If you've ever headed up North or down South for that matter on the M1, you may have noticed a castle on the hill not far from the Chesterfield turn off.
Well, this is Bolsover Castle, and it's a pretty nice and complete one.
Seeing as I'd rejoined English Heritage, I thought I'd go down for free entry. It really is good value at £5.50 a month, it's already paid for itself, and I've only visited two places.
Anyhow, Bolsover Castle is a 17th Century castle, although they say that it is built on earthworks of an older castle dating back to the 12th Century (would have loved to have seen that one).
The main castle is in very good condition and still has artwork and wall paintings that have survived from the 17th century, so they are considered quite rare.
To one side of the Castle is the remains of a stately terrace range and apartment that overlooks the moor of Scarsdale. Sadly this is now in ruin, and has been from the 1770's.
It's a great day out at Bolsover, although parking can be tricky at times, a great castle to have a wonder around, I didn't spend much time inside the castle, as I love walking around the exterior much more, the gardens are lovely, and it has the biggest tree I've ever seen.
It can get busy, and when I arrived, I just times it right for a coach trip, so be aware, that being said, it's still pretty peaceful.
Thanks for reading my blog and I hope you've enjoyed the pictures.
All the best :-)