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BoltonBolton

Bolton, 15 miles north-west of Manchester, is one of the UK's largest towns. 

Famous as a cotton producing town, Bolton has had a long and interesting history.  It originated as a small settlement in the Lancashire moors known as 'Bolton-le-Moors'. 

During the Civil War the town was a Parliamentarian outpost in a staunchly Royalist area.  In 1644 Bolton was stormed by 3,000 local Royalist troops lead by Colonel Rigby.  This attack, which later came to be known as the 'Bolton Massacre', resulted in 1,500 residents being killed and 700 taken prisoner. 

The first woollen 'cottage industry' was established here in the early 14th century when Flemish weavers settled in the town, bringing with them their weaving and clog-making skills.  By the 1640s cotton was being produced here on hand looms. 

In 1779 one of the town's residents, Samuel Crompton, invented the 'Spinning Mule' which produced a finer and much stronger cotton yarn.  This invention helped to achieve a fully mechanised spinning process and revolutionised the cotton industry.  The first spinning mill was built in Bolton in 1780 and within a decade cotton production had increased five-fold in the town. 

Bolton boomed in the 19th century and at its peak in 1929 the town boasted 216 cotton mills and 26 bleaching and dying works.  However, after World War I the British cotton industry declined sharply and by the 1980s cotton manufacture had virtually ceased in Bolton.  

Today Bolton is noted for its excellent shops and nightlife.  Top class football can be enjoyed at the Reebok Stadium, home of Bolton Wanders FC.  

In the town is some stunning architecture including one of the finest town halls in Britain.  This classical building, with a spectacular central clock tower, was was opened in 1873 by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII).  

Other places of interest in the town include the Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, the Hall I' Th' Wood Museum (where Samuel Crompton invented the Spinning Mule) and Smithshill Hall.  

Famous "sons" of Bolton include Fred Dibnah (1938 - 2004) the steeplejack and television celebrity and the comedian Peter Kay.       

      Location Map of Bolton
What To See -

Bolton Tourist Attractions

 
Bolton Museum, Art Gallery and Aquarium Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE
well know for its magnificent Egyptology Gallery with a 3,000 year old mummy and stone columms from the ancient city of Heracleopolis.  Collection of 18th, 19th and 20th century watercolours and contemporary work. An important part of the collection is the Mass Observation archive, with over 900 photographs taken by photo-journalist Humphrey Spender in 1937.  Basement aquarium with a wide range of tropical fish. The aquarium also runs a breeding programme for endangered species. Programme of temporary exhibitons. Open: Mon - Sat, 10:00-17:00.  Closed Sun and Bank Holidays. Tel: 01204 332211
 
Bolton Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton,
with a six-column Corinthian portico and impressive clock tower, the Victorian Town Hall dominates the centre of Bolton. The Classical building, made of Yorkshire stone, was opened in 1873 by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII).   In 1981 the Town Hall was ravaged by fire, rebuilding work created two new venues: the new Albert Hall and and the Festival Hall.
Open: all year.Tel: 01204 333 333
 
Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU
in the Victorian grandeur of Bolton Town Hall.  In 1981 a fire gutted the original single concert hall and it was converted into two separate venues. The busy programme includes pantomimes, comedy, amateur dramatics and jazz, rock and classical music concerts.  Tel: 01204 334 400
 
Bolton Octagon,  Howell Croft South, Bolton ,BL1 1SB
stages home produced shows, along with the best of the UK's touring companies. There is a second stage for more experimental works. Tel: Enquiries and Box Office 01204 520 661.
 
Bolton Steam Museum , Mornington Road, Bolton, BL1 4EU ( via Morrison's Supermarket car park, next to petrol station on Old Chorely Road)
in an original cotton store on the old Atlas Mills site, this museum contains a collection of restored textile mill steam engines. These impressive machines were in use from the 1800s to the 1960s. The entirely voluntary Northern Mill Engine Society has rebuilt around 25 machines. Several of the engines can be seen in motion, powered presently by electricity.
Open: Not open to the public on a regular basis but there are open days each year, and visitors are welcome, by prior arrangement, on their working days (Wed and Sun). Tel: 01257 265003 for more details. 
 
Animal World and Butterfly House, Moss Bank Park, Bolton, BL1 6NQ
a living environment for a variety of ainmals and birds, from farmyard animals to wildfowl and tropical birds. Butterfly House,,insects, spiders, reptiles and tropical plants.  In Moss Bank Park is a miniature steam railway (summer weekends), rock garden, old English garden, s play area and sports facilities.
Open: Apr- Sept: daily 10:00-16:30;  Oct-Mar: Mon-Thur, Sat,. and Sun: 10:00-15:30, Fri :10:00-14:30 Tel: 01204 334 050
 
Smithills Hall & Gardens, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton, BL1 7NP
dating back to the 14th century, this timber-framed building is Bolton's oldest manor house. Altered by generations of owners from the 14th to the 19th century it was purchased by Bolton Corporation in 1937, restored, and opened to the public in 1963.  Renovation in 1999 restored the Great Hall, supported by oak beams.  Library, with panelling, chapel, with heraldic stained glass. The stables now house the Coaching House Restaurant.
Open: Apr-Sept:, Tue-Sat 11:00-17:00, Sunday 14:00-17:00  Oct-Mar: Tue-Sat 13:00-17:00, Sun 14:00-17:00  Closed Mon  (except Bank Holidays).  Last admission 16.15  Tel: 01204 332377
Admission Charge
 

Hall I' Th' Wood Museum, Green way, off Crompton Way, Bolton, BL1 8UA

a half timber-frame and half stone manor house, in grounds, in Bolton's northern suburbs. Dating from 1483 it was once the home of Samuel Crompton , who created the Spinning Mule that revolutionised the cotton industry.Saved by Lord Leverhulme, a Bolton man, who made his fortune in soap manufacture and founded Port Sunlight in Berkinhead, it was presented to the Borough of Bolton and restored. The museum has ten rooms, furnished with items from the 18th century, including the Dairy with a display of old household and kichen implements. In the Crompton Room Samuel Crompton designed his Spinning Mule. Displays and personal items illustrating Samuel Crompton's life, 16th and 17th century furnishings.  Visitors can dress up in period clothing..
Open: end of March - last Sunday in Sept; Wed-Sun 11:00-17:00 (last entry 16:15 pm).  Winter; Sat-Sun: 11:00-17:00 Tel: 01204 301159.
  Admission Charge

 

Horwich Heritage Centre, Resource Centre, Longworth Road, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7BG

Horwich Heritage was formed in 1984 to restore a sense of local pride following the closure of the Horwich Locomotive Works the previous year.   The Centre aims to preserve the rich history and heritage of the town and uses videos, displays, artifacts and exhibits are used to illustrate specific aspects of life in Horwich over the past 100 years.
Open: Wed 14:.00- 16:.00, Sat 10:00-12:00 and every 2nd Tues in the month 19:30-21:00 Tel: 01204 847 797

 

Jumbles Country Park, Bradshaw Road, Bradshaw, Bolton, BL2 6EJ, three miles north of Bolton off the A676, )

is located within the Bradshaw Valle. On the fringes of the Western Pennine Moors, the 250 acre country park opened in 1971 following the creation of the Jumbles Reservoir. The lake is perfect for fishing and sailing and there are nature trails and hides for bird-watching. Information Centre with exhibition illustrating the history of the area and a display on the creation of the reservoir and the water business.  Nearby is the moorland village of Edgworth. Open: daily Tel: 01204 853360.

 

Moses Gate Country Park, Rock Hall Visitor Centre, Hall Lane, Farnworth, Bolton ,BL4 3DN,

750 acre country park is in the Croal Irwell Valley, three miles from Bolton centre. The 11 mile Croal Irwell Valley walk passes through the park and the area beside the River Croal is ideal habitat of kingfishers. Activitiesinclude horseriding, walking, cycling, orienteering and bird-watching from hides.  Permits for angling, canoeing, boating, model boating and model aircraft flying.
Open: Sun-Tue 09:00-16:30; Wed-Sat: 13:00- 16:30 Tel: 01204 334343

 

Croal Irwell Valley,  Rock Hall, Moses Gate, Hall Lane, Farnworth, Bolton

the valley stretches for 16 miles and passes through Salford, Bury and Bolton. Woodlands and adundant wildlife.  The walk takes in Moses Gate Country Park, Clifton Country Park and Cheetham Woods.  Visitor Centre is located at Rock Hall. Tel: 01204 571561

 

Smithills Country Park, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton, BL1 7NP

2000 acre country park, with woodland, farmland and moorland, on the edge of the West Pennine Moors. Panoramic views over Bolton and the area. Self-guided tours around the park, which is also home to the 14th century Smithills Hall and the Smithills Coaching House Restaurant. Open: all year Tel: 01204 334010

 

Where To Stay in Bolton

Call our Hotel Telephone Reservations Line: 0870 4786316

Hotels


Mercure Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa Hospital Road Bromley Cross Bolton BL7 9PZ MAP
On the edge of the Pennine Moors, The Last Drop Village is an ideal location for a relaxing break. Restored 18th century farmhouse buildings with Four Star Hotel,Indoor Pool, Thermal Suite, Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Pub & Steakhouse.

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Holiday Inn Bolton Centre 1 Higher Bridge Street Bolton BL1 2EW MAP
Located in the heart of Bolton close to many places of interest, and close to the main motorway links. All bedrooms are air-conditioned. Club Moativation includes an indoor heated swimming pool.

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £59.5 per room
Holiday Inn Bolton City Centre (2 Night Offer) 1 Higher Bridge Street Bolton BL1 2EW MAP
Superbly located in the heart of Bolton but close to main motoring links, Holiday Inn Bolton Centre is a deceptively large and unique hotel, situated close to Camelot Theme Park, Trafford Shopping Centre, Wigan Pier and Botany Bay.

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De Vere Whites Reebok Stadium De Havilland Way, Horwich Bolton BL6 6JW MAP
4 Star hotel intergrated into a football stadium. 125 tastefully designed bedrooms onsite some offering pitch views. 500 meters from Junction 6 M61. Leisure facilities onsite, bar and restaurant, meeting rooms, room service.

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Egerton House Hotel Blackburn Road Egerton Bolton BL7 9PL MAP
A family home for over 200 years, retaining the essential warmth and character from days of old, Egerton House Hotel stands in acres of leafy gardens. It is a delightful retreat three miles away from Bolton, on the doorstep of the West Pennine Moors.

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Britannia Hotel Bolton Beaumont Road Bolton BL3 4TA MAP
Set in quiet surroundings with views of Rivington Pike. Located just off Junction 5 on the M61, the hotel is approximately 2 miles from Bolton Town Centre. Ideal for both guests travelling on business or pleasure.

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £75 per room
Ramada Bolton Manchester Road Blackrod Bolton BL6 5RU MAP
Set in one of the most beautiful spots in Lancashire, this stylish country house is well located to visit the north west of England.With varied and wide activities for you and your family to enjoy a weekend trip to Bolton you can enjoy a day at St Martins

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Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels


Travelodge Bolton West M61 Southbound First Motorway Seervices M61 J6-J8 Southbound Horwich Bolton BL6 5UZ

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New Property 81 Ramsbottom Road Hawkshaw near Bury BL8 4JS MAP
In a rural area with plenty of local walks, the bar & restaurant offers home cooked food and real ales. Close to Manchester, Bolton & The Reebok Stadium, Bury town centre is only 15 mins away.

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The Highgrove Guest House 63 Manchester Road Bolton BL2 1ES MAP
Whether your stay is brief or extended, you will instantly feel welcomed. 10 bedrooms with beverage facilities and TV. Car parking. Five minute walk from the town centre and railway station, the perfect base for your stay in Bolton.

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Broomfield House Guest House 33-35 Wigan Road Bolton BL3 5PX MAP
A family run Guest House with well appointed en-suite rooms and a traditional Lancashire breakfast. Wi-Fi secure internet connection with connection packages to suit all users.

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Daisy Hill Hotel 3 Lower Leigh Road Bolton BL5 2JP MAP
Only 5 miles from Bolton town centre, and one mile from M61 junction 5.

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Archangelos Bed & Breakfast 82/84 Pennine Road Horwich Bolton BL6 7HW MAP
Archangelos Bed & Breakfast is a family run business providing a friendly atmosphere. Bed and Breakfast or Self-Catering is available in this airy twin/studio apartment, which is separate from the house. Close to the M61 motorway network.

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Around The Bolton Area


Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Bury (5.53 miles) Wigan (8.46 miles) Salford (8.55 miles) Trafford Park (9.58 miles) Manchester (10.24 miles) Rochdale (11.56 miles) Blackburn (11.91 miles) Oldham (13.25 miles) Altrincham (13.67 miles) Warrington (14.79 miles) St Helens (15.17 miles)

Info

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Around The Area
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