Up on the northern edge of Greater Manchester, Ramsbottom is one of the area’s hidden gems. With beautiful scenery, great food and drink and some very quirky events, there's a lot to see and do so here are six reasons why you need to visit.
1 - It has a chocolate festival
A whole festival dedicated to one of mankind’s most wonderful foods - what’s not to love? It’s been taking place since 2007 and the 2015 Chocolate Festival will include a market with more than 50 stalls selling a range of chocolate-related goodies, along with family friendly activities such as a mini-chocolate factory. If you can’t get enough, Ramsbottom is also home to the Chocolate Café selling food and drink (including beer!) made using cocoa.
Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival, March 28–29 2015.
2 - It also hosts the Black Pudding Throwing Championships
In probably one of the strangest contests in the country, each year hundreds of visitors from across the UK (and even further afield) descend on Ramsbottom to chuck black puddings at Yorkshire puddings. The aim is to dislodge as many Yorkshire puds as possible, in a tradition which has its origins in the War of the Roses - although the current event dates back to the 1980s. And for those who prefer eating to throwing, puddings from both sides of the Pennines are on sale.
World Black Pudding Throwing Championships, September 13 2015.
3 - It's foodie friendly
Ramsbottom has become a real destination for food lovers in recent years. Excellent tapas dishes along with a range of wines and sherries are available at Levanter Fine Foods – a bustling little place bringing an authentic taste of Spain to the town, and pubs like Hearth of the Ram and the Eagle and Child offer modern British dining.
4 - …and don’t forget the beer
If you’re into craft beer, you’re well catered for as the town is home to a trio of breweries. Rammy Craft Ales sell their beers in wine merchants’ The Vineyard and in pubs across the town; Irwell Works Brewery is located in a former engineering works and has a tap room showcasing their range - including the delightfully-named Costa del Salford; and there is also the SIBA-award winning Brewsmith Beers. Salford’s First Chop have a bar in the town which also sells tapas and bar snacks. Ramsbottom also has an annual beer festival which takes place March 28–29 in 2015 - the same weekend as the Chocolate Festival.
5 - There’s a steam railway
Relive the golden age of rail travel and hop on the East Lancashire Railway, which calls at Ramsbottom on its services between Heywood and Rawtenstall. There’s something quaint about travelling on a steam railway which you don’t get from other rail journeys (especially Northern Rail’s ‘interesting’ trains), and the ELR also offers luxury dining experiences on its Pullman-style carriages, real ale tours and even the chance to drive a train!
6 - You can explore the countryside
It's located in the heart of the Irwell Valley which means there are a variety of walks within easy reach from the town centre. Climb Holcombe Hill up to Peel Tower (a monument to former Prime Minister and founder of the Metropolitan Police Sir Robert Peel, who was born in the town) to admire stunning views across Manchester and further afield, or explore the Irwell Sculpture Trail.
To get to Ramsbottom catch the Metrolink to Bury and the 472/474 bus from Bury Interchange. Combined tram and bus passes are available on Metrolink machines (off peak only).
See more things to do in Manchester from Time Out.