|
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 listed in our HISTORY page.
The Ramsbottom Heritage Centre (map
ref. 4) 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.
For more details ring 0161 253 5353.
Visiting Peel Tower involves a pleasant
walk up The Rake from Carr Street in the town centre, it will take
at least an hour so consider taking a break in
Holcombe Village. On the way to the
village you will pass a Tanners Croft (map
ref. 20), now an imposing private residence on the left at the beginning
Rawson's Rake. Soon after is The Rake proper which leads you onto Chapel
Lnae at Emmanuel Church (map
ref. 21). The Rake has been the subject for many an artist
and you will find paintings by some of them in the local galleries and gift
shops. Souvenirs such as mugs and plates will often be embellished with
this view. Close to Peel Tower and overlooking the valley is
the Millennium Bench
with its wonderful view it offers a welcomed rest
to visitors. The bench was
produced by
Lee Ratcliffe from Stubbins and Simon Nuttall from Ramsbottom.
It was sponsored by the residents of
Holcombe and friends, who raised the funds at the time of the Millennium Beacon.
The Shoulder
of Mutton (map ref. 22),
dates from 1751 and was a known venue for cock fighting until 1849.
Other buildings of interest nearby include 18th century Higher House across
the road from the pub
While in the village take a look at the
Standing Stone (map ref. 23)
behind The Shoulder of Mutton pub (map
ref. 22) which is said to date from the thirteenth century and was
at the time, the base of a Gibbet.
The Irwell
Sculpture Trail is one of the largest public art projects in the country
having some 20 sculptures in all. The trail runs from Salford along the Irwell
Valley through Ramsbottom, on to Bacup and beyond.. It includes a
Tilted Vase (map ref. 3), created by Edward Allington.
The sculpture, manufactured in bronze, occupies a central position on the
site of the original market place. Other sculptures in the Ramsbottom
locality are 'Seek And You Will Find', a series of carved wooden sculptures
by Kerry Morrison located in Nuttall Park. 'The River' is located
at the Wharf. For more information please contact the Irwell
Sculpture Trail Project Officer on 0161 228 3322 or Bury Tourist Information
Centre on 0161 253 5111. e-mail
touristinformation@bury.gov.uk.
The
East Lancashire Railway, still
under restoration, runs from Bury, through Ramsbottom and on to Rawtenstall
in the Rossendale Valley.
The line was opened
in 1989 and runs each weekend. Many special events take place throughout
the year including Thomas The Tank Engine weekends and Santa Specials over
the Christmas period.
Many of the engines
using the line are steam powered with classic engines often visiting the region.
The ELR can be contacted
on 0161 764 7790, or visit their web site at
http://www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk
The Wharf
(map ref. 12)is a restored section of
the River Irwell, across from the Railway Station and is ideal for picnics
during the summer months. Amongst the features of the Wharf is 'The
River' by Hetty Chapman and Karen Allerton. This is a part of the
Irwell Sculpture Trail seen as a meandering,
etched stainless steel path ending with a platform. Good veiws of the
trains arriving and departing from Ramsbottom Stations can be had from here.
The Golden Jubilee Window
are a new attraction for visitors to Ramsbottom. As part of
the Ramsbottom Jubilee Celebrations, Bryan Farlow was commissioned to
provide decorative windows for the Public Library (map
ref: 24). Having retired as an engineering draughtsman, Bryan enrolled
for a short introduction to stained glass at Peel College, Bury. He
is now particularly noted for his stained glass landscape work.
The Ramsbottom Duck
Trail is an easy walking circuit of about one kilometre looking at
the ducks and other wildlife on three areas of water. Suitable for
the young and not so young. The walk takes in River Irwell Warf
(map ref. 12), Kay Brow Lodge, near Barwood
House (map ref. 5) and Springwood Lodge, near
The Old Mill (map ref. 18).
Leaflet available from Ramsbottom Heritage Centre (map
ref. 4).
The Second Sunday of each month is a good time to visit the
town. This is when you will find the Farmers Market, Jazz at the
Grants and Previews of work by local artists at the Wensley Gallery - see
EVENTS page for details and links.
For further information contact:
Ramsbottom Heritage Centre
Carr Street
Ramsbottom
Tel: 01706 822620
Open 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Each Sunday and 2nd and 4th Saturdays
from
Easter Sundaiy to December
Bury Tourist Information Centre
The Met Arts Centre
Market Street
Bury BL9 OBW
Tel: 0161 253 5111
Fax: 0161 253 5919
E-mail:
touristInformation@bury.gov.uk
|
