Impressive castle ruin (well, mostly) in the heart of Derbyshire. On the English Heritage website, it's No.6 of their top ten of castles and mansions in Britain. I wouldn't go that far, but it's certainly worth the 30min bus ride from Chesterfield. And there's a well-above-average Wetherspoon pub just around the corner that you can relax in after your visit to the castle. What's not to like?
"Bolsover Castle was founded in the 12th century by the Peverel family, who also owned Peveril Castle in Derbyshire, and came under royal control in 1155. The site is now in the care of English Heritage and is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument." Unfortunately, it was also besieged and partly destroyed during the English Civil War, as its owner sided with King Charles I. against Cromwell and his men - which turned out to be not such a great idea.
This is why the main halls of the castle lie in ruins. Only the stables (the Duke pretty much invented modern horse dressage singlehandedly, or so they'll tell you) and the adjacent "little" castle still have a roof, and a tiny part of their former decor. Actually, the smaller castle is the greater attraction as it allows you to get a better picture of what life was like with the duke and his family in the 17th century.
Bolsover Castle remains an impressive construction, and there are some re-creations that show you what the decor in the main halls must have been like. All in all, it's well-prepared and cared for by English Heritage, and most certainly worth the modest entry fee. There's also a small souvenir shop and a café as you enter/leave the grounds.
Bolsover itself isn't exactly spectacular - it's mostly a commuter's village I guess. But there are a couple of promising-looking pubs, in addition to the Spoon.
My recommendation would be to go to Chesterfield by train and then take the 30min bus ride (no changes - the bus stops almost exactly in front of the castle). read more