Explore Bolton

Bolton is friendly town full of character in Greater Manchester, Ideally located close to the scenic West Pennine Moors on the edge of stunning countryside.

From fascinating heritage to great entertainment and live sporting events you’re never far away from a world of choice in Bolton. With an annual events calendar, offering some of the North West’s best events, including one of the UK’s biggest Food and Drink Festivals each August Bank Holiday, the world’s largest Ironkids and the Ironman UK Triathlon…you’re guaranteed a great day out whatever the weather!

Bolton’s wonderful industrial heritage is clearly visible around the borough and lives on through the canals, coal, cotton, railways and of course people. Some of Bolton’s most famous sons include Samuel Crompton, Fred Dibnah and others whose character, work and inventions have all left a visible imprint on Bolton. There’s an array of attractions scattered across the borough for you to visit.

Smithills Hall is one of the oldest manor houses in the North West, is set in over 2,000 acres of grounds and gardens and  has a colourful history is, including many ghost stories .

Located at a former mill, Bolton Steam Museum houses the largest collection of working mill steam engines in the UK which you can still visit today.

Bolton has no shortage of attractions for a great family day out that keeps everyone happy, you can explore Smithills Open Farm, Go Ape! in Rivington and Bolton Museum and Aquarium in Bolton town centre.

If you are looking to fill an hour or a full day there is some beautiful countryside to explore, enjoy, and take in some fresh air. Take a stroll around Jumbles Country Park and enjoy its beautiful parklands and picturesque walks, or hike your way to the spectacular views of Rivington Pike.

Things to do in Bolton

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Firwood Fold

The birthplace of Samuel Crompton - inventor of the Spining Mule which revolutionised the cotton…

What's on in Bolton

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Ironman UK 02 Jul 2024

Ironman UK

England’s best IRONMAN weekend returns to Bolton from Friday 30th June to Sunday 2nd July and…

Where to eat and drink in Bolton

Harvester

Family friendly pub with easy access off the M61. A large menu available, something for all the…

La Scala

Superb Italian restaurant and previous winner of the Bolton News Restaurant of the Year.

Nam Ploy

Nam Ploy is an enchanting Thai restaurant in Bolton which offers an unforgettable dining experience…

The Brewhouse

The Brewhouse is everything desired from a local inn and restaurant - superb freshly prepared food…

The Kitchen

The Kitchen on Great Moor Street, Bolton is the cafe project by the Lakamka Workers Co-Operative…

Where to stay in Bolton

The Brewhouse

Welcome to the Brewhouse! Formerly the Cheetham Arms, the property was extensively refurbished in…

The Mercury

Superbly located on the outskirts of Bolton, the Mercury is just 300 metres from the M61, Junction…

Bolton articles

Guide to Arts and Culture in Greater Manchester

Galleries, theatres and museums are a big reason to visit Manchester. Permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, famous names, well-loved plays and local or global artefacts offer a window to the world. But wouldn’t it be nice to do more than just look out of a window? Even Da Vinci needed…

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Walking Routes in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is fit to burst with walking routes and trails, so we've put together a round-up of some of the best, with easy-to-use downloadable trail maps. Whether it's an easy family walk, a strenuous 5k or a picturesque dog walk you're looking for, these walks near Manchester mean you have…

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Top 5 Walks in Bolton

Towers and Turrets The Last Drop Village complex of hotel, restaurant and shops stands high above Bolton on the edge of hills and makes an excellent starting point for this scenic walk. You'll navigate towers and turrets, passing through woods to the attractive village of Chapeltown. Explore the…

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Where is Bolton