Bolton Abbey has always been renowned for its game shoot, which is considered one of the best in the country, and in the early part of the 20th century, King Edward VII, his son King George V and his grandson King George VI were guests of the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire, to enjoy the grouse moors. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip also stayed for a week in 2005 at Bolton Abbey Hall on the estate, where her grandfather George V also slept during his visits for the shooting season.
In June, a retreat for guests has been organised, with activities including wild fungi foraging, fly fishing, guided dawn chorus walks and moorland safaris where they will spot birds such as curlews. They will stay at the hall, which is now a luxury hotel with 12 bedrooms, though it remains a private residence of the family. Although the 12 guests will not take part in field sports, they will instead eat picnics in the huts usually used for shooting parties.