Best Free Things to Do in Bolton

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Bolton

Best Free Things to Do in Bolton

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35 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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Showing results 1-30 of 35

What travellers are saying

  • e42b
    Paderborn, Germany9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What i found very much astonishing was the liveliness of the museum. In my opinion this comes from the integration of children in the museum's activities.
    This place is a tip for both adults and kids.
    Written 24 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Del W
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fantastic little gem full of a great range of engines. The guys in their showed us around and told us the history aswell as technical details. Couldn’t recommend enough!
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul T
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely stunning with the autumn colours. Fairly easy walk with plenty to see.
    Disappointed to find the cafe closed and the toilets locked .
    Written 26 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ruby Chiu
    Hong Kong, China12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    After visiting the Smithills Open Farm multiple times in the past, I regret not visiting this gem earlier. Upon spending a lovely morning here with my family and making a visit to the tea room to enjoy some delicious pastries and tea, I would highly recommend anyone to make a visit. The condition of the hall is beautifully preserved and is filled with an array of information about life in the manor centuries ago.
    Although the entrance is free, I would highly recommend making a small donation or purchase at the small gift shop to contribute in the preservation of the beautifully maintained manor.
    Written 19 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Moi E
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great walks, with picnic benches, sprawling woodlands over different levels, there's a fast flowing weir with hidden waterfalls up in the woods. The woods offer good, winding climbing paths to stretch the legs. Get the dogs out, they'll love it.
    The park has good even footpaths too around the lake for walkers, bikes, pushchairs and wheelchairs. There's plenty of parking generally with a small parking space for disabled users right by the lake.
    Once the weather picks up expect to see the welcome sight of the Ice cream van.
    Just a lovely park, great for families, with a dedicated play area for kids. A great place too if you love birds. There are small stepping ponds where you'll spot frogs and pond-life in the spring.
    Why wait, so much to see and enjoy.
    Written 30 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • IAN D
    Wigan, UK19,629 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Still one of the best food markets in the area. Great selection of fish and meat stalls. Plenty fruit and veg plus bread and cheese. I prefer the food side to the general side of the market
    Written 16 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Florality
    Astley, UK3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really good park to go to, I recommend it. The only problem is, the nearest toilets are about 5 minutes away from where we mostly were. One of the disabled toilets was dirty too. Apart from that, it was a really great experience.
    Written 14 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Off their P
    Manchester, UK4,293 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This park isn’t too far from where we live, but we don’t go there very often. There’s not loads to offer but on this particular day we wanted somewhere close by for a walk.

    Unfortunately, it was raining so it didn’t look at its best, but was still enjoyable.

    The gardens are very well maintained and there are items of interest around the place including statues of previous prime minister’s and local dignitaries as well.

    Parking is very easy on the road outside, and it’s free.
    Written 9 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carol W
    Bolton, UK21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting and informative visit.
    Very helpful staff
    I was pleased and surprised to be given a
    very comprehensive guide to borrow, which explains details of each room.
    A really nice place to go. Different because it has been a family house, rather than a stately home.
    Written 9 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • curlew 30
    51 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Called for a couple of drinks on Saturday afternoon.
    Excellent selection of drinks and good service by friendly staff.
    A very relaxed atmosphere for a drink and a chat.
    I enjoyed it so much I went back on Sunday.
    There was a very loud live musician - not for me but I understand the bar needs to cater for all tastes.
    Written 25 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nat T
    Bolton, UK105 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a lovely hidden gem just off the main road, it doesn't take long to walk around but there is plenty of seating and some lovely views as you go around
    Written 5 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Off their P
    Manchester, UK4,293 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'm not a great fan of shopping but needed somewhere to park to go to the dentist and this place proved a good option. At £1 for 2 hours in a clean and safe multistorey car park. It seemed the best value option and so it proved.

    to get to and from my appointment I needed to walk through a few levels of the shopping centre and is impressed me. I know it has suffered a couple of blows with major chains leaving, but it certainly didn't feel empty and it seems some great independent businesses have sprung up to fill some of the void.

    Often, I go to places like the Trafford Centre and leave without anything, as I find it a bit overwhelming and can't stand how busy it is. On this occasion I bought quite a lot of clothing as there are some good shops and it was a relaxing experience.
    Written 6 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David D
    Devon, UK20,544 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a vast retail park in suburbs of Horwich and Lostock. It is adjacent to the Football Stadium once known as the Reebok, now called University of Bolton Stadium and its car park.

    The stores, restaurants and other retail outlets are positioned along the four sides of the car park and it's 3,000 spaces.

    There are a number of high street stores located here including Boots, Marks and Spencer, Decathlon, River Island, Next, T. K. Maxx and so many more as well as a large ASDA supermarket

    At it's centre there are a number of restaurants providing almost all flavours of the world, including, TGI Fridays, Wagama, Chiquito, Nam Ploy, Pizza Express and many more.

    At one end of the Park , opposite Vue Cinema, there is a side dedicated to furniture stores including Furniture Village, Currys, DFS, Oak furniture land and more

    For entertainment there is the Hollywood Bowl and the Vue Cinema with it's twelve screens.

    We did visit here twice during our recent stay in the Premier Inn down the road. The first occasion was Friday 24th of March when we went browsing around the shops and ended up in Costa Coffee. The second time was on the Saturday evening when we visited Nam Ploy restaurant for dinner.

    We did walk from side to side of the Park, however we did notice some visitors driving from side to side due to the size of the place.

    Written 6 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Curlew29
    Bolton, UK181 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Small with basic seating serving a good range of drinks including some brilliant cask ales.
    An excellent addition to the area.
    Written 9 May 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Off their P
    Manchester, UK4,293 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I don't get into Bolton as often as I used to so I was quite impressed to see the statue for the first time.

    It is by the huge machine in the glass case not far from McDonald's and I was quite impressed. It certainly isn't life-size, as it is huge and portrays a smiling Fred as he always was.

    Despite what others say, I think it's quite a good likeness and certainly has become a nice focal point for the town.
    Written 6 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.