What to do in Bolton Abbey

Activities, attractions and tours

The ruins of Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire.
Photo by Mattbuck (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
The ruins of Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire.
Photo by Mattbuck (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
Bolton Abbey Sunset
Photo by Matt Smith (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
The River Wharfe rushing over a small waterfall at Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire.
Photo by Mattbuck (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
The graveyard at Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire.
Photo by Mattbuck (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Bolton Abbey Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Bolton Abbey AU$31. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 3 activities in Bolton Abbey, Skipton.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Bolton Abbey attractions from AU$31, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.
Learn more
University of Leeds

2. First Direct Arena

When First Direct Arena opened in 2014, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John set a high bar for the quality of artists who would appear here. Since then, a huge variety of entertainers have come, from Drake and Miley Cyrus to championship boxing matches to beloved local acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs. Don’t miss any of the action in the arena’s fan-shaped configuration. It is unique in the U.K., with the rear seats only 230 feet (70 meters) from the stage, rather than the usual 330 feet (100 meters).
Learn more
First Direct Arena

3. Harrogate Convention Centre

Harrogate Convention Centre is a multipurpose complex containing several entertainment venues. With around 2,000 seats, the main auditorium is famous for hosting the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest. Check out the varied program and choose from the many shows across the center’s eight halls.
Learn more
Harrogate Convention Centre

4. O2 Academy Leeds

One of the city’s most popular venues for music gigs, O2 Academy Leeds is based in the historic Coliseum. This iconic site has long been at the core of the city’s cultural events, having hosted political meetings, variety shows and a circus. Go to see some of your favorite groups and solo artists in this majestic arena.
Learn more
O2 Academy Leeds

5. Leeds Grand Theatre

A historic venue in the heart of the city, the Leeds Grand Theatre offers an eclectic program of opera, ballet and musicals. Dating back to the late 19th century, the landmark stands out with its redbrick façade covered in Romanesque and Scottish baronial designs. Attend a performance in the majestic setting of the theater’s 1,550-seater auditorium.
Learn more
Leeds Grand Theatre

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

What to do in Bolton Abbey

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bolton Abbey

Aerial sunset of Comb Hill and Watlows dry Valley part of the Limestone landscape near Malham Cove, Malham, North Yorkshire, UK

Malham Cove

Explore the great outdoors at Malham Cove, a lovely green space in Malham. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

Malham Cove
Pen-y-Ghent makes up one the Yorkshire 3 peaks which, if you accept the challenge have to complete all 3 peaks and 24 miles within 12 hours. Most people start with this one (the smallest of the 3 ) from the nearby village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale. I’ve completed the challenge many years ago in my youth and this time we just tackled this one on a circular 6 mile walk. We took the 3 peaks ascent route which is steep in places and involves a scramble up some rocks near the end but the views

Pen-y-Ghent

Explore the great outdoors at Pen-y-Ghent, a lovely green space in Horton in Ribblesdale. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this relaxing area.

Pen-y-Ghent
Very interesting 900 year old castle in Skipton with old Banqueting room, dungeon etc. Nice woodland walks in nearby Skipton Castle Wood.

Skipton Castle

4.5/5(2 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Skipton with a stop at Skipton Castle. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Skipton Castle
This is beautiful Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale at the foot of the Yorkshire Dales. The now ruined abbey was founded in 1154 but dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Dare to cross the sixty stepping stones to cross the river but beware of the Strid with its dangerous eddies of water.

Bolton Priory

4/5(2 reviews)

Find out about the history of Bolton Abbey with a stop at Bolton Priory. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

Bolton Priory
Took a walk a few months ago and came across this lovely sight.

Gordale Scar

Explore the great outdoors at Gordale Scar, a lovely green space in Malham. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

Gordale Scar

Grassington Tourist Information Centre

After visiting Grassington Tourist Information Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Grassington. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

Grassington Tourist Information Centre

Thornton Hall Farm Country Park

Explore the great outdoors at Thornton Hall Farm Country Park, a lovely green space in Earby. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Thornton Hall Farm Country Park

Grimwith Reservoir

You can take time to visit Grimwith Reservoir during your travels to Appletreewick. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

Grimwith Reservoir

Kilnsey Park Estate

Explore the great outdoors at Kilnsey Park Estate, a lovely green space in Kilnsey. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

Kilnsey Park Estate

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Bolton Abbey

Small Shopping centre in Skipton, Yorkshire

Skipton

Lillands Beck Tiny beck heading eastwards towards the Wharfe near Bolton Bridge. The beck has four different names along its short course.

Draughton

Frequently asked questions

Is Bolton Abbey worth visiting?
Offering a blend of walking trails and dining, there are many things to do in Bolton Abbey. When you're here, check out Skipton Castle, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Bolton Abbey?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Skipton Castle and Hesketh Farm Park. Then, check out other areas of Bolton Abbey for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bolton Abbey?
Skipton Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Bolton Abbey and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bolton Abbey?
Three days will be enough time to tick off the leading city attractions, such as Skipton Castle, Hesketh Farm Park and Craven Museum and Gallery. The average stay in Bolton Abbey is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Leeds isn't far away.
Is Bolton Abbey a walkable city?
With top attractions like Hesketh Farm Park close by, Bolton Abbey is every bit a destination to experience on foot. Like to discover some cool neighbourhoods a walkable distance from downtown? Draughton is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bolton Abbey with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in Bolton Abbey with kids.

What to do in Bolton Abbey for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Bolton Abbey. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor adventures or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Bolton Abbey?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Bolton Abbey is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without opening your wallet. Craven Museum and Gallery is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.