Geography
Bury Metropolitan Borough consists of six townships: Bury, Ramsbottom, Tottington, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Prestwich. Formed in April 1974 the borough was one of ten original districts that created the County of Greater Manchester.
Bury offers a contrasting blend of town centre amenities and picturesque countryside. The area is served by several transport links including the M62 and M66 Motorways and Metrolink, which runs a fast and frequent overland tram service from Bury to Manchester city centre and South Manchester. Manchester Airport is only half an hour away by road.
Leisure and entertainment
There is plenty to do in Bury and the surrounding areas for all ages. Take a ride on the historic steam locomotives of The East Lancashire Railway or visit Bury Art Gallery & Museum – home to the famous Wrigley Collection and a venue for exhibitions of contemporary art.
Vue Cinema (formerly the Warner Village Cinema) at Pilsworth was the first of its kind in the country and the Met Arts Centre stages various styles of performance and regular workshops including a Youth Theatre and Actors Company.
The Irwell Sculpture Trail is the largest public arts scheme in the North West. The trail runs along a 30 mile footpath from Salford Quays, through Bury and into Rossendale and the West Pennine Moors. Thirty sculptures by regional, national and international artists are presented which celebrate the area’s heritage and landscape.
The Borough also boasts beautiful scenery, excellent restaurants, real ale pubs and a vibrant nightlife.
Shopping
Bury offers a diverse choice in shopping ranging from the specialist shops and delicatessens of Ramsbottom to high street brands in the Millgate Shopping Centre.
Bury’s famous market was first granted a charter in 1440 and now draws visitors from all over the North West. The 200,000 square foot market offers 370 stalls and attracts 250,000 shoppers every week.
Business
From the ages of the woollen and cotton industry to the present day, Bury has enjoyed a thriving economy. Industry is represented in each of the six towns in the Borough.
