Not to miss

Hall 'ith' Wood

Bolton's best-known historic home was occupied by Samuel Crompton and his family, and it was here in 1779 that he invented the spinning mule - a water-powered yarn-spinner that revolutionised the cotton and textile industry. This lovely part-timbered 16th-century house is packed with period furniture, photos and historic memorabilia.

Animal World and Butterfly House

A tropical butterfly house bursting with plants, insects and free-flying butterflies is a highlight of this park, but Animal World also provides a natural habitat for birds, farm animals and native critters. Kids will love it, and the surrounding Moss Bank Park is great for strolling.

Barrow Bridge Village

Ever wondered how millworkers lived during the Industrial Revolution? Barrow Bridge provides a perfect window on the period since it was built in the 19th century as a model village for workers. The mills are long gone but the cottages, lanes, bridges and '63 steps' leading up a hill (now accessing the moors) are picturesquely preserved.