Peel Tower

The Peel Tower stands 128 feet high on Holcombe Hill, close to Holcombe Village and Ramsbottom. It was erected in 1852 as a memorial to former Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel.

Peel was born in Ramsbottom and is noted for establishing the Metropolitan Police Service and abolishing the Corn Laws.

A good starting place for a walk up Holcombe Hill is the Shoulder of Mutton pub in Holcombe village, a Grade II listed building built in the mid-18th century. From here walk along Cross Lane and then take the track signposted to Peel Tower. Alternatively take the East Lancashire Railway to Ramsbottom and walk from here to Holcombe village.

On the way up to the tower the Millennium Bench, commissioned by the locals to mark the new century, is a pleasant spot to have a rest and enjoy the views.

On most days it’s not possible to climb the steps to the top of the tower. For opening times call the Bury Tourist Information Centre on 0161 253 5111.

The tower is also a popular venue for charity abseiling events.

Note: The postcode given in the information box is for the Shoulder of Mutton. The Peel Tower is an unoccupied monument and does not have its own postcode.

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

Cliff And Mel

Overcast day but still didn't spoil a good walk up to the tower. Views great once the overcast conditions eventually lifted.

Gavin & Adam

Truly a fantastic view from up there, so peaceful. I myself (Gavin) could have sat there for ever! Would love to go inside the tower and to the top some day.

Max Fielding

Special open Sunday today so ventured up with my 3 sons and ex partner. Once my sons overcame the sheer drop from within the stairway they loved the amazing views from the top, helped on by the strong wind. Well worth the hike.

Raymond

Lovely summit and views, but couldn't anybody think of putting a few benches outside the tower for people to sit and enjoy the scenery. All the more so after the climb from the road down below.

Steve

Peel Tower was Built in 1851 and officially opened in 1852. Built by public subscription by the people of Ramsbottom.

gilly

I will be visiting Peel Tower this weekend to celebrate my late father's birthday. He would have been 80. I will be taking a cake and balloons. His initials are still etched there 66 years later.

Lynne Wallace Hogg

I worked at Peel tower from 1987-1990, when it was open on Sat & Sun every week. Went from boiling a kettle on a dusty floor when it first opened, to dishing out tea, coffee & ice cream once the counter was put in and the windows were more than just iron railings! Used to put the flag up every weekend and take it down again (171 steps to the top). It was some weekend job, but loved every minute of it!

Nic Shaw

I used to live nearby in the 70s. I remember walking up to the tower with school friends in the summer holidays. I left to live in Portsmouth in 1976.

Lord Waddington

One of the best places to visit in Lancashire.

Bob Randell

It was a bit more of a walk than going to the Waterfoot chippy on Saturday night, but the view at the top was better than the cod & chips. By eck these bobbies knew how to build watch towers. Not much crime for miles around though as the tower is in middle of nowhere on top of a hill. Not many pub louts going to be bothered to go up there at night!

Eve Speake

I enjoyed the walk to Peel Tower with my husband Garry and two kids last week. It was a hike to get to the top but the children had fun and it was well worth it for the views from the top. They were breathtaking.

Steve

Well Peel tower was built in 1851 and opened to the public in 1852. Built by public subscription from the people of Ramsbottom.
Fantastic views from the summit.

Anita

I know what John means about the foreign restaurant. Totally out of keeping with the area. I can't imagine how they got planning permission. It should be a tea & ice cream cum gift shop in a place like that. It's a lovely place, and well worth a visit. There's a 6 mile circular walk that includes the tower. We met some ladies who were en route and we intend to try it next time we're there.

ally

This is an amazing walk. It's tough at first but well worth it for the spectacular views.

Jay & Chantelle

We walked up there today. Great views but what ever you do...DO NOT GO UP THE PATH BEHIND THE HARE AND HOUNDS!!!!!!
It sent us on some kind of Lord Of The Rings quest to get to the top.
And you may end up walking through a mine field.

John

Locally it's called 'Holcombe Hill' and at Easter, people walk up there; some fit people run up there. Those who mentioned driving up probably broke some bye law. I think cars are prohibited. It's a bit of a hike but little kids and old biddies manage it quite well. There's now some kind of madrassa at the approach to the hill which I must say disturbs me. I don't remember voting for an alien invasion.

Lukasz

I agree with Mick. Rivington Pike seems to be better but Peel Tower is also an excellent place. I was doing abseiling on this tower few days ago. Loved it!

Mick

Not quite as good as Rivington Pike, but still a decent view.

Is a bumpy drive but, when your up there nice and warm with a brew in the car, with complete panoramic view, its breathtaking.

Donna

I walked up there this afternoon, tiring - but brilliant views from the top!!!

Kevin Day

Tough cycle ride up there, but worth the sweat and aching legs. On a clear day you can see landmarks such as Blackpool Tower and Jodrell Bank.

cath

Glorious views. A lovely family friendly walk with a 3 wheeled buggy. Excellent food at the (child friendly) pub close by. A super day out.

John

Fantastic views across my beloved home town. I could sit up there all day.

Ashy

Tough walk to the top for an old man like me, but fantastic views once you get there.

Peel Tower

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