BARCELONA, Berlin and, erm, Bolton.

Our fair town may not be the first place which springs to mind when you think tourism but, according to new figures, the industry is booming. 

In 2015, the town's tourism income rose to £420.4 million, from £405.5 million the previous year.

The town also welcomed 6.5 million visitors in 2015, boosted by popular events such as Bolton Food and Drink Festival and the gruelling Ironman UK Triathlon. 

To celebrate the news of tourism boosting the local economy, here is a rundown of the best things to do in Bolton - according to TripAdvisor reviews. 

Why not discover somewhere new or pay your favourite a visit? Perfect if you have little ones to entertain this half term. 

6 fun and educational activities in Bolton this half term

Smithills Open Farm, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton

4.5 out of 646 reviews

This family-run farm has a wide range of petting animals, from pigs to llamas and even stick insects.

The Bolton News: FRIENDS: New baby llama meets Bambi the donkey for the first time at Smithills Open Farm.

Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre, Radcliffe Road, Bolton

4.5 out of 166 reviews  

Local hero, steeple jack and engineering enthusiast Fred Dibnah gained national fame in the 1978 BBC documentary ‘Fred Dibnah, Steeplejack’.

Sadly Fred passed away in 2004. His home and workshop, near Leverhulme Park, have been converted into a heritage centre commemorating Fred’s life.

The Bolton News: HISTORIC Fred’s former home, where the famous former steeplejack lived. It is now known as as The Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre, under cuurent owner Leon Powsney.

Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton

4.5 out of 232 reviews

The theatre hosts plays, alongside cooking demonstrations, food festival events and youth projects.

The Bolton News: Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Jumbles Country Park, Bradshaw Road

4.5 out of 248 reviews

The park opened in 1971 after the creation of the Jumbles Reservoir.

The footpath around the reservoir is popular among walkers of all ages and is also used by cyclists, runners and hikers.

The Bolton News: OUTDOORS: Jumbles Country Park. PIC: Keith Rylance

Bolton Library and Museum Services, Le Mans Crescent

4 out of 225 reviews  

This half term, the library is celebrating its new exhibition ‘Animals and Us’.

There will be themed activities from 1.30pm to 3pm on Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Friday 24 February. Suitable for ages 4 to 11.

The Bolton News: Bolton Library

Bolton Steam Museum, Mornington Road, Bolton

5 stars out of 73 reviews

Founded by the Northern Mill Engine Society in 1960s, the museum strives to preserve our industrial past and contains one of the country’s largest collection of working mill steam engines.

The Bolton News: Bolton Steam Museum in Steam

Moses Gate Country Park, Hall Lane, Farnworth

4 out of 178 reviews

The Farnworth park contains three lakes, the largest of which acts as a wildlife sanctuary, and multiple footpaths and bridleways for the more active.

The Bolton News: Bradley Crea, aged five, and family friend Paul Asquith with the swans at Moses Gate Country Park

Turton and Entwistle Reservoir (Edgworth)

4.5 out of 38 reviews

A popular spot for walkers, cyclists, and families enjoying picnics.

The Bolton News: Turton and Entwistle reservoir

Queens Park, Bolton

4 out of 112 reviews

An ideal place to visit for children to let of some steam.

The Bolton News: HISTORIC: Queens Park, Bolton which has been given a Green Flag Award

Turton Tower, Chapeltown Road

4 out of 115 reviews

Nestled in the leafy suburb of Edgworth, this 600-year-old manor is a Bolton landmark.

The Bolton News: FUTURE SECURED: Turton Tower a Grade 1 listed building

Bolton Market

4.5 out of 45 reviews

The market has a growing reputation as the premier food market in the North West.

The Bolton News:

Hall I’ th’ Wood Museum

4.5 out of 40 reviews

Hall i' th' Wood was originally built as a half-timbered hall in the 16th century and was owned by wealthy yeomen and merchants.

The Bolton News: CRAFTS: Hall i' th' Wood Museum was the venue for a family craft afternoon

Go Ape at Rivington, Bolton

4.5 out of 125 reviews

Adventure-activity chain venue where groups explore the forest canopy via a treetop rope course.

The Bolton News: ATTRACTION Go Ape at Rivington

Air Vault Trampoline Park, Westhoughton

Perfect your slam-dunk, high five your friends then flip into the foam pit.

4.5 out of 67 reviews

The Bolton News: Picture by Julian Brown 16/08/16..Fitness instructor Andy Henderson..(Business Awards) Air Vault Trampoline Park, 1002 Great Bank Road, Wingates Industrial Park BL5 3XU.

Jump Xtreme, Trinity Retail Park, Bolton

4 out of 59 reviews

Enjoy xtreme fun and fitness at the trampoline park.

The Bolton News: OPENING: Managing director Cliff Nicholls at Jump Xtreme

Nevada Roller Rink, Burnden Sports Complex, Bolton

4.5 out of 14 reviews

The dedicated roller skating venue is a great place to meet your friends and to make new ones. 

The Bolton News:

Fidgets Soft Play Centre, Dunscar Business Park

4.5 out of 14 reviews

Fun for the kids and relaxing break for the adults. 

The Bolton News: