Best things to do in the sun around Bolton this weekend

Whether your main aim is to please the kids, get some exercise or just sit in the sun we have got you covered. 

From tree top adventures to leisurely strolls and petting zoos there is plenty nearby to please everyone. 

We’ve got some firm favourites like Rivington Pike and some new places which have opened up like Treetop Nets, which you might not have tried yet.

If you think we've missed something feel free to get in touch and let us know.

Smithills Open Farm

First on the list is Smithills Open Farm in Smithills Dean Road.

A great family day out with plenty to see. They have a wide selection of animals from cows and pigs to llamas and the flightless rhea.

They also have a creepy crawly selection, including spiders, to take a look at and supposedly 'the best dogs in the world ever'. 

The farm is open 10am to 5pm seven days a week, adult tickets are £8 with concessions priced at £7.

If you are using your sat nav to get there they advise using postcode BL1 7NR. 

Horwich Festival of Racing

This weekend is the Horwich Festival of Racing, formally Horwich Carnival Races. 

The festival is unique in that it offers all abilities a chance to test themselves, whether beginner or elite athlete. 

On Saturday events like Youth Cycle Races and Go-Ride Time Trials are being held and on Sunday there is the 5th British National Unicycle Championship and Sprint Orienteering Final.

The festival is in its 16th year and takes place around Horwich. 

Visit the website, horwichfestivalofracing.co.uk for more information.

Jumbles Country Park

If you want to head out for a walk with the family, perhaps take a picnic or enjoy a spot of tea, Jumbles Country Park could be just the place. 

Since 1971 the park has been open with a network of paths around Jumbles Reservoir and in the surrounding Bradshaw Valley. 
The park is off Bradshaw Road, BL2 4JS. 

Treetop Nets

New to the area is Treetop Nets, it's a twist on your usual trampoline park. 

Suitable for those aged three and up, Treetop Nets is a network of tunnels and trampolines all suspended 40 feet in the air between trees. 

Prices start at £13 for children aged 3-4 and are £20 for all other age groups. Adults are required to supervise those between three and six. 

Booking is strongly recommended and can be done online at treetopnets.co.uk. 

Based in Heaton Park, Treetops is a little further away. The car park they advise using is via the St Margaret's Road Entrance to Heaton Park, M25 2GT. 

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Turton Tower

A little outside Bolton lies Turton Tower, a historical home with plenty of open countryside to enjoy.

For a little bit of history entry to the tower is £6 for adults and £5 for concessions, children under 16 go free. 

Free of charge for the little ones is the adventure playground.

Car parking is free and the post code to use is BL7 0HG, if you're travelling by train the tower in Chapeltown Road is a 25 minute walk from Bromley Cross train station. 

Go Ape

Again for the more adventurous is Go Ape. 

The Rivington adventure trek includes exciting zip wires, a tarzan swing and high rise 'stepping stones'.

Suspended in the canopy you can really put yourself to the test. Their longest zip wire is a huge 198m and throughout the course you can enjoy views of the reservoir. 

Go Ape is for those aged 10 and over and prices are £25 for children and £33 for adults.

Parking is free at the Great House Barn, Rivington Lane site. For more information visit goape.co.uk/days-out/rivington.

Queens Park 

To really take it easy this weekend, head to Queens Park. Take a picnic and just relax. 

Opened in 1866 and named in honour of Queen Victoria's Silver Jubilee, the park once had history museum funded by Samuel Chadwick, whose statue you have probably seen in Victoria Square. 

The park has a children's playground and a cafe and is perfect for a stroll, especially as the River Croal runs through it. 

It is bordered by Park Road, Chorley New Road and Chorley Street. 

Smithills Hall

This Grade I listed, medieval hall can supposedly trace the roots of its chapel back to 792. 

Set in 2,000 acres of land there is plenty to explore though the hall itself is only open Wednesday-Friday, 10am to 4pm and Sundays noon to 4pm. 

If you pay a visit on Sunday as well as the lush grounds you can also enjoy a free guided tour of the hall by one of the volunteers. 

Find it off Smithills Dean Road, BL1 7NP, car parking is available in the grounds. 

Rivington Pike

Always a popular choice, a hike up Rivington Pike is one of the areas great pleasures.

The stunning scenery you can view from the top make the journey more than worthwhile. 

There are a few different routes up the most popular starting from George's Lane or Rivington Hall Barn, in Hall Lane where you can take advantage of the car park.