Smithills Hall

Smithills Hall is a historic manor house on the northern edge of Bolton, run as a museum by Bolton Council and set in gardens beside the West Pennine Moors. The building spans medieval, Tudor and Victorian periods, so older children who enjoy stories about how people lived long ago will find plenty to look at, from the great hall to the chapel and library. Younger visitors tend to do best with a short walk through the rooms followed by time in the grounds and woodland. The site links well with the Smithills Estate walking routes next door, so families can combine a museum visit with a countryside stroll. A tea room is open on the hall's public days. Opening days are limited, so it is worth checking the details before setting out.