Tourist attractions in the area
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
IRWELL
significance. There are some pleasant walks which
SCULPTURE
can be completed in less than a couple of hours.
TRAIL
Ramsbottom Heritage Centre on Carr Street will
A few of the 20
provide you with a map of the Heritage Walk which
sculptures on the
Irwell Sculpture Trail. encompasses many of the places listed in our
HISTORY page. The Ramsbottom Heritage Centre
(map ref. 4) is open each weekend from 1pm to
EAST
4.30pm and houses a small
LANCASHIRE
exhibition as well as local information and guides.
RAILWAY
For a few pence, you will be given a map of the
Recreating the age of Heritage Walk, a short walk taking in many of the
steam.
historic buildings in the town.
PEEL TOWER
A monument to Sir
Robert Peel.
RAMSBOTTOM
HERITAGE
CENTRE
Exhibition and
information about the
locality
HOLCOMBE
VILLAGE
A beautiful village
within walking
distance of the town
GOLDEN JUBILEE
WINDOWS
One of the four
windows produced by
Bryan Farlow.
RAMSBOTTOM
DUCK TRAIL
Follow the sculpture
Read the words
Feed the ducks
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 Lane 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
TOWN SIGNPOST
PEEL TOWER
A memorial to Sir Robert Peel positioned on
Holcombe Hill.
THE RAKE
Holcombe Village.
THE MILLENNIUM BENCH
Holcombe Hill
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
views 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 Wharf (map ref. 12), Kay Brow Lodge, near
Barwood House (map ref. 5) and Springwood Lodge,
near The Old Mill (map ref. 18).
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON
A popular stop in Holcombe Village
STANDING STONE
Legendry base of a Gibbet
THE TILTED VASE
By Edward Allington and situated in the Market
Place.</STRONG< em>
SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND
An example of Kerry Morrison's work in Nuttall Park
RAMSBOTTOM RAILWAY STATION
Photographed during one of the popular 'Steam
Weekend' events.
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 Sunday to December
THE WHARF
A popular picnic site and the location for 'The River'
sculpture
Bury Tourist Information Centre
Fusilier Museum
Moss Street
Bury BL9 ODF
Tel: 0161 253 5111
E-mail: touristInformation@bury.gov.uk
THE PEEL WINDOW
One of four located in the Library
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS
By
BARRY ALDOUS