Three captivating castles to explore

If you’re someone who gets excited at the sight of a turret or dreams of wandering through ancient stone halls, the Yorkshire Dales have a few delightful surprises in store. Scattered among rolling hills and charming villages are some truly remarkable castles—each with its own story to tell. Whether you’re in the mood for atmospheric ruins or more complete historic interiors, there’s something here to spark your imagination.

Skipton castle

Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval castles in England—and you can feel that as soon as you step onto its cobbled courtyard. Built around 1090 and continuously maintained, this fortress remained a stronghold through the English Civil War and beyond.

You can tour the banqueting hall, kitchen (complete with an enormous fireplace), bedchambers, and even the dungeon. Rainy day? No problem. Many of the rooms are roofed, making this a fantastic all-weather destination. Don’t forget to look up when you reach the inner courtyard—the huge yew tree growing there is said to be over 300 years old.

After your visit, take some time to wander into town. Skipton has a lively high street with independent shops, cafés, and a tucked-away alley lined with art and spiritual shops that’s well worth discovering. My personal favourite café is The Flipside Café—they’re passionate about pancakes, and with a seat by the window, you can people-watch to your heart’s content.

If you’ve parked in the castle’s main car park, there’s a lovely woodland path that begins just to the left of the castle entrance. It winds its way back down to the car park and offers a quiet moment to round off your visit.

Middleham castle

History lovers, this one’s for you. Middleham Castle is where Richard III spent much of his youth, and although now a ruin, it retains a powerful presence. The massive keep is one of the largest in England, and you can still explore stairways, chambers, and even climb to the top of one of the surviving towers for lovely countryside views.

Wander around and imagine the daily lives of knights and nobles. Interpretive signs bring the castle’s history to life, and there’s plenty of space for children to explore. As it's managed by English Heritage, members can enjoy free entry. A top tip: arrive early if you're visiting during peak times, as parking in the market square fills up quickly.

Bolton castle

This one tops my list. Perched high in Wensleydale, Bolton Castle is wonderfully preserved (check out the galeries below) and offers one of the most immersive experiences in the Dales. Built in the 14th century by Richard le Scrope, Lord Chancellor to Richard II, the castle has retained much of its original structure. Many rooms are still roofed and furnished in a way that brings medieval life vividly to mind.
In the café, the wood-burning stove tucked into a huge stone fireplace adds warmth and character—perfect for those cooler days. The lovingly tended gardens include a maze, herb garden, and vineyard, while the regular falconry displays are a treat for visitors of all ages. Don’t miss climbing the tower for sweeping views across the Dales. On a clear day, the landscape stretches endlessly.