A historic market, a neoclassical town hall and rich medieval history set the pace in Bolton. Hire a car to cruise around in comfort and style, whatever your plans.
Explore Bolton's landmark attraction
Bolton is known for its history and the town is proud of its heritage. At the Bolton Museum, you can read real tales from Boltonians of yore and see exhibits on famous local people, such as playwright Bill Naughton.
You might not expect to find Europe’s only full-size replica Egyptian tomb here, but bold Bolton is brimming with surprises. In fact, the Bolton Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Greater Manchester.
There is international art aplenty and impressive exhibits on everything from geology to entomology – the study of insects.
But, the real star of the show is the exceptional Egypt gallery where more than 12,000 items including mummies, pottery and ancient jewels are displayed.
The gallery features a landmark Egyptian tomb replica that was built using laser technology. Every hieroglyph is painstakingly preserved and loaded with meaning.
All this, before you’ve even stepped into the adjoining aquarium, which houses colourful freshwater fish.
Unearth the hidden history
From Ancient Egypt to medieval England, hiring a car in Bolton is a history buff’s dream.
Step back to the magical Middle Ages at Smithills Hall. This mansion sits in more than 2,000 acres of well-pruned grounds. Take a tour to see the quaint private chapel and idyllic tearoom. Smithills Hall is rumoured to be haunted, so the brave can even book a ghost tour.
Then, head to the Hall i' th' Wood Museum. Set within a half-timbered, Grade I-listed house, this 16th-century museum is one of a kind. Its name translates to Hall in the Wood as it's set among trees near Eagley Brook river.
Inside you can learn about the life of famous textile industry pioneer Samuel Cropton, who invented the spinning cotton mule in 1779.
Escape to nature
For a moment away from bustling Bolton, take a walk through in the rolling West Pennine hills. Greater Manchester is laced with serenity – if you know where to look.
Winter Hill is the tallest point in the moors, at 456m high. Located down a long path running north-west from the village of Wilderswood, this place is home to some of the most picturesque trails around.
Park your hire car to follow the trails on foot – and look out for the transmission pole, which marks the peak.
Another fantastic country route runs to Rivington Pike. This scenic walk loops from Rivington Hall through quaint meadows and into mysterious hilly woodland.
Discover the stone grottos, stop off for a break beside glistening ponds and hike up to Rivington Pike, a tower built in 1588 to defend the land from the Spanish Armada. On a clear day, you can see Winter Hill in the distance.
Or, for something adrenaline-pumping, visit Go Ape. Here, you can see nature from another angle by hurtling along ziplines in the leafy canopy.
This town is blessed by history, culture and a dose of adventure on the doorstep. Hire a car with Hertz to experience the unexpected in Bolton.
