Bolsover Castle was the Cavendish family’s aristocratic retreat: a place for entertaining, aristocratic pursuits and indulging in life’s pleasures. On this tour with Dr Megan Leyland (English Heritage Senior Curator of History), uncover how this ‘pleasure palace’ was used in the 17th century and hear about the lavish festivities laid on for the visit of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria in 1634.

Immerse yourself in stories of the Cavendish family and their royal guests, and discover what life was like for those who served them, including investigating one of the remarkable surviving 17th-century kitchens. Drawing on poetry, prose and surviving records from the time, this tour will invite you to imagine the smells, sounds and sights of the 17th century - from delicate pastries cooked in the ovens, to the music that would've filled the air.

This tour is graded as moderate access as it may involve navigating some stairs and narrow spaces, with few places to stop and sit down.