Located in Greater Manchester in England, Bolton was a mill town in the past. Today, it is one of the largest towns in the country, with plenty of things to do and see. One is Winter Hill that is lined with walking trails, offering majestic views. Another viewpoint in the town is Rivington Pike, perched on the summit of a hill and offers panoramic views of the town. The historic Smithills Hall is also a must-visit spot; it stands out with its blend of medieval, Tudor and Victorian style of architecture. For those who love ancient Egypt, the Bolton Central Library has fascinating exhibits of Egyptian art from the past. To know more, read our list of the best things to do in Bolton, UK.
1. Interact with animals at Smithills Open Farm
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
As a family-run working dairy farm open to the public, this farm is a must-visit for animal lovers. Not only does it house a variety of farm and zoo animals, but it also offers a truly interactive experience where visitors can get up close and personal with the animals. From baby rabbits and guinea pigs to lambs, goats, foals, cria (baby alpacas or llamas), and even European Eagle Owls, the farm’s Pets Corner is an exciting destination for animal enthusiasts.
The knowledgeable farmers are always around to provide information, and visitors are encouraged to hold and stroke the animals. But that’s not all - the farm offers an adventure playground, tractor tours, and a souvenir shop, making it a perfect day out for the entire family. And after all the fun and excitement, the farm’s cafe serves up delicious homemade ice cream and classic dishes.
Smithills Open Farm
Address: Smithills Dean Rd, Bolton BL1 7NS, United Kingdom
Website: Smithills Open Farm
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Under 12 USD (Adults); Under 11 USD (Children and OAP)
2. Nature-filled adventure in Jumbles Country Park
Jumbles Country Park in Bolton is an essential destination for nature enthusiasts. Tucked away on the southern side of the stunning West Pennine Moors, this park is a peaceful escape and is easily accessible by public transport. It provides visitors with various amenities, such as paid parking, areas for both on- and off-leash dogs, picnic spots, and restroom facilities.
The walk around the reservoir is mostly level and takes approximately an hour to complete, making it a delightful experience for people of all ages. During the summer season, the park’s reservoir is a hive of activity with various watersports taking place, including sailing, which has its very own dedicated sailing club.
Jumbles Country Park
Address: Bradshaw Rd, Bolton BL2 4JS, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10:30am - 4:15pm (daily)
3. Visit the Bolton Steam Museum
Bolton Steam Museum is set in the original Atlas Mills building, which used to produce cotton. The majority of the beam engines here were replaced in 1903 with two inverted vertical engines. One of the original engines did remain until the mills’ closure in the 1960s. The building was then used as a warehouse for some time. Now, it has been transformed into a museum, and volunteers began rebuilding the engines. Guided tours are also available.
Bolton Steam Museum
Address: Mornington Rd, Bolton BL1 4EU, UK
Website: Bolton Steam Museum
Opening hours: Sun & Wed: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat, Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri)
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4. Get fit at Leverhulme Park Community Leisure Center
The Leverhulme Park Community Leisure Center opened in 2005 and is home to the Bolton Triathlon Club and Bolton Harriers, who use the indoor and outdoor track during the week. The property has sports fields, a multi-station fitness center, a dance studio and a physiotherapy unit. The center is strongly committed to health and safety, as well as carbon reduction, and has received awards for its efforts.
Leverhulme Park Community Leisure Center
Address: Leverhulme Park Community Leisure Centre, Long Lane, Bolton BL2 6EB, United Kingdom
5. Explore the Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive features an impressive collection of fine art pieces dating back from the 18th-century onward. The museum also features exhibits that showcases the history of the industrial town. A botanical collection at the museum includes around 60,000 varied specimens that are either dried or pressed onto sheets of paper. Insect fans can learn from the entomology section of the museum, while lovers of Egyptian history will enjoy the Egyptology section, which houses ancient textiles, artifacts, a Roman gilded mummy mask, the Ramesside male mummy and coffin, among many more fascinating items. The freshwater aquarium on the site has an extensive collection of freshwater fish from around the world.
Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Address: Le Mans Cres, Bolton BL1 1SE, UK
Website: Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm
6. Indulge in retail therapy at Bolton Market
Located in the center of Bolton, the market is considered to be the premier food market in northwestern England and has won numerous awards. Besides the fresh meat, vegetables, cheese, bakery and fruit offerings, the stalls offer a lifestyle hall, with home items, including electrical goods, bed linens, mobile phones and more. A good selection of artisan crafts is also available. Feeling peckish? There’s a food hall on site, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack.
Bolton Market
Address: Ashburner St, Bolton BL1 1TJ, UK
Website: Bolton Market
Opening hours: Sat, Tue, Thu & Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun, Mon & Wed)
7. Have fun with family at Queens Park
Queens Park is a sprawling, Victorian town park offering walking paths, a bowling green, children’s playground equipment, a football pitch and a nature trail with beautiful garden beds. The large park also offers a relatively new café, where visitors can enjoy a snack along with a relaxing cup of coffee or other hot and cold drinks.
Queens Park
Address: Chorley New Rd, Bolton BL1 4RU, United Kingdom
Website: Queens Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Visit the fascinating and historic Hall i' th' Wood Museum
Hall i’ th’ Wood was originally a rich merchant’s home and cow shed with a chequered past. This was the home of Samuel Crompton and his family, and was bought by Lord Leverhulme for the town of Bolton. William Hesketh Lever bought the property in 1899 and renovated it, presenting it to the Bolton Corporation in 1902, when it became a museum. Hall i’ th’ Wood is a rare surviving specimen of a Tudor wooden-framed house, built in the early 16th century.
Hall i' th' Wood Museum
Address: Green Way, Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8UA, UK
Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 4pm; Tue: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun, Mon, Wed - Fri)
9. Step back in time at Smithills Hall
This historic building is known for its stunning architecture, which is a beautiful blend of Medieval, Tudor and Victorian styles. It is among the first family homes in the town. The house is surrounded by well-manicured gardens. Inside, there’s a Great Hall that has been restored to its original condition with several medieval features. The Bower and Solar Rooms were created as private quarters for the Radcliffe family in the early 1400s. Other rooms to visit include the Withdrawing Room, built between 1520 and 1540, The Chapel, which has been around for centuries, and other furnished rooms. A tea house is available to visitors, where they can relax and enjoy cakes and other tasty snacks.
Smithills Hall
Address: Smithills Dean Rd, Bolton BL1 7NP, UK
Website: Smithills Hall
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Wed - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat, Mon & Tue)
10. Take a nature walk in Rivington Terraced Gardens
The historic Rivington Terraced Gardens is a community-driven project, where locals are involved in the repair and conservation of the garden. The gardens consist of walking paths and lakes, as well as various structures, including the Pigeon Tower. The gardens are used for many local events, including nature forages and music festivals. Locals are welcome to join the Friends Group to get involved in caring for and repairing Rivington Terraced Gardens.
Rivington Terraced Gardens
Address: Rivington, Bolton BL6 7SA, UK
Website: Rivington Terraced Gardens
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Climb the stairs of the Pigeon Tower
This fascinating tower was constructed in the early-20th century by Lord Leverhulme and was a part of his sprawling estate. Located on the edge of the iconic Rivington Terraced Gardens, it stands out with its Italian architecture. It gets its name from the first and second levels of the tower, which were used to house pigeons and doves. Nowadays, the top level has been converted to a sitting room overlooking the boating lake. This room was formerly Lady Lever’s music and sewing room. A solid stone staircase takes visitors right to the top of the tower.
Pigeon Tower
Address: Rivington, Bolton BL6 7SA, UK
12. Go for a stroll in Seven Acres Country Park
Seven Acres Country Park is a nature reserve, nestled in the Bradshaw Brook Valley. The reserve was designated in 2004 to allow locals to experience the wildlife and countryside, with stunning views across the moors. A network of walking and biking trails features seating areas and a footbridge over the Bradshaw Brook. Here, a variety of bird species, dragonflies, butterflies, deer and amphibians can also be spotted.
Seven Acres Country Park
Address: 125 Thicketford Rd, Tonge Fold, Bolton BL2 2LU, UK
Website: Seven Acres Country Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Explore the historic town of Bolton
When visiting the Greater Manchester area, make sure you head to this beautiful and historic town to see the architecture, visit the museums and aquarium, and gaze at beautiful fine art. Also, make sure to visit the lovely parks and gardens of the town and the local markets. These are just some of the best things to do in Bolton, UK.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
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