A Day Out to Bolton Abbey and Skipton

A view of the River Wharfe and Bolton Priory

Each year, several coaches set off from various parts of Rotherham to take part in the Rotherham Deanery Pilgrimage, which involves a formal church service in the morning followed by extended leisure time in the afternoon. 

A general view of the Bolton Abbey Estate

Although not a religious person, having helped out with various practical tasks at St. Helen’s church in Treeton in the last few years, I went on the pilgrimage to Hull in 2018 and had a great day out and I immediately signed up to the trip to Bolton Priory and Skipton. 

Bolton Abbey Hall

In contrast to my trip to Manchester a week earlier, when it was glorious summer weather from start to finish, this day out started with a small group huddling beneath a tree to avoid the pouring rain; however, by the time we arrived at Bolton Abbey, it had turned into another fine day. 

The Old Rectory

I was very surprised to discover that the Bolton Abbey Estate is a fully fledged tourist destination owned by the Duke of Devonshire on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with the ruins of Bolton Priory – incorporating the church of St. Mary and St. Cuthbert – set next to the River Wharfe. 

The Priory church of St. Mary and St. Cuthbert

Appealing to my interests in geology, archaeology, ecclesiastical architecture, historic stone buildings and tourism, I could have easily spent a whole day here but, having to fit in with the timetable of the Pilgrimage, I had only an hour to explore this wonderful place.

The Devonshire crest