This former mill town is home to over 260,000 ‘Boltonians’, a community famed for their friendliness and sense of humour, and epitomised by residents such as Peter Kay and Sara Cox. In one of the biggest towns in the country, you will find award-winning food and drinks establishments, a wide range of activities and attractions, and an entertainment scene featuring some brilliant live theatres and Bolton Wanderers football club, ensuring that you’ll never be left wondering what to do in Bolton. You may be surprised by just how much this town has to offer when you come to stay at one of our Bolton hotels. Thankfully, we have handpicked some of the best landmarks in the area for you to enjoy in this handy guide.
Things to do in Bolton
Entertainment
Theatregoers, gig lovers and sports fans are spoilt for entertainment in Bolton. From drama productions at The Octagon, football matches at Bolton Wanderers and music concerts at a variety of venues in town, our handy guide helps you discover all the best entertainment that Bolton has to offer.
Places to eat
You will be spoilt for choice when looking for places to eat in Bolton. Whether it’s a quick lunch or an evening meal you that you want, the wide variety of restaurants and cafés will cater to your needs. Our guide provides a brief description of some of the best in the area to help you plan where to eat during your stay.
Nightlife
The sheer variation in Bolton’s nightlife scene means you are bound to find a bar, pub or club that you love. Featuring a haunted pub that dates back to the 1200’s, a specialist bar with a ‘gin bible’ and a choice of nightclubs where you can dance the night away, our guide reveals the best nightlife spots to visit during your stay.
Shopping
If you fancy some retail therapy during your visit, then check out the modern indoor shopping centres featuring high street favourites at Market Place or Crompton Place, the award-winning Bolton Market, and the UK’s largest retail and leisure park at Middlebrook. With popular stores such as River Island, JD and Zara, as well as some great independent retailers, you can shop until you drop in Bolton.
Getting Around
Bolton has strong transport links which make it easy to get into town and also to get around once you arrive. It is served by Bolton Railway Station, a four platform station which welcomes trains from nearby ‘hub’ stations, such as Manchester Piccadilly and Preston. Bolton also has a bus station which allows you to travel to nearby towns and destinations with ease.
If you are travelling to the area by plane, Bolton is less than 25 miles from Manchester Airport, with bus and train services connecting the airport to the town. If you want to be well rested before or after your journey, you can make a booking at one of our hotels near Manchester Airport.
Shopping in Bolton
