Bolton's district areas offer unique retail 'experience'

Horwich’s most well-known retail space is Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park, which is considered the largest leisure park in the UK.

There are a range of activities to do here, from seeing the latest film in the cinema, to bowling, games of tennis, events, and more.

Those after more of a personal touch, Horwich is also home to Ruby Rose Clothing Boutique, where it is considered “a hub in the community”.

The fashion outlet has been in business for almost 10 years and was awarded Best Local Shop in 2019 in Bolton West and Atherton’s by MP Chris Green.

Ruby Rose Clothing Boutique

Business owner Angela Stevens said: “We originally set the business up here because it’s where we’re from. People travel from all over to visit our store, and the community is friendly.

“We also use our business to help people and work with a lot of charities.

“We are a bit of a community hub where people can come in and have a chat. It’s so important for people to shop local because smaller business can be affected the most.”

Westhoughton has a thriving leisure industry with a number of bars and activities such as golf and trampolining.

Among the popular bars is The Beer School, which is an award-winning micro-pub, specialising in real ale, real cider and craft beer, with a particular focus on independent micro-breweries.

Evolve Clinic Westhoughton

Westhoughton councillor and leader of Bolton Council Martyn Cox said: “Retail is under pressure all across the country, but in district towns it’s about that experience of going to cafes, restaurants, a nice pub, or a beauty salon.

"This is something that can’t be recreated online.

"The town centres are adapting to the new world, and Westhoughton is one of them. When people come to the town centres, they really come here for the experience and the atmosphere.”