Events, markets & things to do in Ramsbottom
Ramsbottom is always buzzing. Here's what happens regularly, rain or shine.
A general market at the car park behind Bridge Street. A good excuse to grab a coffee before or after a browse.
Around 40 stalls at Market Place and the Civic Hall. Breads, cheese, honey, preserves, handmade crafts, jewellery and more from local producers.
Street food around the Ramsbottom Urn, live entertainment, a licensed bar, charity stalls and kids' activities. A great way to kick off the weekend.
Looking for somewhere special to celebrate? Bring them to DRINC for breakfast, brunch or lunch and make their day.
Treat your mum to brunch, cake and proper coffee on Bridge Street. No booking needed, just turn up and spoil her.
Chocolate, coffee and quality time. The perfect excuse for a family brunch over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Skip the overpriced set menus. A relaxed brunch for two with cocktails and freakshakes is far more romantic anyway.
Bring your dad for a Full English and a decent coffee. He deserves it. Dogs welcome too, obviously.
Celebrating a birthday? DRINC is the perfect spot for a relaxed get-together with friends. Great food, cocktails and freakshakes. No booking needed for small groups.
Looking for a gift? DRINC gift vouchers are available in store. Treat someone to coffee, cake and a catch-up whenever they fancy.
Former Inspiral Carpets frontman Tom Hingley plays live at the Civic Hall. A proper night out for indie fans.
Vintage clothing, homeware, vinyl and retro finds from local sellers. A great excuse for a mooch and a coffee.
A local music festival at Greenmount Primary School for musicians of all ages, with personalised feedback and class trophies.
Sophocles' classic Greek tragedy performed at Ramsbottom's own Theatre Royal on Kay Brow. A week of evening performances.
A Ramsbottom favourite. Sweet and savoury treats from local producers at the Civic Hall, the Urn and St Paul's Church Gardens. Live entertainment and family fun.
A family fun day at the East Lancashire Railway with character appearances, funfair rides, face painting and craft activities. Perfect for little ones during the Easter holidays.
The first big steam event of the year at the ELR, headlined by the famous A1 Tornado. Includes dining experiences and brake van rides behind Tornado.
A 45-minute steam train ride hauled by Thomas, plus live entertainment, garden games, arts and crafts, face painting and funfair rides. One of the ELR's biggest family events.
A music and vintage lifestyle festival across the East Lancashire Railway. Tribute acts, vintage fairs, vinyl stalls and performances at Ramsbottom Station. Runs into the evening with shuttle services.
The most famous steam locomotive in the world visits the East Lancashire Railway for two weeks. Static displays, passenger services hauled by Scotsman, and exclusive dining experiences. Expect Ramsbottom to be very busy.
Heritage diesel locomotives take over the East Lancashire Railway for a weekend of diesel-powered action across the line.
Thomas returns to the ELR for the summer holidays. Steam train rides, live entertainment, funfair rides and family activities.
The East Lancashire Railway runs themed family events throughout August including the Wizarding Adventure, Dino Adventure, Goldilocks Teddy Bear Adventure and Peppa Pig visits. Check the ELR website for specific dates.
Ramsbottom's most famous event, held outside The Oaks on Bridge Street. Competitors hurl black puddings at Yorkshire puddings on a 20-foot plinth. Food stalls, live music and plenty of fun. The whole town turns into a festival.
An autumn showcase of heritage diesel locomotives across the East Lancashire Railway.
A music and community festival at the cricket club by the River Irwell. Back after a sell-out event previously.
Thomas is back at the ELR for October half term. Steam train rides and family fun.
The last big steam event of the year at the ELR. An intensive all-steam timetable with guest locomotives.
A community Halloween event in Nuttall Park with lantern making, face painting, traditional games, a pumpkin carving competition and a parade at dusk.
Ramsbottom Cricket Club's annual bonfire night. Gates open late afternoon, bonfire lit early evening, fireworks to follow. DJ, funfair, food stalls and bars.
Heritage diesel railcars take the spotlight at the East Lancashire Railway.
Bridge Street closes to traffic for stalls, festive food, mulled wine, carol singing, a brass band and Father Christmas. The Civic Hall hosts a festive food and craft market. The whole town joins in.
The East Lancashire Railway's magical Santa trains. Always sells out fast, so book early when tickets are released.
Events aside, Ramsbottom is surrounded by walks, landmarks and history. These are here all year round.
The landmark you can see for miles. Built in 1852 to honour Sir Robert Peel, born in nearby Bury, who founded the modern police force, served as Home Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer and twice as Prime Minister. The walk up rewards you with views across Greater Manchester, the Pennines and beyond.
A brutal 1-in-5 climb that featured in Stage 2 of the 2014 Tour de France. Cyclists come from all over to test themselves on it. Walkers use it as the quickest route up to Peel Tower.
A preserved steam and diesel railway running from Heywood to Rawtenstall, with Ramsbottom right in the middle. Regular timetabled services run throughout the year, not just for special events.
A 30-mile trail of public art following the River Irwell from Salford to Rossendale. The Ramsbottom Urn in the town centre is one of its most recognisable pieces.
A riverside park with a playground, bowling green, skatepark and open green space. A favourite with families and dog walkers any day of the week.
Head up beside Edenfield Cricket Club and follow the path to a stone drinking fountain dedicated to Lancashire dialect poet Edwin Waugh. Peaceful paths through fields with views over the valley.
A circular walk around a modern reservoir just a short drive away. Flat, scenic and popular with walkers, runners and families.
Ancient woodland tucked away near Stubbins. Bluebells in spring, shade in summer, and a peaceful escape from the high street any time of year.
One of England's largest onshore wind farms sits on open moorland above Ramsbottom. You either love them or you hate them, but the big skies, wild terrain and proper sense of space up on the tops are hard to argue with.
A hidden gorge near Rochdale with a Victorian viaduct, waterfalls and wooded riverside paths. Known locally as the "hidden bridge" walk. Worth the short drive.
Ramsbottom's high street is packed with independent shops, galleries, delis and boutiques. No chains, no identikit town centre. Just proper local businesses doing their own thing. A great place for a mooch.
For a small Lancashire town, Ramsbottom has attracted some big names. Liam Neeson, Sigourney Weaver and Billy Connolly have all visited. Not bad for a place most people can't spell.
We're right on Bridge Street, a stone's throw from the station and in the heart of the action. Pop in for a coffee, brunch or a cheeky cocktail before, during or after. Furry friends welcome too!
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