it easy to leave the stresses of city life far behind. On a day trip to the Abbey, the most stressful decision you’ll have to make is when you will stop for a cup of tea.

Exploring the Abbey itself is a good way to start your visit. The 12th century priory was home to the Augustinian canons and when the roof was removed and it was left to ruin, the stone was pillaged to be used in buildings across the Wharfe valley. There is plenty of seating around the priory to sit back and enjoy the views.

The main reason for a visit to Bolton Abbey is for a good long walk and with 80 miles of paths across 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside you are spoilt for choice. Pick up a leaflet from the visitors centre to get a selection of suggested walks which will take you either along the riverside, across moorland or following one of the nature trails.

A definite highlight is the area known as the ‘Strid’, named as it was thought to be a stride wide, where the Wharfe became narrower and the water sped up to erode a series of potholes which joined together to create a deep chasm. The Strid’s strangely shaped rocks and the surrounding woodland which in the spring sports a carpet of bluebells are definitely worth seeing.

After a strenuous day of walking you’ll be looking forward to some tea and cakes or maybe something more substantial and you won’t be disappointed; all tastes are catered for at the many restaurants and tearooms. Highlights include the Tea Cottage where you can have lunch or afternoon tea while taking in the spectacular views of the priory ruins and the Devonshire Arms’ Burlington restaurant, which serves seasonal game and fish from the Bolton Abbey Estate.

Whatever time of year you visit the views are spectacular and there is plenty to see and do. Springtime brings the displays of bluebells and daffodils, summer is the time for picnics on the riverside and the colours of the autumn highlighted by the soft sunlight are not to be missed. There are also year round events such as an Easter egg hunt and the Kite festival.

Admission is £6 per vehicle and free to those travelling by public transport. Trains run to Skipton and then there is a bus to Bolton Abbey

Posted on Friday 26th February 2010

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