Between Blackpool And Manchester Is A Small Town With Moorland Trails, Local Shops, And Historic Charm

While you should absolutely visit the United Kingdom's great cities like London, Edinburgh, and Liverpool, you might be curious what living in the U.K. is like outside of these major metropolitan areas. If so, consider a stop in this quaint town halfway between Blackpool and Manchester in England. Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, has the feel of a rural village with nearby trails and historic ruins while still having access to urban amenities. Home to around 22,000 people, you'll find convenient public transportation, stores, cafes, pubs, and restaurants of various cuisines. If you're looking to get outside, you can head to the nearby moorlands and explore the dozens of trails that pass by historic landmarks and ruins from long ago.

Located directly off the major motorway, M61, Horwich is about a 45-minute drive from Blackpool or a 30-minute drive from Manchester. To get there by train, you can use one of the two train stations, Horwich Parkway or Blackrod Station. A train from Horwich takes between 30 minutes to an hour to reach Manchester or Blackpool. 

Once you arrive, you can take a bus from either of the stations to the main thoroughfare of Horwich, making it easy to travel with luggage without grabbing a taxi or rideshare. Once there, you'll find yourself in an adorable small town with plenty to keep you entertained and well-fed while never being too far from nature. Consider staying in a local Airbnb or the Wendover Guest House. Like many destinations in the United Kingdom, it's best to plan your travels in the shoulder seasons. That said, although busier, summers in the U.K. can be quite special — there's a reason it's peak tourist season — and warm weather is certainly ideal if you plan to spend some time outdoors.

If you are still on the fence about Horwich, know that past visitors tend to give it two thumbs up, saying it's a nice place to live and, according to one Reddit user, "has an almost village vibe to it." Once you've arrived, head to Lee Lane, the heart of Horwich. Wander around this main road and its residential side streets and you'll see red brick and brown stone buildings lining either side with adorable front yards. While to locals and British people Horwich may seem quite ordinary, travelers might feel like they've just stepped into their favorite English TV show.

Horwich is more than just its looks, though. You'll find plenty of highly rated, well-loved local pubs, cafes, and shops to explore, too. Stop in at T Wright Wine if you're looking for an extra special gift to bring home to a wine lover. There's also the Francine Boutique which carries unique and colorful clothing pieces for women. For more conventional shopping needs, Horwich's Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park has more U.K. chain retailers such as TK Maxx and Boots.

While some say there isn't much nightlife, you can find plenty of pubs and bars to sate your thirst with a cold pint. Try the Brewery Bar, a highly-rated bar and brewery. Locals love the house ales and lagers, the pizza, and the outdoor patio that has a beer garden feel with long tables and benches. If you're looking for a taste of something different, try one of the rum-based cocktails at Sparrows Rum Bar. If you're getting a pit peckish after a pint, head to the local favorite Italian joint, Ricordi Restaurant, which has delicious pasta and pizza, as well as gluten-free options. For voracious carnivores, the GOG House serves grill platters complete with chicken, lamb skewers, and sausages.

There are nearly 40 trails that meander through the moorlands north of Horwich, and several pass by historic ruins and landmarks that will transport you back in time. To get the true experience of walking through the open wilderness of the moors, try the Wilderswood Circular loop. The trail is nearly 5 miles long, of moderate difficulty, and takes you through the southwestern corner of the West Pennine Moors and past the Rivington Pike Tower. The well-preserved stone tower sits on a high hill with a meandering set of stairs leading to its base with panoramic views of Horwich. Once there, take your time and gaze out at the purple heather that blankets the landscape.

One of the most popular hikes, with over 1,300 reviews on AllTrails, is the Rivington Pike and Lower Rivington loop, a trail around 5.6 miles in length. Along your walk, you'll pass many beautiful landmarks, including Liverpool Castle, a replica of the original that began construction in 1912. You'll also get the chance to pass through dense green woodland forests of pine trees in the Rivington Pinetum and Arboretum.

Before or after your hike, consider a detour to the adorable Café at Spring Cottage for a tea and hearty breakfast or lunch to recover or fuel your walk. The cafe sits in the middle of the woodlands and truly feels like something out of a fairytale with stone adornments, a covered patio, and rustic wood furniture. Both inside and out are a cozy retreat and, complemented with a warm tea and scone, you can really feel like you're relaxing in the English countryside. To continue your journey, check out the charming town of Chorely, with its rolling hills and a walkable canal, just 10 minutes away by train. Also make sure to enjoy Manchester, one of England's most underrated cities.