Lots to do in and around Bolton!
Bolton, a charming town in Greater Manchester, is ideally situated near the picturesque West Pennine Moors on the outskirts of the beautiful countryside.
Bolton, a charming town in Greater Manchester, is ideally situated near the picturesque West Pennine Moors on the outskirts of the beautiful countryside. It is also only a short hop from Manchester and all its attractions.
Bolton offers a multitude of options, from historical heritage to fantastic entertainment and live sporting events. You're guaranteed a wonderful day out no matter the weather in Bolton. As they have an annual events calendar featuring some of the top events in the North West, including one of the UK's largest Food and Drink Festivals each August Bank Holiday, the world's largest Ironkids, and the Ironman UK Triathlon.
The industrial history of Bolton is clear all around the borough. The canals, coal, cotton, railways, and, of course, the local populace perpetuate it. Among the most well-known sons of Bolton are Samuel Crompton, Fred Dibnah, and other individuals whose lives, careers, and innovations have all left a recognisable mark on the town.
You might be surprised to learn that there are lots of walks in and around Bolton! With so much lovely scenery to explore including the West Pennine Moors, you'll have to decide whether you want to walk for an hour or an entire day. Take a stroll around Jumbles Country Park to take in the lovely parklands and gorgeous trails. Or hike up Rivington Pike for breathtaking, amazing views.
There are lots of great cafés that are perfect for afternoon tea, but there are also restaurant chains like Nando's, Prezzo, Gourmet Burger, and The Great Ale Bar. There are also several award-winning restaurants and bars in and around Bolton, too. So there are plenty of choices for when you need a bite to eat.
Along with store chains and several boutiques, there are a variety of speciality stores. Including jewellers, art galleries, toy shops, antique dealers, and coastal gift shops.
Our favourite places to visit are:
Smithhills Hall
As one of the oldest manor houses in the North West, more than 2,000 acres of grounds and gardens surround Smithills Hall. It has a rich history that includes numerous ghost stories!
Bolton Steam Museum
It is housed in a former mill and has the greatest collection of still-operating mill steam engines in the UK.Volunteers from the Northern Mill Engine Society, who saved 25 of the vintage stationary steam engines, run the museum. It was previously the power source for Lancashire and Yorkshire’s cotton mills. The museum houses the biggest collection of active steam mill engines in the UK and very likely the entire world.
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Bolton’s collection includes everything from Egyptian mummies to regional history and fauna.
They have a sizeable fish collection with a diverse variety of freshwater fish from around the globe. The aquarium offers information on feeding, breeding, and fish care and current conservation initiatives.
All year long, they provide family-friendly activities and exhibitions.
Moss Bank Park
Moss Bank Park is a popular park with the locals. With a spacious children’s play area, fairground attractions, a miniature steam railway, crazy golf and beautiful gardens it is the perfect spot for a weekend outing. Admission into the beautiful park is completely free too!
If you take the path to the right there is a large field which is a favourite picnic spot, and just opposite the funfair, you’ll see a kiosk selling ice cream, hot drinks and snacks.
Moses Gate Country Park
Due to its distinctive biodiversity, the park—which was once an abandoned industrial site—has been restored and is now of national scientific interest. You can go for walks, bike rides, horseback rides, and it is a popular spot for model plane flying. There is also a substantial children’s play area.
Barrow Bridge Village
Barrow Bridge, a former industrial community, originally housed three mills, and one chimney still exists as a reminder of the region’s industrial past.
The renowned 63 steps are also located at Barrow Bridge. Mill workers would take these steps daily to get to work. Today, the steps lead visitors up onto the beautiful West Pennine Moors.
Smithills Country Park
With more than 2,000 acres of moorland, woodland, and farmland, it’s a great area for cyclists, horseback riders, and walkers. The country park has some fabulous picnic places, as well as well-maintained pathways, and good off-road bridleways.
Octagon Theatre
One of the best provincial theatres in the country, the Octagon is famous for its fifty plus years of history, providing entertaining and breakthrough theatre. Find out more on their web site https://octagonbolton.co.uk/
Bolton Little Theatre
Since 1931, Bolton Little Theatre has worked tirelessly to present the local community with historical plays about the town of Bolton under the direction of enthusiastic volunteers. They have over 100 people and produce 8 contemporary plays every season. https://boltonlittletheatre.co.uk/
Market Place Shopping Centre
Bolton has plenty of shops in the Marketplace. The finest UK retailers and independent shops can be found in the town centre.
Watch a film at The Light, have a meal or a drink at The Vaults, and browse the extensive selection of retailers for all your shopping needs.
