Why go now?
For Christmas shopping in the former mill town’s independent shops, farmer’s market (11 December) or Christmas street market (17-18 December), where there’ll be ice-skating, too.
What else is there to do?
Ride a steam train along the East Lancashire Railway between Heywood and Bury – there are Santa Specials this month, with brass bands, carol singing, presents and mince pies. Take a winter walk up Holcombe Hill to Peel Tower, a memorial to the former prime minister and Metropolitan police founder, Robert Peel. Explore the Irwell Sculpture trail, 70 outdoor artworks from Bacup to Salford Quays – the Ramsbottom “cluster” has two in the Irwell Valley, one by the river and another in the town centre. Drive over to Bolton for its winter festival, which includes a 55-metre snow slide.
Anywhere good to eat?
Absolutely, Ramsbottom is a real foodie destination. Levanter’s tapas, such as oxtail braised in rioja, are so good it is listed in the Michelin guide, while sister venue Baratxuri is an excellent Basque-style pintxo bar. The Eagle and Child has proper pub grub, including cheese and onion pie with homemade baked beans. The Hearth of the Ram is a posher affair: rabbit and black pudding pithivier followed by Goosnargh guinea fowl, perhaps.
How about a drink?
The Irwell Works brewery has a taphouse upstairs, serving eight of its own beers and a real cider. XLII is a buzzing bar with a great wine list, beer from local microbreweries and cocktails such as the Lady Ramsbottom (gin, rhubarb, rosehip and prosecco). The Chocolate Cafe, unsurprisingly, serves fantastic hot chocolate.
Anywhere to stay for under £100?
Church View is a boutique B&B with two suites and a twin room (doubles from £75, churchviewguesthouse.co.uk). The Red Hall on the outskirts of Ramsbottom is a simple hotel with 37 rooms (doubles from £65, red-hall.co.uk).
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