Ramsbottom
Ramsbottom is a small town in the Irwell Valley, around 5 miles north of Bury. Its name means ‘valley of the wild garlic’ (a derivation of ‘ransom’, the name for wild garlic and ‘botham’, a valley).
It developed during the Industrial Revolution as a mill town and in recent years has prospered as a tourist destination with the opening of the East Lancashire Railway. Other local attractions include the Peel Tower and the Rambottom Duck Trail, a 1 mile walking circuit that includes the River Irwell Wharf, Kay Brow Lodge and Springwood Lodge. A map is available from the Ramsbottom Heritage Centre. The town is also on the Irwell Sculpture Trail. Edward Allington’s Tilted Vase sculpture stands on Market Place.
On the second Sunday of each month, the Ramsbottom farmers market attracts visitors from all over the North West. In September the town’s Royal Oak pub hosts the rather bizarre World Black Pudding Throwing Championships, while on Good Friday thousands gather to climb Holcombe Hill.
Hotels
| Name | Normal Rate | Jul 25 | Jul 26 | Jul 27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Mill Hotel & Leisure Club | £104.90 | £.90 (save 99%) | £.90 (save 99%) | £.90 (save 99%) |
Attractions
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| East Lancashire Railway | One of the UK’s best kept heritage railways. |
| Irwell Sculpture Trail | The UK’s largest public art scheme. |
| Peel Tower | Memorial to Sir Robert Peel. |
Reviews / Comments / Additional Information
The popular theory is that the contest dates from the Wars of the Roses when both armies ran out of ammunition and started a food fight.
Bridge Street will be closed to traffic for the day, and there will be live music from local bands, children’s rides, and food stalls. The event begins at midday and the winner announced at 4pm.