Discover Bury's local attractions

The area boasts attractions to suit all tastes, combining dramatic countryside, with industrial heritage and a wealth of fascinating places to visit. Whether you are a local resident, or visiting with family and friends, Bury offers something for everyone.

Use the links on the right-hand side of this page to view more information about our local attractions.

Culture

The centre of Bury is home to Bury's cultural quarter a rapidly developing area of the town that offers many ways for you to spend your leisure time.

Art Gallery, Museum & Archives

Bury Art Gallery Museum + Archives offers an exciting programme of exhibition and events. From challenging contemporary art exhibitions and an innovative approach to museum display as well as local society and family friendly shows. The Art Gallery houses a wonderful collection of Victorian narrative paintings including work by Turner and Landseer and challenging contemporary art, mysterious objects and fascinating documents from Bury's past in a distinctive Edwardian building that is a work of art in itself.

The Fusilier Museum

Directly opposite Bury Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, this exciting museum has interactive galleries displaying its regimental collections acquired over nearly 350 years, including material linked with General Wolfe and Napoleon and comes right up to the present day offering insights into army life in the 21st century. The museum has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages including regular children's activities, programme of events and two additional temporary exhibition areas. Also on site is Hero's Cafe, setting overlooking the pretty Gallipoli gardens.

East Lancashire Railway

A traditional steam train service that runs from Rawstenstall to Heywood via Irwell Vale, Ramsbottom, Summerseat and Bury.This award winning railway will transport from Bury along the scenic Irwell Valley including stops at Summerseat and Ramsbottom. Annual events include Day's Out with Thomas, 1940's Weekend and Santa Specials.  Pullman style diner trains, private charters and 'Driver Experience Days'. Trains run weekends and bank holidays.

Transport Museum

The Bury Transport Museum, reopened in 2010 after major redevelopment and is now part of the East Lancashire Railway Experience.  With its extensive collection of fully restored vintage road and rail vehicles and interactive displays groups will enjoy the interactive displays and large scale, working exhibits.  Groups can book tours and talks, which can take place in the dedicated classroom.

The Met

The Met is an independent performing arts organisation based in an impressive Victorian building in Bury, presenting contemporary and classic theatre, music and comedy touring nationally and internationally. Visit the website to the right for information on the latest events or to book tickets.

Countryside

Over half of Bury is green space, from country parks with ancient woodlands to wild moorland landscapes and gentle riverside walks, making it the perfect place to experience the great outdoors.

Manchester's Countryside Project

There are plenty of places to walk in the borough. A new series of 16 walking trails showcasing the region's natural and industrial heritage are now available including 3 trails for this area. The Trails offer three to six mile treks around Greater Manchester taking in hills, dales, valleys, and areas of outstanding natural beauty and follow footpaths, tow paths and way-marked routes of Greater Manchester. For more information contact Bury Tourist information Centre.

Burrs Country Park

Burrs Country Park, incorporating the award winning Caravan Club site, occupies 36 hectares of scenic countryside alongside the River Irwell just one mile north west of Bury town centre. Central to Burrs is the park's archaeological heritage and there are a number of areas of interest . The park has been awarded a Green Flag.

Irwell Sculpture Trail

The Irwell Sculpture Trail is a footpath with difference! This fascinating trail stretches 30 miles from Salford Quays to Bury and then onto the West Pennine Moors. The sculptures, which celebrate the area's heritage and landscape, are in clusters along the route. Contact us for advice on walking the trail or see the link to the right of this page.

Nature reserves

Bury offers a wealth of wildlife habitats and nature lovers will find that there are plenty of places where you can get closer to nature. They provide opportunities for education, research and enjoyment of nature by the public. Try Redisher Wood near Holcombe or Philips Park near Whitefield and other local nature reserves. Guides can be downloaded, see link on right.

Cycle routes

If you are exploring Bury on two wheels then you will find plenty of safe, way marked cycle ways, some of which are also dedicated bridleways. Part of the National Cycle Network passes through the area (see Explorer Map 277). Walking and cycling guides can be ordered in advance of your visit. Just contact Bury Tourist
Information Centre or follow the link on the right

Parks

Our urban parks offer a wide range of facilities including children's play areas, multi-play ball zones, tennis courts, football pitches, crown green bowling and events hosted by the Ranger Service. All twelve of Bury's main parks have achieved Green Flag status.

Sports centres

You'll be spoilt for choice with the range of facilities on offer at our sports centres. You can join in with group fitness sessions or a studio class, go for a healthy swim or try your hand at a range of different sports.

• Subscribe to this page