Visit Ramsbottom

Things to do

In Ramsbottom, there’s always plenty to explore for every interest. The town blends nature, heritage, culture, and community life, offering something for everyone.

Step outside the centre to rolling hills, rivers, moors, and woodlands. Walk or cycle the Irwell Sculpture Trail, enjoy family-friendly paths in Nuttall Park, or take in panoramic views from Holcombe Hill and Peel Tower. Nearby trails like Redisher Woods provide peaceful escapes, all minutes from town.

Heritage comes alive on the East Lancashire Railway, in galleries and historic landmarks such as St Paul’s Church. Ramsbottom also boasts independent shops, cafés, and pubs, plus markets, artisan spaces, and cultural highlights at Theatre Royal and Civic Hall. Whether visiting for a day or longer, Ramsbottom invites discovery, connection, and memorable experiences in a vibrant, welcoming town.

Nuttall Park

Nuttall Park is a popular green space in Ramsbottom, set beside the River Irwell and surrounded by scenic views. It offers open lawns for picnics, walking paths, and a well equipped play area for children. Visitors can also enjoy sports facilities and community events held throughout the year. Its peaceful setting and accessible layout make it ideal for families, casual strolls, and time outdoors, reflecting the town’s close connection with nature and community life in every season.

East Lancashire Railway

The East Lancashire Railway is a heritage line running steam and diesel trains between Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom, Irwell Vale, and Rawtenstall. Visitors can enjoy scenic journeys, explore historic stations, and climb aboard beautifully restored locomotives. Throughout the year, the railway hosts events including themed rides, family experiences, seasonal specials, and heritage weekends. With something for all ages, it offers a memorable day out celebrating history, community, and entertainment in a truly unique setting.

Holcombe Hill and Peel Tower

Holcombe Hill and Peel Tower is one of Ramsbottom’s most iconic outdoor landmarks, offering rewarding walks and far reaching views across the surrounding countryside. The climb to Peel Tower is a favourite with walkers, leading to a striking monument that sits high above the town. Once at the summit, visitors are treated to panoramic scenery stretching across moorland, hills and beyond. Popular with walkers, runners and photographers, Holcombe Hill provides a refreshing escape into nature while remaining close to the town, making it a standout destination for outdoor exploration.

Irwell Sculpture Trail

Irwell Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor art experience that winds through Ramsbottom and beyond, combining walking routes with a collection of contemporary sculptures. Set against rivers, woodlands and open countryside, the trail invites visitors to explore at their own pace while discovering artworks along the way. It offers a refreshing blend of creativity and nature, making it ideal for walking, cycling and photography while connecting Ramsbottom to the wider landscape in an engaging and memorable way.

Ramsbottom Theatre Royal

Ramsbottom Theatre Royal is a vibrant hub for live performance in the heart of the town. From theatre and comedy nights to music showcases and special events, it brings creativity to life. The welcoming theatre connects audiences with local talent and cultural experiences, offering memorable performances that highlight Ramsbottom’s lively, passionate community spirit.

Ramsbottom Civic Hall

Ramsbottom Civic Hall is a versatile venue at the heart of the town, hosting a wide variety of events year-round. From live music, theatre and comedy to community gatherings, exhibitions, and private celebrations, the hall brings people together in a welcoming, vibrant space. With modern facilities, accessible spaces, and a passionate local team, Ramsbottom Civic Hall is a hub for culture, entertainment, and community spirit, making it an essential destination for locals and visitors alike.

Ramsbottom Civic Hall room hire and charges
There’s a choice of two rooms available to hire at Ramsbottom Civic Hall:

  • Main Hall
  • Holcombe Room

Main Hall
The Main Hall is the larger of the two rooms and is the perfect location for weddings, dinners, family celebrations and charity events. It’s been fully refurbished, while retaining many original features. It benefits from extensive natural light, has an open platform stage and easy access to the bar, kitchen, garden area and the Holcombe Room.

Holcombe Room
The Holcombe Room is smaller than the Main Hall, but is ideal for wedding ceremonies, wedding breakfasts, smaller family celebrations and corporate events. With it’s striking décor and direct access to the private garden area, it’s a popular choice for more intimate occasions.

  • Main Hall only
    • Weekday: £45 per hour
    • Weekend: £50 per hour
  • Holcombe Room only
    • Weekday: £40 per hour
    • Weekend: £45 per hour

When hiring a room, you can also hire the licensed bar and self-catering kitchen service space for an additional fee:

  • Weekday: £70 per hour
  • Weekend: £85 per hour

We also provide rooms for children’s parties with / without the bar at a rate of £50.00 per hour.

Margaret Haes Riding Centre

At Margaret Haes Riding Centre, everyone is welcome. Nestled on the hillside above Ramsbottom in the historic village of Holcombe, we’re surrounded by the stunning West Pennine Moors, providing a beautiful and inspiring setting for riding and horse experiences.
Whether you’re learning to ride for the first time or developing your skills further, our brilliant coaches are here to guide you. You can enjoy lessons in our indoor and outdoor arenas or take in breathtaking views on a ride out to the iconic Peel Tower. There’s something truly magical about feeling the gentle motion of a horse beneath you as you explore the open countryside.

If you prefer not to ride, you can still spend time with our horse – stroking, grooming and caring for them offers a peaceful and grounding experience.

We’re a highly commended British Horse Society (BHS) Approved Centre and a charity supporting riders with disabilities. Everyone is welcomed in our integrated and inclusive Centre, whether you’re joining lessons, ride outs, training courses, family horse experiences, equine facilitated learning or celebrating a party.

Our facilities include indoor and outdoor arenas, a viewing room, community space, on-site parking, and a disabled toilet. At Margaret Haes Riding Centre, we’re here to share our love of horses and create memorable experiences for all ages.

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Bury Council

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