Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, just off the A59 between Skipton and Harrogate lies the ruins of Bolton Abbey, a 12 century Priory and parish church, which stands majestically overlooking the River Wharfe.

The Priory was founded around 1154 after Lady Alice de Rumilly the owner of nearby Skipton Castle, gifted the land to the Augustinian Canons. The Canons lived there for over four hundred years, purusing a life of service and worship to the church. It was Henry V111 that brought an end to life at the priory with the Dissolution of the Monastries in 1539.

Today you can clearly see the full height west end gable wall and large sections of the north trancept. The nave was the least damaged in the dissolutionment and has since been restored. It has a beautiful ceiling and stained glass windows, and  still serves the local community as the parish church.

There are several large car parks along the river where you can leave your car and take a pleasant riverside walk or stroll around the church and ruins. There are some lovely restaurants and tea rooms on the estate, selling local produce and gifts, all of which goes towards making a great place to visit.