
Nestled away in the north of Greater Manchester is a market town oozing quaintness, boasting Victorian architecture, industrial heritage and a beautiful Pennine landscape. Bordering Lancashire but in the metropolitan borough of Bury, Ramsbottom offers plenty of Northern charm and character that draws numerous visitors to the town again and again.
An unusual name to many, Ramsbottom is said to have derived from Old English and means ‘valley of the ram’. The market town was quite the hub during the Industrial Revolution due to its many mills for spinning, weaving and printing, resulting in the area becoming more populated over time.
Today, Ramsbottom continues to manufacture great products but instead swapping printing for producing great pints and spinning for sweet treats. The town is home to an abundance of independent businesses, restaurants and bars with multiple picturesque walking routes, a steam railway line on its doorstep, as well as the annual World Black Pudding Throwing Championships, meaning there’s plenty of things to do. So, without further ado, here’s a local’s guide to the best things to do in Ramsbottom:
1. Get on board the East Lancashire Railway

The pace of life might be a tad slower to the one of the busy Manchester city centre, however it’s full steam ahead as the town is home to its very own railway station. Running from Bury to Rawtenstall, the East Lancashire Railway passes through Ramsbottom as well as the quaint countryside carrying passengers in old fashioned train carriages. Visitors can hop on at Ramsbottom to go onto explore the nearby towns from March until Christmas, offering holiday specials for children as well as fine dining experiences and afternoon tea on board.
2. Clamber up Holcombe Hill for impressive views

Be sure to pack your walking boots when you come to Ramsbottom as the town boasts a number of walking routes allowing you to explore the nearby area. With Peel Tower (which is dedicated to former prime minister Sir Robert Peel) standing proud on Holcombe Hill, you know you’ve arrived in the town with such a beacon. The hill can be approached from a number of angles including the town centre, south of the town via Holcombe Brook and north of the town via Stubbins. The walk is steep but once you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with impressive views and on a clear day you can see the city of Manchester in the distance. The tower is also open to go up on bank holidays.
3. Soak up the epic views with a roast at The Eagle & Child

Enjoying a tasty Sunday roast and ravishing views is hard to come by but luckily The Eagle & Child offers both. The pub also serves hand-stretched stonebaked pizzas from its pizza oven and guests can enjoy tasty slices either outside on one of the pub’s benches or within the large tipi draped in cute fairy lights (perfect to escape to when the weather takes an unexpected turn). And if you’re in need of somewhere to rest your head or planning to extend your visit in the Ramsbottom area, The Eagle & Child offers five boutique hotel rooms to stay in.
4. Get your caffeine fix at Grind & Tamp

If you’re after cute coffee shop vibes Grand & Tamp on Bridge Street is the one. What the coffee shop lacks in space, it makes up for in its impressive coffee on sale both made to order as well as featuring a roster of independent roasters. Grab a coffee to go as you discover what the town has to offer or sit and watch the world go by with a brew and even a slice of cake, toastie, brunch dish or bowl of soup.
5. Visit independent homeware shops to give your space a new lease of life

If you want to take a piece of Ramsbottom home with you, there are a number of home and interior shops offering unique pieces to spruce your place up with. Hearts for Homes boasts Ramsbottom-embellished items like tea towels, mugs, coasters and placemats as well as Manchester-themed decorations upstairs. On the opposite side of Bridge Street you’ll find the yellow-fronted Life Store selling handmade candles, blankets, ceramics and items to boost your wellbeing like essential oils and bath salts.
6. Enjoy a breath of fresh air wandering round Nuttall Park
With so much food and drink that you need to try in this town a walk to stretch your legs will help pass the time before your next meal. If you don’t fancy the steep climb up Holcombe Hill, a little wander round Nuttall Park is a great alternative. The park boasts trails with some running alongside the River Irwell, tennis courts and a children’s playground.
7. Sip on locally-made pints at Irwell Works
Everywhere you turn in Ramsbottom you’re never far from a pint of craft beer to sink. There’s Irwell Works which boasts its very own collection of beer with a balcony overlooking the town that’s great to sit at during the summer months. Order yourself a pint of Costa del Salford or another brew that takes your fancy and chill. Tucked away on an industrial estate in Stubbins is microbrewery Brewsmith Beer, which is a short walk away, offering the likes of oatmeal stout and plenty of pale ales.
8. Tuck into delicious Italian food at Tre Ciccio

Manchester might boast multiple pizzerias and Italian restaurants, but have you tried Tre Ciccio? Offering Sicilian food like arancini as well as Neapolitan pizzas with delicious toppings and top crusts for dipping, the restaurant also serves up a selection of pasta dishes, roast chicken and sides (order the truffle parmesan fries and thank us later). What sets Tre Ciccio apart is its summertime seating as when the sun starts to shine the restaurant opens the roof, providing us with sweeping views of the nearby hills to soak up with an Aperol Spritz in hand. Plus, they have a basement bar, La Cantina, worth heading down to for an aperitivo or night-cap.
9. Mosey around Ramsbottom’s antique shops and galleries

As well as offering plenty of places to eat and drink, Ramsbottom has a number of spots for art and interior lovers. Just down Ramsbottom’s Bridge Street you’ll find Memories Antiques and Jesse May’s Vintage for all the knick knacks you desire to give your home plenty of character- from decorative items to dining tables. If you’re looking to add some art to your humble abode take a peek inside Olchon’s Gallery or venture a little further to the nearby village of Summerseat where you’ll find quirky independent art gallery, The Art Studio Summerseat, which sells eclectic original art, jewellery, ceramics, glassware and candles.
10. Roam around Redisher Woods
Did we say Ramsbottom was rammed full of walks? Well, it certainly is. Adding to the multiple trails is a lovely walk through Redisher Woods in Holcombe Brook, south of Ramsbottom. Sitting at the base of Holcombe Moor and heading towards the likes of Greenmount, Summerseat, and Tottington, Redisher Woods is great for those who love an ancient woodland walk. Listen to the calming streams, the crunch of the leaves and the tranquillity as this walk is tucked away from the main roads.
11. Take some sweet treats home with you

Whether it’s chocolate or pastries that take your fancy, Ramsbottom has got it. Head to Cocoa Tree for a chocolatey haven with sweet treats galore perfect to tuck into whilst sitting in a comfy seat or take away as a memento or gift from your time in the market town. You’ll also find Aprilia Italia at the Market Place nearby that is an Italian patisserie serving a variety of sweet tarts from raspberry frangipane to lemon meringue, as well as focaccia and paninis for savoury lovers. All the baked goods and chocolates at these Ramsbottom spots are locally-made and decorated to perfection, meaning it’s hard not to resist stopping by.