Black pudding, factories, Gary Neville – Bury is famous for many things, but one specific area within this Greater Manchester borough that rarely sees the light of day is Radcliffe. Bisected by the disused Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal, Radcliffe appears in an entry of the Domesday Book as ‘Radeclive’ (the red cliff or bank) and in the High Middle Ages formed a small parish and township centred on the Church of St Mary and Radcliffe Tower, both of which are Grade I listed buildings.
As is the case for many north west towns, Radcliffe was plentiful in coal, facilitating the Industrial Revolution, providing fuel for the cotton spinning and papermaking industries. By the mid-19th century, Radcliffe was an important mill town with cotton mills, bleachworks and a road, canal and railway network.
Now, Radcliffe prides itself of its football team, Radcliffe FC, proximity to Manchester, and its thriving market scene, making it a great place to settle or visit. But what exactly will you find in Radcliffe?
Things to do in Radcliffe, Bury
Though it may be small, it is mighty. Radcliffe’s aforementioned Tower remains a mysterious landmark in the town, and is the only surviving part of a manor house which is now Grade I listed. Radcliffe Tower is located just off the high street, so is easy to access, and can be bookended by a stroll around the shops.
Radcliffe Market is also the pride of the town, offering fresh and local food, ethical products, and local services that you can’t find in any other place in and around Radcliffe and North Manchester. Whether you’re after a bite to eat, or a mooch to find one off clothing or homewares, this is the place to go. Plus, foodie Fridays bring in the masses, with live music and a great atmosphere – if xyou fancied staying into the evening .
There’s also a lovely cafe culture in Radcliffe, with the likes of FARRARS, The Good Kind and Pausa Cafe to drop into and recharge, and plenty of restaurants to tide you over.
Radcliffe is a great day out for the family, too, with plenty of green space to indulge in whatever the weather. Coronation Park is at the heart of Radcliffe, boasting a croquet and boules lawn, bowling pavilion, a children’s play area, a ball zone end for football nets and basketball and a youth shelter – but beware, the park is on a steep hill. Surrounding the town, though, is plenty of gorgeous woodland and walking potential, whether it be Outwood Country Park or Springwater Park, there’s something for everyone.
The birthplace of Danny Boyle
Famous for some of the biggest (and best, in our opinion) films of the past 30 years, Danny Boyle is a true legend of cinema, and he happens to have been born and raised in Radcliffe. Whether you love the apocalyptic horror of 28 Days Later (and now 28 Years Later), gritty cult-favourites Trainspotting and Shallow Grave, or the social commentary of Slumdog Millionaire, the chances are you’ll be a fan of some of Boyle’s work, and the idea that this was created right here in Greater Manchester is something to be proud of.
In the past, Danny Boyle has spoken candidly about his upbringing in Radcliffe, and has always been proud of his hometown – fulfilling a promise to mention his local social club during his Academy Awards acceptance speech in 2009. Danny Boyle is also an industry advisory group co-chair at Manchester Metropolitan University’s new School of Digital Arts, championing innovation in the screen industries.
How to get to Radcliffe
Radcliffe is one of those lucky Greater Manchester areas that’s serviced by the Metrolink, so if you’re in the vicinity of Manchester, you’re well-covered. Hop on any tram on the Bury line, and Radcliffe is the stop before Bury – it couldn’t be easier.
Otherwise, you can take the 98 bus from Shudehill straight to Radcliffe, or you can drive within around 40 minutes.
📍 Radcliffe officially begins with the M60 to the south, bordering Bolton’s Clifton, Kearsley, Little Lever, and Ainsworth, with Bury to the North East and Whitefield bordering the East.
