So, you’ve opted to study at the University of Bolton? First of all, congratulations on an excellent choice.
Ranked in the UK’s top 5 for teaching quality, the University of Bolton endeavours to always put their students first and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses – including everything from accountancy to fashion, nursing, sport, and teacher training.
Just 10 miles northwest of Manchester, and close to the West Pennine Moors, there are plenty of sights to see in Bolton. And if you’re staying at our student accommodation in Bolton, most are either on your doorstep or easily accessible via public transport!
If your New Year’s Resolution is to be healthier in 2022 – resisting the temptation of a cheeky weekend takeaway and sticking to a strict exercise regime – now is the ideal time to get out and explore what this friendly town has to offer.
Here we explore 10 of the best things to do in Greater Manchester, in between lectures and study periods, of course.
10 things to do in and around Bolton
1. Watch the Wanderers play at home
Four-time FA cup winners, and one of the founder members of the Football League, Bolton Wanderers is a club that’s imbued in history.
Only a short 20-minute drive from our student accommodation, it would be rude not to visit the University of Bolton Stadium, at least once, to soak up the atmosphere amongst passionate football fans.
2. Stroll around Jumbles Country Park
If you enjoy an afternoon stroll – either on your own or with your pals – Jumbles Country Park is the place to go.
Surrounded by woodland trails and picturesque views, it’s a prime spot amongst dog walkers. There’s also a sailing club, where training and boat races regularly take place.
3. Make a trip to Smithills Open Farm
Are you an animal lover? Looking for a day out to take your mind off your studies for a while? If so, head down to Smithills Open Farm – less than 4 miles from our student accommodation in Bolton.
Here, you’ll be able to admire, feed, cuddle, and hold a wide range of animals, including pigs, cows, snakes, lambs, and owls.
4. Wander around Bolton Market
Need to restock the fridge or freezer in your shared kitchen? With hundreds of stalls selling fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, it’s worth visiting the Bolton Market. Open from 9am till 5pm every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Whilst it’s the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and pick up the items you need, you’ll get plenty of steps in as you make your way around the market.
5. Spend an afternoon with your family at Moss Bank Park
When you move away to university, you’re bound to feel homesick at some point.
Instead of going home at the weekend, you could invite your loved ones to come and visit you. This way, you get to spend quality time with them without blowing your student loan on train fares.
Moss Bank Park is great if you’ve got younger siblings. From a tropical butterfly house to a zoo, mini steam train, crazy golf, and fairground rides, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
6. Hike up Rivington Pike
If you’ve pledged to exercise more in the New Year, or want to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, don your hiking boots and visit Rivington Pike.
Clamber up to the summit, which stands at 1,191 feet, and enjoy spectacular views across Bolton and the West Pennine Moors. On a clear day, you should also be able to see the Lake District, Blackpool Tower, the Welsh mountains, and the Isle of Man.
You could take a flask of coffee and some sandwiches in your rucksack, but there are plenty of refreshments in Rivington Hall Barn and Great House Barn tea room at the bottom.
7. Immerse yourself in outdoor activities at Go Ape
Whether you’re looking for something exciting to do with your flatmates, course-mates, or family, Go Ape in Rivington promises a thrilling day out for adrenaline junkies.
With treetop challenges, zip lines, and high ropes to suit all ages and abilities, it’s a trip worth every second (and penny!). And the best bit is, it takes less than 30-minutes to reach in the car from our student accommodation in Bolton.
8. Stop off for food at Olympus
Fish and chips, anyone?
Whether you’ve worked up an appetite after exploring or you’re looking for some tasty grub to cure your hangover, you can rely on Olympus – the town centre’s chippy!
The family-run establishment has been attracting visitors from across the region for more than 30 years, providing seating for more than 200 customers. If you’d prefer to devour your fish and chips at your student accommodation, or you’re in a rush, don’t worry – they offer takeaway too.
9. Cycle around Moses Gate Country Park
At more than 700 acres, Moses Gate Country Park is Bolton’s largest nature reserve.
With three large lakes, a colourful play area for kids, and miles of scenic routes, it’s a tranquil spot – perfect for walking, horse riding, fishing, and jogging.
If you brought your bike to uni, why not cycle to Moses Gate? Not only will it allow you to get some fresh air, but it’s a brilliant way to take in the sights. Plus, it’s not a million miles away. It’ll take you around 10 minutes to pedal there.
10. Treat yourself to ice cream in Edgeworth
Thinking ahead for the summer or looking to reward yourself after a tough week of revision? You’re never too old for a scoop (or three) of ice cream.
Offering original dairy ice cream and seasonal flavours, Holdens & Co Ice Cream parlour is one to add to your bucket list whilst at uni in Bolton.
Proud of their Northern roots, you’ll also find flavours such as Vimto, Blackpool Rock, Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, Eccles Cake, and Manchester Tart.
Ready to get out and explore?
Whether you’re thinking about visiting one of the attractions listed above or you’ve got your own recommendations, make sure you let someone know where you’re going – either verbally or via text message – for safety.
If you want to know more about this wonderful town and what’s on offer, or you have a question regarding our Bolton student accommodation, get in touch.
You’re welcome to call us on 01204 903 488 or email info@orlandovillage.co.uk.
