7 things we love about Bolton Abbey

 

This weekend Hip2Trek visited Bolton Abbey and here are the 7 reasons we love it.

1) Nostalgia! I grew up not far from Bolton Abbey, so family outings and School trips were often here and I know the area quite well. I love being able to now take my own children and see their little faces as we enjoy a similar day out.

2) The Stepping Stones – No visit to Bolton Abbey is complete without at least having a look at the stepping stones across the river. Some days the water is too deep to make the crossing! Last year my husband and then 7 year old had a go and did make it across without getting wet feet. The view from the far bank across to the ruins of the Abbey is stunning and many photographers have captured the glorious setting.

3) Beautiful views – I could, and have taken so many photos around here. As mentioned above there are stunning views of the Abbey. When you take to the footpaths there are also other viewpoints amongst the trees of the River Wharfe, and whether calm and peaceful or raging with water it always makes for an interesting view.

4) Great Walks – A small stroll along the river or more of a hike there are plenty of footpaths and routes you can take whilst at Bolton Abbey. We quite often do a little loop and depending on the kids legs can change the route accordingly. As the kids are getting bigger and we’re getting fitter the route is getting longer. Some of the paths are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. When my son was a baby we once took our sturdy pushchair around some of the paths as he squealed in delight!
Next on my walk list in the Valley of Desolation and Simon’s seat. I can’t believe I’ve never been there!

5) Fab facilities – With a number of carparks, shops, cafes and tea rooms there are plenty of places to keep you fed watered and comfortable. On sunny days there are often mobile ice cream vans on the meadows.

6) Wide open spaces – One of my favourite places for a picnic is on the banks of the river. There’s plenty of room even on the busiest days and you can even take a BBQ if you park in the special areas of the car park. There’s plenty of room for the kids to run safely around without having to hang onto you the whole time.

 
7) Activities for the kids – The Welly walk is great short walk to keep the kids entertained and we’ve done this a few times. From tree trunk stepping stones, to a warren of tunnels there’s plenty to explore. In the summer you can even climb a tree under expert supervision for a small charge. 
We had a great time this weekend and manged to walk just over 11km!
Car parking at Bolton Abbey is currently £10 for the day.
All views are my own and I have received no incentive to write this.

Have you ever been to Bolton Abbey? Or have you a walk suggestion for me? Let me know in the comments or come say hi on my facebook page.

 

Monkey and Mouse
8 comments Add yours
  1. We went a couple of months ago (back when we had sunshine!). I love Bolton Abbey and the addition of the Welly Walk was a lovely surprise. Must go again soon. #Whatevertheweather

  2. Bolton Abbey is top of our must see list! I saw a photo and it just looked so stunning that I am trying desperately to wangle some time off work for a road trip. Love your post, makes me want to go even more!

  3. Thanks Lauren! Hope you get to do your road trip, there’s lots of great hiking places in the area.

  4. Its got everything one needs for a perfect day out! Lovely polace to go =) #whatevertheweather

  5. Oooh, we visited it in 2014 when we visited my grandma in Yorkshire too. We took the steam train there and walked up the hill. Loved the stepping stones, my husband carried our eldest who was 3 at the time and I had the 9 month old in the wrap, my dad got some great photos! I didn’t know about the welly walk though, so if we go back we’ll have to visit that too, right up our street. Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather x

    1. Aww your visit sounds lovely Jenny. Despite living nearby I’ve yet to go on the Steam train or visit the nearby ice cream parlour. They’re all on the list for another time! I think the welly walk appeared 2015, fingers crossed they keep it and you get to do it next time. x

  6. Oh i like the look of the welly walk. We have never been but it looks like a great place to go if we were in the area. Will keep it in mind as it looks lots of fun #whatevertheweather

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