Now that spring is here, bringing with it longer days and (hopefully) sunnier weather, it’s time to get outside and explore the incredible places we have right on our doorstep. Located in the Lancashire countryside just outside of Bolton, Rivington is a must-do on a sunny day and it’s packed full of gems to discover.
It's a landscape with stunning reservoirs and mysterious ruins hidden along the hillside. It’s also home to its own microbrewery which has breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Rivington Brewing Co. sits on the western side of the Lower Rivington Reservoir. The microbrewery and tap room boasts a huge beer garden, which is the place to be on a sunny day.
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Local landmarks Rivington Pike and the Pigeon Tower provide a stunning backdrop as you sip on the microbrewery’s range of craft beers, ciders and wines. The amazing scenery surrounding the beer garden could easily give the Lake District a run for its money.
If you get peckish there’s a selection of street food to tuck into, including pizza and burgers; and if the weather turns there’s undercover seating. Once darkness falls the beer garden is lit up with strings of lights, creating a buzzing, holiday-like atmosphere.
A visit to the microbrewery is a must after exploring Rivington - and there's so much to see and do you'd be hard pushed to do it in one day. Of course, a trip to Rivington wouldn't be complete without seeing one of its five reservoirs: Lower Rivington, Upper Rivington, Yarrow, Anglezarke and High Bullough. There are walks you can take around them with stunning views across the water.
If you decide to walk by Lower Rivington Reservoir, you may stumble across the impressive remains of a castle which looks as if it's been there for centuries. In fact, Liverpool Castle is a folly which was commissioned by Lord Leverhulme in 1912, although construction ceased in 1925 when he died so it was never fully finished.
Further along the bank of the reservoir is Go Ape Rivington, where those with a head for heights can take on a treetop rope course. Give the zip wire a go, if you’re feeling brave enough.
Head up the slopes beneath Rivington Pike and you’ll discover the magical Rivington Terraced Gardens. Also created by Lord Leverhulme, the once formal garden was left abandoned for decades and a preservation project has only recently begun, led by volunteers.
You can easily spend hours exploring the ruins, waterfalls and meandering paths of the gardens, which cover an area of around 45 acres. Look out for the beautiful Japanese Garden and the Italian Lake, where Lever would go for his morning swim.
For incredible views take a hike up Rivington Pike, which you can reach from the gardens. On a clear day you can see as far as Cheshire, the Lake District and the Isle of Man.
Rivington Terraced Gardens and Rivington Pike are free to visit and there is free parking available at Lower House Car Park, located off Sheep House Lane. Maps and guidebooks are available at the Great House Visitor Centre, BL6 7SB.
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