2 Best Sights in Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire

The ruins of this 12th-century Augustinian priory sit on a grassy embankment over a great curve of the River Wharfe. Area views of the Wharfedale scenery inspired J. M. W. Turner to create a number of watercolors of the priory ruins and nearby sites. Close to Bolton Priory and surrounded by romantic woodland scenery, the River Wharfe plunges between a narrow chasm in the rocks (called the Strid) before reaching Barden Tower, a ruined medieval hunting lodge that can be visited just as easily as Bolton Priory. Both are part of the 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey estate owned by the dukes of Devonshire. The priory is just a short walk or drive from the village of Bolton Abbey. You can also visit the priory church.

A scenic one-hour ride on this preserved heritage railway from Skipton to Ilkley stops off at the station in Bolton Abbey. If you really enjoy your ride, you can even take a two-hour course on how to drive a steam train. Hours vary greatly, especially in spring and fall, so it's best to call ahead.