Events & Activities

Bolton Old Links is a striking 18-hole moorland layout, designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie. The course is routed as two loops of nine, weaving through exposed terrain where the prevailing winds can play a big role in shot selection. On many days, the elements become a key part of the test — managing wind, elevation, and subtle slopes is integral to playing well. One of the highlights is the 12th hole, the “Kicking Donkey,” which sits at more than 800 feet above sea level and offers panoramic views across four surrounding counties. The putting surfaces are well guarded, and the layout mixes risk-reward lines with more conservative options, giving players of varied ability chances to strategise their way round.
Off the course, Bolton Old Links provides a full complement of amenities: a modern clubhouse, bar and catering, a pro shop, indoor swing and club-fitting studio, buggy and trolley hire, and well-appointed function suites for events. It hosts local and regional competitions and welcomes visitors and societies. The combination of open moorland challenge, architectural pedigree, and strong facilities make it one of Bolton’s premier golf experiences.

Situated only about three miles from Bolton town centre, Dunscar Golf Club is an 18-hole moorland course known for its scenery, quiet ambience, and testing nature. At roughly 6,033 yards, it's not extraordinarily long, but the layout demands thought and precision. The surrounding moorland vistas—stretching toward Winter Hill and Turton Heights—add to the sense of openness and exposure. One of the signature holes is the 16th, nicknamed “Quarry,” a short par-3 surrounded by bunkers, heather, and gorse, which makes for a dramatic and intimidating tee shot. Other holes, especially the 12th and 17th, offer sweeping views and interesting risk lines.
The club is primarily private but welcomes visitors on many days. Combined packages (breakfast, golf, lunch or evening meal) are offered, and the clubhouse atmosphere is friendly and down to earth. Dunscar emphasizes playing enjoyment over prestige, so many golfers who play here appreciate the balance of challenge and welcoming spirit. The greenkeeping tends to be conscientious and the condition of fairways and greens consistent, making a round here satisfying and often memorable for local players and visitors.

Perched on the edge of the West Pennine Moors, Turton Golf Club blends aspects of moorland and parkland to produce a distinctive par-70 layout. Its design is influenced by James Braid, and the course features undulating fairways, interesting elevation changes, and a mixture of holes that test all parts of the game. The moorland influence means wind and weather can be significant factors, especially on the higher holes, while the more sheltered holes allow for finesse play. The routing takes advantage of the contours to create holes that feel characterful and, at times, quirky—some holes may not be long, but demand thoughtful club choice and placement.
The clubhouse has been recently refurbished and provides good catering, lounge and dining facilities, and function spaces. Turton is active in promoting golf to new players, offering a “Gateway to Golf” membership path for those not yet ready for full competition. Flexible membership structures (4-day, 6-day, 7-day) are offered to suit different levels of play. With its mixture of landscape, flexibility, and accessible membership options, Turton is a solid option for both serious golfers and those looking to enjoy a round in a scenic moorland setting near Bolton.

Smithills Open Farm is a delightful rural escape located on the slopes of Smithills Moor, offering a hands-on farming experience that’s great for all ages. Visitors can meet and feed animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits and alpacas; there are daily animal talks, bottle-feeding sessions, and opportunities for children to get involved in farm chores under supervision. The farm is spread across hilly terrain, so you often get lovely views across Bolton and the surrounding countryside as you wander between the animal pens, barns and play areas. In addition to the animals, there’s an adventure playground, a seasonal maize maze (in summer), a tractor ride, and indoor soft play to keep little ones entertained in less favourable weather. Refreshment facilities and picnic spots are scattered around, making it easy to spend a full day there. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, ideal for families wanting a relaxed day out where kids can engage with nature, get muddy, and learn about farm life without being constrained by rigid schedules. It’s especially good for younger children, though older ones often enjoy the animal interaction and exploring all the little nooks and paths across the farm grounds.

Set in the woodlands and hills near Rivington just outside Bolton, Go Ape! Rivington offers an exhilarating high-ropes adventure suited to families seeking a blend of nature and adrenaline. The course features tree-top crossings, Tarzan swings, zip lines and various rope bridges strung between sturdy trees. As you make your way through the forest canopy, you’ll navigate obstacles and look out over treetops, valleys and moorland views that stretch across the Pennines. The sense of height, movement and balance gives an exciting twist to a woodland walk—you’re not just wandering a trail but actively engaging with the terrain in 3D. Safety is paramount: all participants are fitted with harnesses and given safety briefings before beginning, and staff monitor progress through the course. For families, different difficulty levels or junior versions of the route are often available so younger or less confident participants aren’t left behind. After the course, you can relax with a woodland stroll or picnic, making it a good mix of active thrills and more gentle outdoor time. It’s a superb option when the weather is good and you want something more adventurous than a simple park visit.

In the heart of Bolton, the Bolton Museum, Art Gallery & Aquarium offers a rich, all-weather destination combining culture, nature and discovery under one roof. The museum houses collections in areas such as natural history, local heritage, Egyptology, archaeology and fine art, letting visitors wander through galleries that bring Bolton’s past and the wider world to life. A highlight for many families is the aquarium section, where aquatic creatures—from fish to invertebrates—are on display in immersive environments. The varied exhibits provide both quiet corners for contemplation (artworks, ancient artefacts) and more interactive or visually striking displays (aquatic tanks, fossils, natural specimens). The layout is friendly for families, with short routes suitable for little legs and spaces designed to spark curiosity—kids can pause and linger on things that catch their eye without feeling overwhelmed by scale. The museum often runs family sessions, events or workshops (crafts, storytelling or science themes) especially during school holidays, which can add an extra dimension to the visit. As it’s centrally located, it also pairs well with a walk in town or a stop for lunch or ice cream in the nearby streets. It’s a quieter, enriching day out that can appeal to children, teens and adults alike.

This walk starts from Rivington village (just north of Bolton) and takes you on a scenic circular tour through the Terraced Gardens, onward up to Rivington Pike summit, and back via woodland and reservoir edges. You begin strolling through the more manicured gardens, crossing paths lined with shrubs, ponds, and small ornamental structures before moving into the wilder moorland. The climb toward Pike rewards you with sweeping panoramic views across the West Pennine Moors, with patchwork fields and distant hills stretching out on the horizon. Some parts are steep and rocky, demanding steady footing, especially near ridgelines, but the effort is worthwhile for the vistas. On the descent, you may pass sections of woodland or quieter trails that hug the side of reservoirs, offering reflections in the water and a gentler pace. Depending on how often you pause, this loop can take roughly two to three hours. The mix of designed gardens, moorland exposure, and wooded paths give it excellent variety—there’s drama on the ridge, repose in the trees, and constant visual interest. It’s a superb option if you want a walk that feels both classic (with the Pike landmark) and generous in changing scenery.

This route offers a more water-centric walk, looping around Jumbles Reservoir and Wayoh Reservoir. You begin on paths that skirt the edges of the water, often shaded by woodland or hedgerows, with view lines across the reservoirs and reflections on still days. The walk gently undulates, rising and falling just enough to bring variation without being overly strenuous. On the Wayoh side, some sections bring you closer to stone dams or spillways where the engineering meets nature, and you’ll sense the rhythm of water flowing and settling. You’ll encounter stretches through mature woodland, open moorland edges, and reservoirside banks—each section gives a different texture underfoot and in view. Because the route moves between sheltered tree cover and exposed banks, it’s a good walk in many seasons—leaves in autumn, fresh greens in spring, and nice water reflections in summer. The loop might take around two to three hours depending on pace and route variation. It’s a satisfying circuit if you enjoy walking near water, spotting wildlife (ducks, waterfowl, occasional woodland birds), and combining shade with open views.

This walk sits more toward the southern side of Bolton (Farnworth / Nob End area), and it’s ideal for a gentler, nature-rich experience. Moses Gate Country Park encompasses woodlands, lakes, and rivers, and the walk often follows canal towpaths or riverside tracks. Starting near the park’s entrances, you might head along the River Croal, passing quiet pools, wetland edges, and occasional meadow stretches. The canal route offers flatter, steadier ground—ideal for a relaxed pace—while deeper into the park you’ll find wooded glades, small footbridges, and paths that curve through foliage. In spring and summer, wildflowers, water lilies, and varied birdlife enliven the route; in autumn, the trees glow, and the reflections deepen. The walk can be extended or shortened depending on how far you want to push out into adjoining green corridors, but a typical loop might occupy 90 minutes to two hours. It’s a great choice if you prefer gentler terrain, want to combine water, woodland and open areas, and enjoy a route that works well even in less ideal weather (because parts are sheltered). It gives a peaceful, restorative feel without demanding big climbs or exposure.

Hidden between rolling fields on the edge of Bolton, Hawthorn Vale Gardens is a serene escape designed around colour, fragrance and sound. A series of winding gravel paths lead visitors through themed sections—an early spring meadow, a summer rose walk, and an autumn orchard. The centrepiece is the Reflection Pond, a circular mirror of water fringed by silver birch and blue irises. Gentle wind chimes hang from nearby pergolas, adding a soft soundtrack as you wander. Wildlife thrives here; bees hum across lavender borders, and songbirds perch on hand-carved oak benches that invite you to pause and breathe. Seasonal sculptures, often made from reclaimed stone or wood, sit quietly among the plantings. The garden changes dramatically with the light—misty mornings give it a dreamlike feel, while golden sunsets illuminate every petal. Hawthorn Vale is not just about beauty but calm, offering the sense that time slows down within its leafy boundaries.

Tucked behind old stone walls, the Glasshouse Garden at Elmstead combines Victorian elegance with a touch of modern flair. At its heart stands a grand wrought-iron glasshouse filled with exotic palms, orchids and cascading ferns. Outside, symmetrical borders lead to circular lawns framed by fragrant herbs and clipped box hedges. The air smells faintly of citrus and jasmine, drifting from glasshouse vents and nearby lemon trees. On sunny days, light bounces through the glass panes, scattering patterns over the gravel walks below. The garden has a secretive quality; narrow archways open into hidden alcoves where benches sit beneath climbing roses. A small water rill runs the length of the garden, its soft trickle cooling the air and creating an atmosphere of refinement and stillness. In late summer, the borders explode into colour—verbena, echinacea and tall delphiniums swaying gently in the breeze. It’s a place that feels both cultivated and deeply peaceful, ideal for reflection or an afternoon tea among blooms.

Willowmere Woodland Garden feels like a walk through a living storybook. Set within gently sloping woodland, its design celebrates texture, scent and sound rather than strict formality. Moss-covered paths meander beneath oak and willow canopies, opening into glades filled with foxgloves, ferns and wild garlic. At the centre lies Willowmere Pond, crossed by a rustic wooden bridge where dragonflies skim the surface in summer. Benches carved from fallen trunks offer resting spots, and sculptures made by local artists appear unexpectedly between the trees—an owl here, a twisting spiral there. In spring, carpets of bluebells transform the garden into a haze of colour; in autumn, the canopy glows amber and gold. Small log cabins display local crafts and herbal teas made from plants grown on site. Even on cooler days, the garden feels welcoming, its natural sounds and earthy scent wrapping visitors in a sense of tranquillity. Willowmere isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection with nature and the simple pleasure of wandering where wild beauty thrives.

Nestled in the cobbled streets near Bolton’s old market quarter, The Copper Spoon blends rustic charm with modern British dining. Inside, exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and copper accents create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu focuses on locally sourced produce, transforming seasonal ingredients into beautifully presented dishes. Signature plates include slow-braised beef with horseradish mash, pan-fried sea bass with fennel and citrus butter, and a vegetarian Wellington wrapped in buttery pastry. Desserts are just as indulgent, from dark chocolate fondant to homemade honeycomb ice cream. The open kitchen adds a touch of theatre, allowing diners to see the chefs at work. On weekends, soft jazz music and candlelight make it a favourite for couples, while weekday lunch deals draw in professionals and visitors alike. The Copper Spoon’s attention to flavour, comfort and detail gives it a refined yet approachable feel—perfect for relaxed dining without pretension.

Perched on the edge of Willowmere Lake, The Glass Lantern is a striking restaurant built almost entirely from glass and timber, allowing panoramic views of the surrounding water and woodland. The interior is sleek and contemporary, filled with greenery and gentle ambient light that changes as the day fades. The cuisine has a European influence, celebrating simple ingredients with elegant presentation—grilled scallops with pea purée, wild mushroom risotto, and lemon thyme chicken are among the highlights. Each dish is paired with carefully chosen wines, and the staff take pride in explaining origins and pairings without formality. In summer, the lakeside terrace becomes the heart of the restaurant, where guests dine al fresco as swans glide past. Winter brings a cosier vibe with open fires and soft blankets for outdoor seating. Whether you visit for a romantic dinner or a lazy Sunday brunch, The Glass Lantern balances sophistication and serenity, making dining feel like a calm escape from the bustle of daily life.

Tucked within the renovated arches of an old mill, Ember & Oak combines smoky, wood-fired cooking with industrial style. The aroma of charred rosemary, sizzling steaks and baked flatbreads fills the air from the open flame grill that forms the centrepiece of the restaurant. Long oak tables, metal fixtures, and hanging lights give the space a lively, communal energy. The menu is centred on flame-grilled meats, seafood and vegetables—think maple-glazed ribs, wood-roasted salmon, and ember-baked aubergines drizzled with tahini. Diners can watch their meals being cooked over glowing embers, adding a sense of authenticity and theatre. A rotating selection of local craft beers and cocktails complements the smoky flavours perfectly. In the evenings, live acoustic sets give Ember & Oak a relaxed buzz, while Sundays are reserved for hearty roasts served with all the trimmings. It’s the kind of place where friends gather, glasses clink, and the smell of wood smoke lingers long after you’ve left—a true celebration of fire, flavour, and shared experience.