But to earn your badge, you have one more quest.

Long ago at Bolsover Castle was Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle, a woman bursting with ideas, imagination and curiosity. Margaret loved to write, and she wrote a lot of poems, plays, letters, stories and even books about science and big questions about the world. At a time when few women published under their own names, Margaret bravely wrote under her own name and boldly shared her ideas.

Margaret even became the first woman ever invited to a meeting of the Royal Society, where clever thinkers shared ideas about science and discovery. She also wrote one of the very first science-fiction stories, The Blazing World, filled with strange creatures, new worlds and exciting adventures. In her story, the hero visits Bolsover Castle and watches William Cavendish practising riding and fencing.

As she walked through Bolsover’s grand rooms, terrace range and Venus Garden, Margaret dreamed of future worlds and new possibilities. Children exploring the castle today can imagine her in bright, unusual clothes, inventing stories, asking big questions and proving that imagination has no limits.

Bolsover Castle is a brilliant place for families to explore and let their imaginations run wild. Visitors can explore the Little Castle, filled with grand rooms, colourful details and fascinating stories from the past. Outside, families can wander through the Fountain Garden, enjoy the fresh air and admire the views, or take a stroll along the wall walk to look out across the countryside. When it’s time for a break, there’s a café for drinks and snacks, and a bookshop where children can find stories and souvenirs to remember their visit. Bolsover Castle is a place full of discovery, creativity and adventure for all ages.