The largest town in Britain, Bolton is the birthplace of famous names such as comedian Peter Kay, radio DJ Sara Cox, boxer Amir Khan and steeplejack Fred Dibnah, to name just a few! The variety of talent to herald from the town reflects the diverse mix of things on offer here – there’s so much to experience! Question is, how many activities have you ticked off the list?
Getting to know a new place is fun but it can take time, especially to discover some of the hidden, less mainstream gems. If your head’s been stuck in a book, or you’ve simply been unable to get out and explore like you normally would due to the pandemic restrictions, then you’ll no doubt be chomping at the bit to discover what Bolton has to offer.
So we’ve made it easy for you. The team at Orlando Village – Bolton’s only student accommodation provider approved and recommended by the University of Bolton -has pulled together a list of some of the best things to do in Bolton.
Things to enjoy outdoors
Bolton offers some fantastic outdoor spaces, which you can still enjoy during lockdown. That said, rules around what you can and can’t do at the moment are constantly changing, so be sure to check individual websites beforehand to make sure plans don’t get spoilt.
- Jumbles Country Park – just 4 miles north of the town centre (and easy to reach on public transport) this is a great place to escape to if you fancy spending a bit of time in the great outdoors. With beautiful reservoir views and an easy circular walking trail, there’s the opportunity to walk, sail, fish or just sit and enjoy a coffee in the café overlooking the water.
- Moss Bank Park – anyone for tennis? Moss Bank Park has a number of tennis courts that are free to use. Perfect if you fancy your chances as the next Wimbledon champ.
- Queens Park – a traditional Victorian park just a few minutes’ walk from Bolton town centre. You’ll find open spaces, ornamental gardens and a lake – a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of town.
- Bolton’s very own Banksy – several ‘Banksy-esk’ murals have sprung up around Bolton over the last couple of years, courtesy of local artist, Kazer, (a joiner by trade who got into graffiti-style art after watching YouTube videos). You’ll find some of his eye-catching designs decorating the walls of several of the town’s pubs, including the Sweet Green Tavern, The Greyhound, and The Beer School in Westhoughton. Can you spot them all?
- Bolton market – with a growing reputation as one of the premier food markets in the North West, Bolton market is located on Ashburner Street, right in the heart of the town centre. Offering over 300 stalls both in and outdoors, you’ll find everything from exotic fruit and veg to locally sourced meat and cheese. The market is typically open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9.00am to 5.00pm and is an absolute must activity for any foodies.
A little further afield, but if you fancy getting away from it all for a bit why not take a trip to Rivington Pike? A really rewarding walk, offering stunning views of Bolton and surrounding areas.
Things to enjoy indoors
- Market place – your one-stop venue for shopping and entertainment. Find all the popular high street names under one roof alongside the Vaults and the Light. The Vaults provide the backdrop to Bolton’s newest social scene. Part of the original market halls, they have been uncovered and refurbished to house some of the nation’s favourite restaurant chains. Add to this the Light’s state-of-the-art nine screen cineplex and you’ve got all angles covered.
- Bolton museum – fancy going a bit highbrow? Immerse yourself in amazing art, history and culture with Bolton’s museum. Oooh, and admission is free too!
- Ye Olde Man and Scythe – try a pint here and you’ll be drinking in one of the oldest pubs in Britain. That’s practically a history lesson right there.
- Albert Halls – set within Bolton’s famous Town Hall right in the heart of town centre, this is a great all-round entertainment venue.
- The Octagon Theatre – bold, adventurous and popular, a trip to the Octagon is not to be missed. And with the exciting new building due to re-open in early 2021, there’s much to be excited about.
…the very best thing you can do in Bolton?
If you didn’t already know how great Bolton was, now you do – and this is only for starters. It really is a fantastic town, offering heaps to see and do. To experience it properly, and enjoy student life to the full, the best thing any Bolton student can do is make sure you bag yourself a room at Orlando Village.
With modern, stylish accommodation and fab communal areas, it’s not only a great place to hang out with friends, it’s also in a fantastic location to enjoy everything that Bolton has to offer. Why not get in touch with the team and book your room today?
