The 12th century priory at Bolton Abbey is a great place to visit. The estate on the banks of the Wharfe has been owned for centuries by the Duke of Devonshire.
Things to Do at Bolton Abbey
- Inspect the Church and the ruins of the old priory and discover a landscape full of history. The grave yard is of particular interest.
- Walk across the stepping stones or have a picnic by the river.
- Go to Strid woods and see the dangerous whirlpool or just inspect the local flowers.
- Stroll or Yomp along a section of the Dales way.
- Walk up to Simon’s Seat if you are feeling fit (about 8 miles) or look for rabbits in the Valley of Desolation.
- Or do a bit of train spotting at Bolton Abbey railway station. You can ride on the refurbished Embsay to Bolton Abbey steam railway line in either or both directions.
- Friday 22nd – Monday 25th April 2011 is a special weekend with Thomas The Tank Engine and friends. Suitable for lads of all ages.
- In addition to the ‘All Aboard with Ivor the Engine’ there are other specials including 1940s Weekend, Harvest of Steam, Strawberry specials, Diesel Gala and Santa Trains.
- Trains run every Wednesday throughout the year and on most summer days
- The railway has two fully operational signalboxes and two others to include one to use as a demonstration signalbox at Bolton Abbey.
- There is a full history of the line from Skipton to Ilkley of which Bolton Abbey- Embsay is the only surviving part
- Embsay Station built in 1888 and the new award winning station at Bolton Abbey are only 15-20 minutes apart but the trip is a nostalgic delight.
- After all the excitement I recommend ‘Buffers’ a happy cafe situated in the 17th century farm buildings, which were once part of the working dairy farm in Storiths. They have model railways galore and it is worth the walk up the hill opposite the Abbey rather than using the overcrowded Cavendish cafe on the estate.