Smithills Hall - Image 1

Smithills Hall

Bolton, United Kingdom•4.7(990)•Historic House, Museum

Explore one of the North West's oldest and best-preserved manor houses, set on the edge of the West Pennine Moors with centuries of history to discover.

Smithills Hall is one of the oldest and best preserved manor houses in the North West of England, dating back centuries and set in land on the edge of the West Pennine Moors. This Grade 1 listed historic building offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and explore fascinating heritage in an authentic period setting. The hall is part of Bolton's comprehensive historic sites portfolio, welcoming families and history enthusiasts to discover the stories and artifacts contained within its walls. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, the venue provides a comprehensive experience for visitors of all ages. The site is pushchair friendly and dog friendly, making it accessible for families with young children and pets. Smithills Hall operates as a free-entry attraction, making it an excellent option for families seeking cultural and educational activities without additional cost. Visitors can enjoy on-site refreshments at Bake & Roast café while exploring this important historical landmark that represents the rich heritage of the Bolton area.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 12:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Bake & Roast

Dog friendly coffee shop with accessible toilet and baby change facilities

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Google Reviews

4.7(990 reviews)
W
William Walton

William Walton

a month ago

Hall not open the day we visited. But interesting building and gardens to walk around

A
Anne-Marie Bashford

Anne-Marie Bashford

4 months ago

Absolutely loved visiting here, as had the confidence to come out on my moped (confidence that Ive struggled with until recently). It was so beautiful here, im so happy I came to visit.

E
Ed Conrow

Ed Conrow

5 months ago

This was a wonderful surprise in our travels. The staff is wonderful and happy to share their knowledge of Smithills Hall. All of the rooms are arranged nicely with the information placards placed in such a way as to make it easy to take pictures and mostly not have them in the way. The grounds are also very nice and for those who enjoy nature I'm sure you'll have an enjoyable walk.They also have a great Cafe with a cheerful staff and quality drinks and food. You might want to reserve seating because it is very popular. Add to that a no entry charge and it is a must place to visit when in Bolton. Though I think you'll find Smithills Hall well worth placing a donation in the box before you leave.

C
Chris Hawksworth

Chris Hawksworth

6 months ago

Entry is free. Tearoom very busy, so I recommend booking at weekend, do not yet know about midweek. Food and drink in tearoom was excellent.

K
Keeley Southern

Keeley Southern

9 months ago

Went on a Ghost/History tour late last Thursday. Was very interesting hearing about the history of the place and how it helped shaped the town. Hearing stories about the ghostly goings on, and even a personal first hand account in the chapel. The main ghost we heard about was George Marsh. Was amazing seeing the passage of time when going into the different wings. I haven’t included any pictures of the Victorian side, with the library and the Ainsworth rooms which is well worth a nosey. Will be coming back during the day for a non-ghostly version, as loved hearing about something so close to home.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Smithills Hall

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Smithills Hall

Is Smithills Hall free to visit?

Entry to Smithills Hall is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

Is Smithills Hall dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Smithills Hall.

Is there parking at Smithills Hall?

Yes, Smithills Hall has on-site parking.

Is there food at Smithills Hall?

Yes — Bake & Roast is on site at Smithills Hall. Dog friendly coffee shop with accessible toilet and baby change facilities

Is Smithills Hall pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Smithills Hall is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Smithills Hall?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Smithills Hall.

How do I get to Smithills Hall by public transport?

Smithills Hall is well-served by public transport.

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