Bolton Guide · Hidden Gems

10 Hidden Gems in Bolton

Beyond the obvious, ten places in and around Bolton that locals actually mention when friends visit.

Book a Bloqq in Bolton Base yourself centrally, wander further
No. 01
Le Mans Crescent
Architecture · Town Centre
Bolton's civic sweep of 1930s Portland stone. Worth the walk-past.
No. 02
Smithills Hall
Historic House · Smithills
14th-century manor house on the moorland edge.
No. 03
Bolton Museum & Aquarium
Museum · Le Mans Crescent
Free to enter, with a standout Egyptology gallery and a replica tomb of Thutmose III.
No. 04
Hall i'th'Wood
Tudor Manor · Hall i'th'Wood
Grade I-listed timber-framed hall, once home to Samuel Crompton, inventor of the spinning mule.
No. 05
The Octagon Theatre
Theatre · Howell Croft
Bolton's much-loved producing theatre since 1967, recently given a full refurbishment.

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No. 06
Bolton Steam Museum
Museum · Mornington Road
A working collection of restored mill steam engines, run by the Northern Mill Engine Society.
No. 07
Queen's Park
Victorian Park · Bolton
A grand 1860s park with lakes, lawns and bandstand - a proper local Sunday stroll.
No. 08
Jumbles Country Park
Reservoir & Walks · Bromley Cross
An easy circular walk around the reservoir, just north of town. Bring the dog.
No. 09
Rivington Pike & Terraced Gardens
Moorland · West Pennine Moors
Climb the pike for the view, then lose yourself in Lord Leverhulme's overgrown gardens.
No. 10
Ye Olde Man & Scythe
Historic Pub · Churchgate
Dating to 1251 and reputedly haunted, it's a hidden gem and a history lesson in one.
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