[1] In medieval times, it was known as Bolton-in-Bowland, reflecting the shifting boundaries of the ancient Forest of Bowland on whose south east flank the village sits.

The manor of Bolton-by-Bowland, however, was not included within the Lordship of Bowland, being a part of the Percy family fee from earliest times.

The village has a car park, toilet facilities and a tourist information centre, is the starting point for many of the area's walks.

In 1938 an 146-hectare (361-acre) area toward the northern end of the parish, that had formed a detached part of Tosside, was transferred to Bolton-by-Bowland.

[6] In 1974 the civil parish was transferred from the West Riding of Yorkshire to the Ribble Valley district of Lancashire.