Whether you’re a foodie, a history fanatic or just looking for a way to keep the kids entertained, there’s a great range of social activities in Bury with its picturesque forest parks, bustling market stalls and historic landmarks.
1. Food and Drink
Foodies in Bury are spoilt for choice: bohemian cafe bar and restaurant Crowded House also doubles up as a hair and beauty salon and offers a great range of “world fusion” menu options - or why not try Levanter Fine Foods - a small, friendly tapas bar based in Ramsbottom town centre?‘ If you’re looking for something a little more traditional why not pop into The Packhorse Inn in Affetside - a cosy 15th Century pub offering food made with locally sourced ingredients. Why not also visit The Bury Black Pudding Company at Bury Market, where you’ll also find vegetarian and vegan options to try.
2. Local History
There’s plenty to offer history lovers (who may also be interested to know that the name Bury comes from the Old English word Buri, meaning castle, stronghold or fort.) The Fusellier Museum has regimental collections from over 350 years (including material connected to Napoleon Bonaparte!) as well as interactive exhibits - and if you’re a train fanatic, why not take a trip back to the steam age on the East Lancashire Railway (there’s also the heritage rail ale trail for beer lovers, too). The railway is also part of Bury Transport Museum, which you can also visit to discover how the wheels of the industrial Northwest were first set in motion.
3. Tourist Attractions
Even if you’re local, why not be a tourist in your hometown? There’s plenty of attractions to discover (or re-discover). Take a trip to the historic Peel Tower - a Gothic Revival tower built in 1852 to commemorate Bury-born statesman Sir Robert Peel. With 148 steps it’s a long way to the top - but well worth it for the stunning views over the local countryside. You can also pay tribute to a beloved local comic (and everyone’s favourite dinnerlady) at the Victoria Wood statue in the centre of the Culture Quarter.
4. Children’s Activities
The East Lancashire Railway has plenty to offer the little ones - with the opportunity to meet the little blue engine himself on “A Day Out with Thomas”, while active tots are guaranteed to have a ball at the Go Wild Bury Play Centre. The East Lancashire Mystery Treasure Trail is great for budding sleuths - and for rainy days why not head over to Hollywood Bowl for some fun and games. If you’re looking for something to keep everyone happy, head over to historic Heaton Park (the largest of it’s kind in the Northwest), where there’s an animal centre - and plenty of good places to go picnicking.
5. Social Clubs
There’s plenty of opportunities to meet new people, share your favourite hobbies - or even discover new ones with Bury’s local social clubs. Lift your voice - and your spirits with Bury Choral Society, or enjoy the therapeutic benefits of knitting, card-making and other crafts at the Craft for Wellbeing Group. There’s even an Art Group too that welcomes everyone of all levels. If you’re looking to socialise while keeping fit and healthy, Radcliffe and District offer Yoga Therapy classes for the over-50s - while Bury leisure offers health and fitness activities for junior members aged 11-15 in their newly re-opened and Covid-secure centre.
6. Libraries
There’s even more on in Bury’s local libraries: go in search of your next favouite read (please note: most libraries are continuing to run a click and collect service), discover your heritage in the archives and join in social groups and events - at the Radcliffe Library there’s even internet guidance sessions to help you brush up on those online skills while meeting and making new friends.
7. Parks and Outdoor Activities
If you’re feeling adventurous, cycle through the leafy scenery in Prestwich Forest Park , or visit Burrs Country Park Activity Centre. There’s plenty of opportunities for walkers too, whether you’re up for a ten-mile hike or something a little more leisurely. Holcolme Hill offers spectacular views and there are plently of footpaths and trails available so that you can take the scenic route - no matter where you are.
8. Shopping
Bury is also home to the world-famous open-air Bury Market (open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays), where you’ll discover hundreds of stalls selling a range of products from food and drink to clothing and jewelllery. Millgate, The Rock and the Trafford Centre also offer high street bargains conveniently placed in one location - as well original finds from a selection of quality independent retailers.
9. Pubs and Clubs
Retro gamers will love Arcade Club - a reasonably-priced bar packed with 16-bit nostalgia (where else can you enjoy a game of Pac Man with your beer?) - while Silver Street Brewery offers craft ales made on the premises in their basement brewery that you can enjoy in chic industrial surroundings in the bar upstairs. There’s also plenty of traditional pubs on offer, including Ramsbottom’s The Hearth of the Ram.
10. Arts and Culture
Enjoy the range of activities and events on offer at Bury Art Museum, all packed into a unique Edwardian building - where inside you’ll find works by J. M. W. Turner and John Constable - or why not visit the Irwell Sculpture Trail, which runs from Salford to the West Pennine Moors? For live shows and performances, award-winning arts venue The Met is the place to be - with former acts including Steve Coogan and Peter Kay - and a trip to The Doghouse Music Bar is a hidden gem - and a must for music lovers, offering jazz, blues and DJ sets.
For even more ideas, head over to the Activities and Things to Do in Bury Area of Bury Directory’s Leisure & Recreation In Bury section, where you’ll find plenty more opportunities to meet people, make friends and have fun - perhaps even while learning a new skill. There’s plenty of activities for all ages and abilities - plus a Leisure & Day Activities in Bury section in the Adult Care & Disability Services section for adult Bury residents with additional needs.
Last Updated: 8th Aug 2022, 17:18