Castle Bolton  ·  Wensleydale

Lawson's Studio

A charming 18th century retreat in the heart of historic Castle Bolton

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4 Star Gold Award
Visit England Rose Award 2019
Pet Friendly
200 Yards from Bolton Castle
Free Wi-Fi

Welcome to Lawson's Studio

A charming 18th century holiday cottage in the conservation village of Castle Bolton, Lawson's Studio has a picturesque view of Wensleydale. Nestled alongside the village green and facing South, this quirky former artist's studio enjoys stunning panoramas, with the spectacular medieval fortress of Bolton Castle only 200 yards along the lane — and viewable from the lounge.

The tranquil bedroom with king-size bed and luxury Simba mattress offers beautiful views and is the perfect cosy retreat for couples or solo travellers. Whatever the season, you'll find our traditional stone-built cottage always warm, clean and welcoming with comfy furniture and all those important little touches that make you feel at home from the moment you step inside.

We are proud to hold and consistently maintain a 4 Star Gold Award 'Visit England' rating. Your very own Yorkshire Dales bolthole!

Enquire About Dates
Lawson's Studio living room Lawson's Studio living room

Everything You Need

4 Star Gold Award  ·  Visit England Rated

Charming Cottage

18th century former artist's studio with panoramic views of Wensleydale from the lounge.

King Size Bed

Luxury Simba mattress in a tranquil bedroom with beautiful views — sleep in comfort.

Well-Equipped Kitchen

Everything you need to prepare a delicious meal after a day exploring the Dales.

Ultra Modern Heating

Thermostatically controlled heating — always warm and cosy whatever the season.

Free Wi-Fi

Fast broadband throughout the cottage for those who must stay connected.

Pet Friendly

Well-behaved medium sized pets welcome. Most of our local Dales pubs are pet friendly too.

Smart TV

Smart TV with Freeview & catch-up. Samsung Hi-Fi with Bluetooth docking.

4 Star Gold Award

Proud holders of the Visit England 4 Star Gold Award — your guarantee of quality.

The Artist — Fred Lawson

Fred Lawson, Yorkshire Dales artist
Fred Lawson (1888–1968)
"For nearly 60 years Fred Lawson drew aspects of life in the Yorkshire Dales for love rather than money. His huge output is now a social archive — and increasingly valuable. What LS Lowry did for Lancashire mill towns, Fred Lawson did for Yorkshire market towns and the Dales."

Over 50 years after his death, any number of people have a practical reason to be grateful for his deceptively simple social commentary. The art world has caught on to Lawson's value, and prices for his work are escalating. He was a man with little care for money — his surroundings and the events within them were his main currency.

He was so prolific that Umpteen households in the Dales are said to have at least one Lawson on their walls. He was born in Yeadon in 1888, studied at art schools in Dewsbury and Leeds, then the Royal College of Art in London. A holiday in Wensleydale in 1910 was the turning point in his life — he established a studio at Castle Bolton, and this very cottage bears his name.

He sought out art on the Continent and in France was influenced by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. He contributed to The Dalesman magazine, and some wrongly assumed he was a dalesman himself.

— Yorkshire Post, 2006

Fred Lawson — A Painter's Life

There is a book about Fred's life available from:

Tillington Press Amazon

Local Favourites

Castle Bolton sits at the heart of Wensleydale — surrounded by pubs, castles, markets and some of the finest walking in England.

The Bolton Arms, Redmire

The Bolton Arms, Redmire

Excellent wines, real ales and home cooked food. A 15 minute stroll across the fields.

Bolton Castle

Bolton Castle

Magnificent medieval fortress 200 yards away. Falconry, archery and a wonderful tearoom.

The Three Horseshoes, Wensley

The Three Horseshoes, Wensley

A classic Yorkshire Dales pub with a warm welcome and great food nearby.

The Wensleydale Heifer, West Witton

Wensleydale Heifer, West Witton

Award-winning inn and restaurant — one of the finest dining experiences in the Dales.

Campbells Supermarket and Deli, Leyburn

Campbells Deli, Leyburn

Outstanding local deli and supermarket in the market town of Leyburn, minutes away.

The Sandpiper Inn, Leyburn

The Sandpiper Inn, Leyburn

A much-loved inn serving locally sourced food in the heart of Leyburn.

Before You Book

Everything you might want to know before your stay at Lawson's Studio.

Yes — we welcome well-behaved, medium sized pets. Most of our local Dales pubs are pet friendly too, so you can bring the whole family. We just ask that pets are not left unattended in the cottage.

Bolton Castle is just 200 yards along the lane — you can actually see it from the lounge. It runs daily activities including falconry displays and archery demonstrations, and has a magnificent tearoom.

Lawson's Studio is a cosy cottage ideal for couples or solo travellers, with one king size bedroom. It's a romantic and tranquil retreat rather than a large family property.

Absolutely. The Bolton Arms in Redmire is a 15 minute walk across the fields, and the market town of Leyburn with its range of restaurants, takeaways and inns is just a short drive away. The Wensleydale Heifer at West Witton is one of the finest restaurants in the Dales.

Local transport links are excellent. Buses call at the castle and then on to Leyburn or Hawes. Redmire trains operate as far as Leeming Bar (sometimes by steam), and the vintage bus of the 1960s visits the glorious Aysgarth Falls.

Full check-in and check-out details will be provided on booking. Please get in touch via the enquiry form and we'll be happy to discuss dates and arrangements with you.

Fresh linen, towels, fast Wi-Fi, Smart TV with Freeview, Samsung Hi-Fi with Bluetooth, a well-equipped kitchen, and all those little touches that make it feel like a home from home from the moment you arrive.

From Our Guests

★★★★★

Verified guest reviews

★★★★★

Thanks for another cosy stay. Enjoyed being warm and snug and later on enjoyed having the stable door open. Roll on next visit!

Verified Guest

April 2018

★★★★★

What a wonderful cottage — the views from the lounge over Wensleydale are simply stunning. Bolton Castle right on the doorstep was an unexpected treat. We'll definitely be back.

Verified Guest

Verified Review

★★★★★

The most characterful cottage we've ever stayed in — so much history and warmth. The king size bed was incredibly comfortable and the views in the morning were breathtaking.

Verified Guest

Verified Review

★★★★★

Perfect in every way. The cottage is immaculate, cosy and packed with thoughtful touches. Castle Bolton village is magical — we barely wanted to leave.

Verified Guest

Verified Review

★★★★★

Such a special place. The connection to the artist Fred Lawson gives it a real sense of history and soul that you don't find in other holiday lets. Highly recommended.

Verified Guest

Verified Review

Book Your Stay

Get in touch to check availability and discuss dates. We'll get back to you quickly.

Lawson's Studio, Castle Bolton, DL8 4ET

Isn't it time you enjoyed a slice of Yorkshire life?

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