What's On in Ramsbottom
Events, markets, festivals & things to do this weekend
Events, markets, festivals & things to do this weekend
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. The 2026 season has wrapped up. Back again in March 2027.
Handmade crafts, artisan goods and local producers at the Civic Hall, 11am–3:30pm. The next one is the big Christmas Makers Market on 29th November (11am–4pm), an hour longer than usual.
Station Car Park, the summer season has wrapped up for 2026. Back again in spring 2027. Until then, the Makers Market is your best bet for a weekend browse.
Ramsbottom's own theatre on Smith Street, with a steady programme of plays, comedy nights, live music and family shows. November is packed: ghost stories, Mike Garry, supper club and Frankenstein. Check TicketSource for booking.
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laurencelai.co.ukLooking for somewhere special to celebrate? Bring them to DRINC for breakfast, brunch or lunch and make their day.
Kids off school? Bring the family for a Full English, a freakshake and a breather. We're right on Bridge Street, next to the railway and a short walk from Nuttall Park. 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.
Robert Lloyd Parry performs two classic M R James ghost stories at Ramsbottom's Theatre Royal. Perfect timing for the dark nights.
Live stand-up comedy at the Theatre Royal. Check TicketSource for lineup and booking.
Ramsbottom Cricket Club's annual bonfire night. Bonfire lit around 6:15pm, fireworks at 7:45pm. DJ, funfair, food stalls and bars. No parking on site. Sold out, so if you didn't get a ticket, come watch from the hills.
Manchester's poet laureate brings his one-man show to Ramsbottom. Over 18s only.
Live music, retro DJs, food and drink, and dancing at the Civic Hall. A big Saturday night out on Market Place.
Heritage diesel railcars take the spotlight at the East Lancashire Railway for a two-day autumn event. An intensive timetable for the diesel enthusiasts.
The annual Remembrance service at the war memorial on Bridge Street. Ramsbottom always turns out for this one.
Dominic Halpin & the Honey B's with food from Tre Ciccio. Meet at the theatre from 6pm for an evening of live music and Italian food.
A brand new night market at the Civic Hall, run by the team behind the Chocolate & Cheese Festival. Independent makers, folklore, curious things and dark-night browsing. The first one of its kind in Ramsbottom.
Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary's Christmas markets at the Civic Hall. Free entry, mulled wine, mince pies and gift stalls. All proceeds go to the sanctuary.
Comedy performance poet Steven P Taylor celebrates ten years in Ramsbottom with a night of comedy, poetry and music at the Civic Hall.
Summerseat Players present Mary Shelley's Frankenstein at the Theatre Royal. A week-long run from one of the valley's best amateur companies.
An afternoon of magic and entertainment at the Civic Hall.
The first Santa trains of the year depart the East Lancashire Railway. Meet Santa, get a gift and enjoy a festive steam ride through the valley. SEND Family Santa Specials also run on both days, with BSL interpreter option. More dates right through December. From £25 per adult.
The big festive one at the Civic Hall, and an hour longer than usual. Handmade gifts and local produce to get the Christmas shopping done properly.
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, running most December weekends and then daily in the run up to Christmas Eve. Always sells out fast, so book early.
See the new year in at the Civic Hall. Tickets on sale now and this one tends to go early.
One of Ramsbottom's best-loved annual events. Artisan chocolatiers and cheesemongers take over the town for a weekend of tastings, demos and street food. The 2026 edition has been and gone. We'll update here as soon as 2027 dates are confirmed. Pop in to DRINC before or after for a coffee and a slice of something homemade.
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 breakfast or a cheeky cocktail before, during or after. We're a dog friendly cafe, so furry friends are always welcome too!