WITH the weather remaining as unpredictable as ever, this week we are recommending five ideas for rainy days out in Bolton.

As ever with our Five of the Best... feature, this is not a definitive list, just a selection of some of the recommendations we received.

Tell us your favourite places for a rainy day by emailing letters@theboltonnews.co.uk

Shiver me timbers

First up, the whole family can walk the plank to Bolton Museum where the Pirate-themed exhibition continues.

Until August 17, children can join the training school to learn how to look and talk like a pirate. The school takes place on the hour between 11am and 3pm Monday to Saturday. Visitors are welcome to attend in full pirate costume. Tickets are free for the exhibition but they have to be booked online at www.eventbrite.co.uk

Take a historic tour

On Wednesday August 14, staff at Turton Tower in Edgworth will be hosting a fully guided tour of the Grade I listed historic house.

There is no extra charge for the tour and visitors will just pay the standard admission price of £6 for adults, £5 concessions and children are free. The tour takes place between 1 and 3pm. For more information visit www.turtontower.co.uk

Step back in time

Set in beautiful gardens, Smithills Hall Museum provides a look into its medieval history and the history of its residents.

There are free guided tours by experienced volunteer guides which take about one hour.

The museum and hall is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 12pm and 4pm and on Bank Holiday Mondays.

It is free to enter the hall and there is a relaxing tea room where visitors can enjoy afternoon food and drink.

More information can be found by visiting www.friendsofsmithillshall.co.uk

Take a historic tour

On Wednesday August 14, staff at Turton Tower in Edgworth will be hosting a fully guided tour of the Grade I listed historic house.

There is no extra charge for the tour and visitors will just pay the standard admission price of £6 for adults, £5 concessions and children are free. The tour takes place between 1 and 3pm. For more information visit www.turtontower.co.uk

Free learning at museum

Hall l’ th’ Wood Museum is a historic, Grade I listed building which features various displays of 17th and 18th century furniture, objects and artefacts and gives people the chance to learn about the life of Samuel Crompton.

Admission is free and the museum is located off Crompton Way with free parking for visitors.

For more details on its opening times call 01204 332 370.

Play come rain or shine

Party and Play Funhouse in Westhoughton features an indoor and outdoor play area and is ideal for the young ones come rain or shine.

There is a sensory studio, and a café for the parents to relax in while the children play as well as facilities for disabled visitors and a balloon shop.

The centre is open every day from 9.30am until 6pm and 7pm on Fridays.

More details can be found at www.partyandplayfunhouse.co.uk