Our Location & Surrounding Areas
Bury
Bury is an attractive blend of town and country ranging from Pennine moorland in the north to the suburbs of north Manchester in the south. The common feature of the area is the River Irwell and there are attractive villages throughout the Borough but especially in the north and west.
The East Lancashire Railway which features steam and diesel preservation runs along the Irwell Valley and since its opening a decade ago has brought tourism on a large scale to the whole of the area. There is a wide range of industry in each of the six towns with a particular concentration of paper-making in Radcliffe and Ramsbottom. Other industries include heavy and light engineering, woollen and worsted manufacture, chemicals, spinning, textile finishing, luggage, carpet manufacture, rubber, plastics, confectionery and greetings cards.
Shopping in Bury
There is a wide range of shopping and modern entertainment including the Rock and Mill Gate Shopping Centres in Bury together with the famous open and indoor markets.
There are excellent communications in the area with the M62 and M66 Motorways crisscrossing the area plus the Metrolink Light Rapid Transit system with a fast and frequent service from Bury centre through Manchester city centre to Altrincham, Eccles, Droysden, Oldham and Rochdale. Manchester Airport is half an hour away by road.
Ramsbottom
Ramsbottom has many tourist attractions including historic buildings and monuments. Walking around the town you will come across many buildings in their original 18th century condition.
Many are now shops or restaurants, some with historical significance. There are some pleasant walks which can be completed in less than a couple of hours. Ramsbottom Heritage Centre on Carr Street will provide you with a map of the Heritage Walk which encompasses many of the places.
The Ramsbottom Heritage Centre is open each weekend from 1pm to 4.30pm and houses a small exhibition as well as local information and guides. For a few pence, you will be given a map of the Heritage Walk, a short walk taking in many of the historic buildings in the town.
The Peel Tower at Holcombe is more than a local landmark, it commemorates Sir Robert Peel, Prime Minister of Britain between 1841 and 1846, founder of the modern Police Force (once named 'Peelers' and still often referred to as 'Bobbys'). He is also renowned for repealing the Corn Laws.The tower, opened in 1852, is a popular landmark sitting on the top of Holcombe Hill (1100ft.) on the west side of the Irwell Valley offering a magnificent view to those who climb the 150 steps leading to the top.
Shopping in Ramsbottom
There are over 100 shops and businesses in the centre of Ramsbottom. Many of the shops are of a specialist nature, some of the goods available can not be found elsewhere in the locality.
Bridge Street, Bolton Street, Square Street, and the original Market Place at the junction in the centre of the town are the main shopping areas, all having buildings of character, some of which are listed. A market is held each Saturday, close to the Railway Station and the main shopping streets. A car boot sale takes place each Sunday in the car park alongside the Railway Station.
Saturday Market
Ramsbottom's Traditional Country Market is open every Saturday throughout the year on the Market north and west car parks behind Bridge Street. 1000's of customers flock to the town, many arriving on the traditional East Lancashire Steam Railway.
Ramsbottom Saturday Markets Traders pride themselves in offering a full range of fresh produce from fruit & vegetables to fish, cheese, bread, flowers and plenty more ideas for round the home and all the family. Come down to the Market open every Saturday for all your shopping and enjoy the friendly atmosphere and personal service.
Farmers Market
2nd Sunday of every month. The farmers market is held monthly in the Market Place and inside Ramsbottom Civic Hall. It features more than 25 stalls and brings together farmers and producers from all over the North West.
A vast array of local produce is available, including jams, breads and home-made fudge, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat (including ostrich), savoury pies and seafood. Also there are home-made crafts, cards, paintings and other locally made items.
