Hungry for more? Explore what else Bolton has on the menu

If you’ve visited Bolton for the Food and Drink Festival, you’ll have had a taste of what the town has to offer. But we’re about so much more than just food and drink! If you’re interested in exploring further, here are some suggestions for a return visit that will show you why this proud northern town is a destination worth coming back to.

History

Bolton has a rich history, and there’s no better place to learn about it than Bolton Museum. From dinosaur skeletons to ancient Egyptian mummies and local history exhibits, the museum will inspire all ages. It’s home to some rare treasures, and made national news recently as a 2,000-year-old Roman sun hat went on display in the museum for the first time, making Bolton one of only three places in the world where you can see such a relic.

Smithills Hall is one of the oldest and best-preserved manor houses in the North West. A guided tour will give you fascinating insights into the people who have lived and worked there from medieval through to Victorian times. Known as Bolton’s most haunted historic building, you might even experience some ghostly encounters! The Hall also has extensive grounds and woodlands with walking and cycling paths to enjoy.

If industrial history is your thing, then Bolton Steam Museum is a must, displaying the largest collection of working mill engines in Europe. On select dates throughout the year, you can see the machines “in steam”, as they would have been in their glory days to power the Industrial Revolution.

Green spaces & walking trails

Bolton is surrounded by beautiful countryside and also boasts award-winning parks and nature reserves within the boundaries of the town itself. The nine-times Green Flag awarded Queen’s Park in the town centre retains much of its original Victorian charm, while further out Moses Gate Country Park and Jumbles Country Park offer waterside and woodland walks rich with wildlife.

Bolton’s proximity to the West Pennine Moors means that there are hundreds of walking routes on the town’s doorstep. The Rivington Pike Trail, Peel Tower Loop and Lancashire Three Reservoirs Walk are some of the most popular one-day walks, or for those seeking something more challenging, the West Pennine Way is a fantastic multi-day hike.

Culture

Bolton’s famous Le Mans Crescent has a growing reputation as the “Hollywood of the North”, having become one of the most utilised filming locations in the North West. Fans of Peaky Blinders, Happy Valley or Fool Me Once might recognise particular spots, and you can even do a walking TV and film tour to get a closer look!

For fans of stage as well as screen, the Octagon Theatre is a nationally recognised producing theatre showing original screenplays as well as national touring shows. It’s also helped to launch the careers of emerging acting talent over the years, so you might spot the UK’s next big star.

Year-round festivals

In addition to the Food and Drink Festival, the town hosts a range of other major festivals and events throughout the year. Bolton hosts the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series annually, where you can watch athletes compete in what is widely considered among the toughest triathlon events in the sport.

In November, the Put Big Light On Festival returns, with breathtaking light art installations to rival Blackpool Illuminations dotted around the town.

The town also hosts Bolton International Film Festival, celebrating films from home and abroad and consistently voted one of the best indie film festivals in the world. Expect to see some famous faces, with Diane Morgan and Joe Lycett previously making appearances.

Plan your return visit

Want to plan your return trip? If this has whetted your appetite, Visit Bolton provides lots more inspiration of things to see and do, and where to stay.