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Visiting Barden Tower
Barden Tower is part of the Bolton Abbey Estate. So, when you buy a ticket to see Barden tower, you can access all of the historical sites nearby. Some of the most notable sites include the priest’s house, the aqueduct, several waterfalls, the ruined Priory, and all of the cafes and shops on the property.
Parking
Bolton Abbey has several car parks, but the closest one to Barden tower is at Barden Field. However, this car park is only available on Saturdays and Sundays starting at noon.
The next nearest car park is Strid Car Park, about a mile from the tower.
Admission tickets are included in parking prices. For all of the car parks on the Bolton Abbey Estate, the prices are:
Price
To visit Barden tower, you will have to purchase a parking ticket to access the Bolton Abbey estate. When you purchase parking, you are permitted to see anything in Bolton Abbey, including Barden Tower.
|
Car Park (admits one vehicle) |
Early Bird Prices |
Prices for Ticket Purchased on Day of Visit |
|
Barden Field Car Park |
£15.00 |
£17.50 |
|
Strid Wood Car Park |
£10.00 |
£12.50 |
|
Riverside Car Park |
£10.00 |
£12.50 |
|
Bolton Abbey Car Park |
£10.00 |
£12.50 |
|
Annual Season Ticket |
-- |
£100 |
Opening
Barden Tower is open every day, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with last admissions at 5:30 PM
Location and Access
Barden Tower is located at Barden, Skipton BD23 6AP, United Kingdom.
Coming from Harrogate, take A95 west for 14 miles (22.5 km), then take the 3rd exit onto B6160 and drive for 3.7 miles (6 km) until you get to the Barden Field car park.
The nearest town to Barden Tower is Skiptown, 5.6 miles (9 km) southeast of the site. To get to the tower from Skiptown:
- Take A6131 north for 0.4 miles (0.6 km), then follow left onto Skipton Road.
- Follow Skipton Road, which will become Easttown Lane, then Elm Tree Square.
- Turn right onto Main Street and then right onto Kirk Lane.
- Follow Kirk Land and continue onto Barden Road, which will lead you to the tower.
Know Before You Go
- Toilet facilities are available at each car park.
- There are accessible parking spots available in each of the car parks for Blue Badge holders.
- If you need a wheelchair or electric wheelchair during your visit, reserve one here.
- Dogs are allowed on the estate but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Service dogs are allowed in shops, cafes, and buildings.
- Bolton Abbey has a 7.2 mile (11.6 km) walking trail that leads south through the Strid Woods to the Priory. With such a long trail, you may want to check out a map of the estate before you visit so that you can see all that you want to while you are there.
Places To Stay Nearby
While visiting Barden tower, don’t miss these extraordinary places to stay within 5 miles (8 km) of Bolton estate. Whether you are looking for camping, a luxury hotel specialising in comfort, or a historical experience, these lodges and inns are the perfect addition to your vacation stay in Skipton.
For Camping and Glamping: Howgill Lodge
Located just 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Barden tower, the Howgill Lodge has something for everyone.
They offer timber lodges equipped with kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, hot tubs, private patios, and wood-burning stoves for a more luxurious experience. They also have many camping spots for caravans and tents, so whether you are looking for a campsite or a comfortable lodge, this spot has you covered.
They also offer free wifi, clean bathroom facilities, electric hookups, and a bonus alpaca farm that is sure to make your stay in Yorkshire pleasant and memorable.
For a Luxury Stay: The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa
2.8 miles (4.5 km) south of Barden Tower, the scenic Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa offers a touch of class to the Bolton Abbey Estate. With classic suites, luxury rooms, pet-friendly rooms, and cottages right on the Bolton Abbey Estate, this hotel is sure to make your visit to Barden tower relaxing.
Their hotel is situated in the countryside on the bank of the river, so you can be sure that you will get an extraordinary view, no matter what room you get. They also offer complimentary coffee, tea, toiletries, wifi, and TV in every room. In addition, the Devonshire Arms Hotel has an in-house restaurant and bar. Click Here To Book Devonshire Arms >>
For a Unique and Historical Experience: Craven Arms and Cruckbarn’s Shepherd Huts
If you are looking for a truly unique place to stay, consider Craven Arms and Cruckbarn’s Shepherd Huts. They offer several moveable huts with en-suite toilets and showers, wood-fired stoves, and comfortable beds. In addition, there is a marvellous 16th-century pub with free wifi, historical displays, fantastic food, and drinks in the centre.
Staying at Craven Shepherd Huts is an excellent way to learn more about local history in the comfort of a cosy cabin.
History of Barden Tower (Time Line)
Now a part of the Bolton Abbey estate, Barden Tower was originally a smaller hunting lodge. In the 15th century, Henry Clifford the Shepherd Lord fortified and expanded it, making it his primary residence. Today, the fortified manor lies in ruins.
-1090
King Wiliam I gave Bolton Abbey to Robert de Romile, a Norman adventurer. At the time, the entire area consisted of 9240 acres (4046.87 Square metres) of hunting land. Soon after gaining the territory, Robert de Romile built a hunting lodge where Barden Tower now stands.
The Romile family owned the Bolton estate for over 200 years. While they held the territory, Robert’s heir, Cecilia, had the Augustinian Embsay Priory built, later called Bolton Priory.
-1310
The last Romile heir died without a successor, leaving the Bolton Estate to king Edward II. Edward then granted the territory to Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford. Robert de Clifford was responsible for defending Skipton and Appleby from the invading Scots.
-1485-1490 (Tower Constructed)
Henry Clifford, the 10th Baron Clifford, constructed Barden Tower.
Henry was the son of John Clifford (who died in the Wars of the Roses) and called the Shepherd Lord. Clifford gained this honorific title because, according to legend, his mother put him into the care of shepherds during the Wars of the Roses to hide him from Yorkists.
It is likely that Henry Clifford heavily fortified his tower since he had just seen significant conflict in the English countryside and since the Clifford family was responsible for defending the English border from the Scots.
Clifford built Barden Tower as his primary residence, and his heirs would live in the fortified manor for hundreds of years. He is responsible for constructing the chapel, expanding the tower, and building a stargazing room.
-1536 (Tower Damaged)
During the Pilgrimage of Grace, an uprising against Henry VIII’s religious reforms, Barden Tower was captured by insurrectionists who damaged the residence. After the King suppressed the rebels, the Cliffords repaired the damage, but they never again used Barden tower as their primary residence.
-1651
During the English Civil War, the Cliffords supported the Royalists. Barden Tower was not used during the war, but the Cliffords were ordered to dismantle the curtain wall at the end of the conflict to prevent them from using it as a stronghold.
-1605
When George Clifford, the 3rd Earl of Cumberland and owner of Barden Tower, died, he left all of his estates to his brother Francis. In granting the property to Francis, he broke a 14th century entail that specified that the Cliffords should give their estates to the next available heir, whether they were female or male.
Lady Anne Clifford, the only heir to George Clifford, took the matter to court since she was cheated of her inheritance.
-1657 (Tower Restored)
In 1657, Lady Anne Clifford finally gained Barden Tower, along with some other properties that were historically owned by the mainline of the Clifford family. With a keen interest in family history and historical accuracy, she took great pains to restore the tower in keeping with 15th-century architecture.
She undertook many restoration projects and made Barden Tower liveable again. She also added a large, L-shaped tower to the property and installed a plaque above the main entrance, marking her restorations, that you can still see today.
Barden Tower Occupants
Barden Tower was a country hideaway for the Clifford family, and it only functioned as their primary residence between 1490 and 1536. However, it always served as a hunting lodge for the family.
While it was still in good condition, Barden tower housed:
- Henry Clifford, 10th Baron Clifford, the Shepherd Lord
- Henry Clifford, 11th Barol Clifford, 1st Earl of Cumberland
- Margaret, Countess of Cumberland
- Lady Anne Clifford
Images of Barden Tower
Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package
Barden Tower Facts
The name Barden is a shortened form of “boar den,” meaning “valley of the boar” in Anglo-Saxon.
William Wordsworth wrote “Song at the Feast at Brougham Castle” and “White Doe of Rylstone” about Henry Clifford the Shepherd Lord. “White Doe of Rhylestone” is inspired by a trip that Wordsworth took to Bolton Abbey.
Barden Tower Q&A
Before you visit Barden tower, you may have some questions about what you can and cannot do on-site. These are some of the most common questions people ask about visiting Barden Tower and the rest of the Bolton Abbey estate.
Can You Go Inside the Tower?
Since the structure is no longer sound, you cannot climb the tower. However, you can look through the windows to see what’s inside.
Can You Swim in the River?
Generally, swimming in the river is not recommended, but you may do so at your own risk. The river is fast-flowing, rocky, and turbulent, so swimming in it could be dangerous.
Where Is the Nearest Town?
Skipton is the nearest town to Bolton Estate, and they offer petrol and refreshments.
Can I Bring a Picnic?
You can bring food and drinks to the estate. There are plenty of picnic tables! Or, you could visit the Victorian tea room for cold and warm sandwiches, soup, baked potatoes, tea cakes, tea, and coffee.
Location of Barden Tower
Barden Tower is located at Barden, Skipton BD23 6AP, United Kingdom. Originally built by Henry Clifford on the site of a hunting lodge, the serene countryside and the Wharfe river surround the estate, making it a grande and memorable tourist spot. It features walking trails, a restaurant in the old priest’s house, and is currently a popular wedding venue.
Other Places To Visit Near Barden Tower
Yorkshire is rich in history, so you should get the most out of your trip to Skipton. While you are visiting the tower, check out some of these other marvellous sites.
Bolton Priory
As part of the Bolton Estate, you can’t miss the Bolton Priory, just south of Barden Tower. The Priory, constructed in 1154 by the Romile family, is a fantastic ruined site. While you’re here, take a guided tour, dip your feet in the river, look at the medieval gravestones, or sightsee on the grounds.
Skipton Castle
5.6 miles (9 km) southwest of Barden Tower lies Skipton Castle, a well-preserved estate that also belonged to the Romile and Clifford families. While the Cliffords did not always live at Barden Tower, they often used Skipton Castle as their primary residence. You even can go inside this castle and see the remarkably well-preserved architecture.
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
If you make it to the southern end of the Bolton Estate, visit Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Station. The Railway offers train rides in a fully restored Victorian steam engine from Bolton Bridge to Embsay. Or, you can take their historical boat ride from Skipton to Embsay.
In their trains and boats, they have immaculately conserved collections of artefacts and restored technology of bygone days, so these practical routes are the perfect way to make your travels to and from the Abbey memorable.
Final Thoughts
Barden Tower is a remarkable sight, and its history as a property of the Clifford family makes it well worth seeing. Surrounded by beautiful fields, forests, and the rushing Wharfe River, this tower is a must-see historical site if you want to take a walk through the historic hunting grounds of the Medieval inhabitants of North Yorkshire. With so many other historical sights to see, don’t hesitate to plan your trip to Barden Tower today!