Bolton, Greater Manchester – Quick Guide

Bolton is located in the Greater Manchester area, north west of the City of Manchester. The area is well connected with Manchester and there are good public transport links between the two areas. There are regular trains from Manchester to Bolton and Bolton Town centre is no more than a 20 minute drive on the motorway from central Manchester.

Bolton is the name given to the Bolton metropolitan area as well as the town of Bolton itself. The Bolton metropolitan area is home to around 260,000 people. It is made up of at least eight distinct areas – Bolton, Horwich, Farnworth Kearsley, Blackrod, Westhoughton, South Turton and Little Lever. The area is a mix of dense urban areas as well as wonderful countryside to the north and west of the metropolitan area.

There are many interesting tourist attractions in the Bolton Metropolitan area and here are a small selection.

Smithills Hall is a fine example of a well preserved manor house set in its own gardens. In 2008 Smithills Hall was named as Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the annual Manchester Tourism Awards.

Bolton has a vibrant theatre scene and the area is home to a number of theatres. There is The Octagon Theatre in Bolton town centre which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008. The Albert Halls is located within Bolton Town Hall and offers a range of concerts and pantomimes. The Bolton Little Theatre, is located in Hanover Street, just outside the town centre. Further afield, Farnworth Little Theatre is located in Cross Street, Farnworth.

Horwich Heritage Centre is dedicated to preserving Horwich’s rich heritage and has a number of displays depicting different aspects of life in Horwich.

Bolton is home to football team Bolton Wanderers, who are based at the very impressive looking Reebok Stadium. This 28,000 seater venue is located in Middlebrook in Lostock, Horwich.

Hall i’th’ Wood is a 16th century restored wooden-framed Tudor manor house.

Bolton Museum, Art Gallery & Aquarium is located in Bolton town centre and is situated adjacent to Bolton Town Hall, on Le Mans Crescent. It is one of Bolton and Greater Manchester’s most popular attractions. The museum contains a range of items linked with Bolton’s industrial and social heritage. The museum includes a well respected Egyptology collection.

There are plenty of shopping opportunities in the area. There is a traditional indoor market which includes a food market. The Market Place indoor shopping centre is one of Bolton’s most exciting indoor shopping malls and Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park offers more than 50 shops, restaurants, a cinema and bowling alley.

This is just a small sample of the many things Bolton has to offer visitors. There are loads and loads more great things that there is not enough space to mention. Bolton really does have something to offer everyone.