I have visited the beautiful Bolton Abbey Estate on the banks of the river Wharfe many times in both the Spring and Summer, but never in Autumn before. A mistake I believe, as this is now my favourite time of year to explore the Priory ruins and the acres and acres of woodland trails. We were meeting up with my Sister and her family as well as our cousin and her husband, who were holidaying in the area.
Autumn Half Term is a great time to visit with the kids, as spooky goings on are happening deep in the woods. A family friendly Pumpkin Trail with hidden clues to unravel a witches spell, is proving a spooktacular attraction. 🍄 You can pick up a leaflet from the Cavendish Pavillion Shop.
The estate is also pet friendly with miles of on and off lead walks to enjoy. And plenty of chances for a dip in the river. 😉
Car parking is quite expensive. £10 per vehicle, although the ticket does let you move round the various car parks on the estate. Make the most of your day there and pack a picnic or visit one of the cafes on site. We liked The Strid Tearooms , a short walk from the end of the pumpkin trail, and they welcome four legged friends.
As well as completing the trail, the kids also enjoyed the Welly Walk, playing in the river and looking for wildlife. The Wharfe was teaming with various bird life including Herons, Dippers, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtails and Ducks.
Here are a few photos from our day. We spent a good five hours exploring and loved the Autumn colours. 🙂
Past posts from visits to Bolton Abbey, if you wish to read them ~ Camping trip ~ Catgill Campsite, Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire Dales. and Easter Holiday Fun at Bolton Abbey.
sunshine and celandines 
I was at Bolton abbey two July’s ago and loved it. I so want to go back. You keep visiting places I want to see and walk thru— I am so using your blog as a travel guide next time. And even though I thought I was being conservative in how much I travelled, I went too fast and need to SLOW down and spend more time seeing these sites more thoroughly. Great post!!!
Thanks very much. I hope you do get to go back and explore more!
Looks fun. Nice dipper.
Lots of birds but no red toadstools spotted.
😒 I went into the New Forest but no luck
You have seen lots of other unusual toadstools though. 🙂
What a wonderful place to explore. Your family do have wonderful days out 🙂 x
It was a fun day , thanks Christine. Xx
I’ve been to Bolton Abbey a few times, the last time it was a sunny day in autumn and the tree colours were lovely. It was £6 for the car park then but at £10 now I doubt I would go back again, as nice as it is – I know you get to use all three car parks but that’s still too expensive 😦
Yes it is a bit steep. The whole estate is very well maintained though, so you can tell where the money goes. When we have camped in nearby Appletreewick or in Bolton Abbey village, at least we didn’t have the parking fee then, as we walked in. I bet there are roadside places you could find, if you are prepared for a good walk. X
Bolton Abbey is lovely and like you I haven’t been in the Autumn. Thank you for this visit.
The seasons all look so different in the same place.Autumn colours are the best though. 🙂
Looks like great fun!
It was a wonderful day out. 🙂
I love Bolton Abbey but I don’t think I’ve ever been in Autumn (and I haven’t been at all for a few years!). Lovely outdoor fun, that looks like a signal crayfish though, invading all the rivers 😦
It is a signal crayfish. 😦
My nephew likes catching them, and returning them. The Wharfe is full of these interesting but invasive creatures.
Oh, thank you!!!!!! Looks like a fun day was had by all. Our first day out when we come over is usually a trip to Bolton Abbey, a wander around & a cuppa in one of the tea rooms. We’ve even bumped into one of my longtime blogging buddies whilst there, but I’ve never crossed by the stepping stones. Maybe when we come next time I’ll bump into someone called Shazza? Thanks again & take care.
Haha you never know Susan. 🙂 X
What a wonderful day out. Looks like the sort of place I would love to spend some time.
Absolutely! England can be just as lovely as Scotland. 🙂
Oh yes, I believe you. A few years ago, my husband and I took at day trip from Edinburgh, down along the coast to Holy Island. I really enjoyed driving through that part of England, as that is where my ancestors on my dad’s side come from. I would very much like to visit more of the country one day. Especially Cornwall!
Oh fab! Both Northumberland and Cornwall are places I have not visited often. They are both lovely though. We stopped in a vintage showman’s wagon at Spring Park in North Cornwall two summers ago and it was heaven. X
Nice!
Looks lovely. I must visit one day. Good dipper photo.
Oh thanks! You should visit. Almost guaranteed to see dippers and kingfisher. 🙂
It’s such a lovely place to go to for the whole family. the parking price does put me of a little as it’s just usually just me in the car. Worth it is you stay all day though.
They put on some great events too. Loved seeing your photos of your day.
Amanda xx
Thanks Amanda. It’s actually rare that we have used the carparks. We have camped nearby and walked in before. But I’m not brave enough to camp in the Autumn! I will have to get a Winter visit in. X
It’s such a beautiful place! I shall miss it 🙂 🙂
Aw. So much beauty in Portugal though. X
True enough 🙂