Rivington Terraced Gardens
A magical Edwardian hillside garden of terraces, follies, and lakes, now open to all beneath Rivington Pike.
Tucked into the hillside beneath Rivington Pike, Rivington Terraced Gardens is a magical, sprawling Edwardian landscape of hidden paths, stone staircases, follies, and lakes. Designed for soap magnate Lord Leverhulme by Thomas Mawson between 1905 and 1922, this once-private hilltop retreat now lies open to all as a free-to-enter historic park. Explore the Japanese Lake, Italian Garden, Pigeon Tower, and Seven Arch Bridge, all set within a dramatic, layered garden that feels like a secret world carved into the moors.
A brief summary to Rivington Terraced Gardens
- Belmont Rd, Bolton, Rivington, BL6 7SJ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 6 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear and dress for changeable weather; the paths are uneven, muddy in places, and there are many steps.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful exploration of the paths and ruins.
- Allow at least 3–4 hours to explore the terraced gardens thoroughly, plus extra time if you plan to hike up to Rivington Pike.
- Check the Rivington Heritage Trust website for special events like the Festival of Light, which transforms the gardens with spectacular light installations.
- The gardens are not suitable for wheelchairs or prams; children who can walk confidently will enjoy the adventure most.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
From central Bolton, follow signs for Rivington and Rivington Lane. Parking is available at the main car park on Rivington Lane, from where the gardens are a short walk uphill. Expect to pay a small fee for parking, especially on weekends and during events.
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Public Transport
Take a train to Horwich Parkway station, then a local bus or taxi to Rivington. From the village, follow footpaths up Rivington Lane to the gardens; allow 20–30 minutes on foot with some ascent.
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Walking
From Rivington village, follow Rivington Lane uphill to the main entrance area. The walk takes about 20–25 minutes with a steady climb and uneven surfaces; suitable for confident walkers with appropriate footwear.
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Cycling
Cyclists can ride from Horwich or Bolton via country lanes and bridleways to Rivington. There are cycle routes leading to the village and car park, but the terraced gardens themselves are best explored on foot due to steps and narrow paths.
Rivington Terraced Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Rivington Terraced Gardens
A Lost Edwardian Dream Reclaimed
Rivington Terraced Gardens began as the private hilltop retreat of William Hesketh Lever, later Lord Leverhulme, founder of Lever Brothers. In the early 1900s, he acquired the Rivington estate and commissioned the renowned landscape architect Thomas Mawson to transform a steep hillside into a spectacular terraced garden. Inspired by Italian Renaissance hillside gardens, Mawson created a series of formal terraces linked by long stone staircases, loggias, and belvederes, with strong vertical axes and dramatic viewpoints. The result was a show garden of grand proportions, designed both as a place of relaxation and as a backdrop for entertaining, where Lever could enjoy panoramic views across the Lancashire plain.Layers of Landscape and Legacy
The gardens unfold across roughly 45 acres of terraced hillside, with paths winding between lawns, rockwork, and water features. The Italian Lake, where Lever famously took his morning swim, and the more intimate Japanese Lake, once framed by oriental pagoda-style tea houses, are central to the design. The Pulham rock faces, waterfalls, and caves add a wild, romantic character, while structures like the Seven Arch Bridge and the Pigeon Tower (originally a lookout and dovecote) provide focal points. The gardens were never fully completed in Lever’s lifetime, and after his death in 1925, the estate passed through various hands before falling into decline. Today, the site is a partial restoration, with the Rivington Heritage Trust and volunteers working to uncover and preserve the original layout, paths, and features.Exploring the Ruins and Paths
Visitors today walk among the evocative remains of Lever’s grand vision. The footprint of the Bungalow, Lever’s hilltop home, has been excavated and marked with a circle of wildflowers where the ballroom once stood. The Great Lawn and Tennis Lawn, the Kitchen Gardens, and the Orchestra Lawn with its historic sundial all speak to the estate’s former life. Hidden paths, caves, and stairways invite exploration, while the Pigeon Tower still offers one of the best views in the area. The gardens are layered with history: the suffragette Edith Rigby’s burning of the original house in 1913, Lever’s rebuilding in stone, and the later demolition of the Bungalow in 1948 all form part of the site’s rich, sometimes turbulent, story.A Garden for All Seasons and Interests
Rivington Terraced Gardens appeal to a wide range of visitors. Garden and history enthusiasts appreciate the Mawson design, the Pulham rockwork, and the social history of the Lever family and the suffragette movement. Families and children enjoy the sense of adventure in exploring paths, caves, and ruins. Walkers and runners relish the steps, inclines, and connection to the West Pennine Moors, while wildlife lovers find interest in the surviving ornamental plants, fungi, birds, and roe deer. The gardens are open year-round and free to enter, making them a flexible destination for a short stroll or a full day out, often combined with a hike up to Rivington Pike for even more expansive views.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Rivington Pike
0.5 km
Discover the breathtaking views and rich history at Rivington Pike, a perfect hiking destination in Lancashire for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Rivington Pike Tower
0.5 km
Historic 18th-century hunting lodge atop Rivington Pike offering panoramic Lancashire views and rich cultural heritage within scenic Lever Park.
Chorley's Flying Arches
7.8 km
Discover Chorley’s rare Victorian Flying Arches, a unique blend of historic railway engineering and modern heritage preservation.
Sussex Close
9.6 km
Discover the charm of Wigan through Sussex Close, your essential bus stop to explore local attractions and immerse in the vibrant culture.
Wayoh Reservoir
9.8 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Wayoh Reservoir in Bolton, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Fairy Glen
12.7 km
Experience the serene beauty of Fairy Glen in Wigan - a natural escape filled with enchanting landscapes and tranquil trails for every adventurer.
Peel Tower
14.1 km
Historic Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill offers panoramic views and a tribute to Sir Robert Peel’s legacy near Bury.
Lumb Viaduct
16.1 km
Discover the historic Victorian Lumb Viaduct, a stunning railway landmark offering scenic walks and cycling across Lancashire’s Rossendale Valley.
Robert Peel Statue
16.8 km
Honouring Bury’s most famous son: the 1851 bronze statue of Sir Robert Peel, twice Prime Minister and founder of the modern police force.
Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
18.2 km
Explore the rich history and vibrant artistry at the Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library in Preston, a must-visit cultural hub for every traveler.
Preston Cenotaph
18.3 km
A dignified and beautifully restored memorial in Preston’s Central Park, honoring the city’s fallen soldiers with solemnity and grace.
Sussex Avenue
19.6 km
Discover the charm of Bury from Sussex Avenue, your convenient gateway to local attractions and experiences in this historic English town.
The Sankey Viaduct (Nine Arches)
20.5 km
Discover the stunning Sankey Viaduct in Leigh, a masterpiece of Victorian engineering featuring breathtaking views and rich historical significance.
Barton Swing Aqueduct
20.8 km
Explore the world’s only swing aqueduct, a Victorian engineering marvel carrying the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal since 1894.
Heaton Park Papal Monument
21.5 km
A granite testament to faith and history where 200,000 gathered for a papal milestone in 1982.
Unmissable attractions to see
Go Ape Rivington
1.1 km
Experience thrilling treetop adventures and breathtaking reservoir views at Go Ape Rivington, Lancashire’s premier high ropes course.
Liverpool Castle
1.4 km
Discover the history and beauty of Liverpool Castle, a stunning architectural gem nestled in the heart of Bolton, England.
Alance Bridge
2.2 km
Explore the beauty of Alance Bridge, a historical landmark in Bolton, where culture meets nature in a serene setting.
Market Walk
6.4 km
Chorley's premier outdoor shopping centre blending high street brands, independent retailers, and entertainment in a historic market town setting.
Smithills Hall
6.5 km
Explore Smithills Hall, a historic Bolton manor blending medieval charm, Victorian elegance, haunting tales, and serene gardens on the West Pennine Moors.
Haigh Woodland Park
6.7 km
Explore 350 acres of enchanting woodland, thrilling adventures, and family fun at Haigh Woodland Park in Wigan.
Hatch Brook Waterfall
7.0 km
Discover the tranquil charm of Hatch Brook Waterfall, a hidden natural gem nestled in Lancashire’s scenic woodlands near Chorley.
Astley Hall
7.7 km
Discover over 400 years of history and stunning parkland at Astley Hall, a captivating Tudor-Jacobean house museum in the heart of Chorley.
Hall i' th' Wood Museum
8.8 km
A rare Tudor manor house in Bolton, famous as the home where Samuel Crompton invented the Spinning Mule, now a museum of domestic and industrial history.
Market Place Shopping Centre
9.0 km
Historic charm meets modern shopping and entertainment at Bolton’s Market Place Shopping Centre, a vibrant hub for all ages.
Victoria Sq
9.2 km
Victoria Square is Bolton’s iconic civic hub where historic grandeur meets lively community spirit in the heart of the town.
Turton Tower
9.3 km
Discover 600 years of history in a tranquil Tudor manor nestled in beautiful woodlands near Bolton, with gardens, a café, and engaging volunteer guides.
Mesnes Park, Wigan
9.7 km
Historic Victorian park in Wigan blending heritage architecture, lush gardens, and vibrant community life across 30 scenic acres.
Jumbles Country Park
9.7 km
Peaceful reservoir walks, accessible trails, and woodland serenity await at Bolton’s Jumbles Country Park.
JAK Hanson Shopping Outlet - Retail Store
10.1 km
A spacious family-run shopping outlet in rural Lancashire offering quality brands, dining, and a welcoming countryside atmosphere.
Essential places to dine
The Cherry Tree at Blackrod
3.7 km
A vibrant modern British gastropub in Bolton offering classic dishes, elegant events, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
Retreat Adlington
3.8 km
A vibrant grill and cocktail bar in Adlington offering quality steaks, pizzas, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
Nick's Restaurant
3.8 km
Experience exquisite Modern European cuisine in a lively, cozy setting with attentive service at Nick's Restaurant in Horwich, Bolton.
Ewe Restaurant and Bar
6.2 km
Modern British cuisine meets stylish comfort in Bolton’s Ewe Restaurant and Bar, perfect for memorable meals and special occasions.
Encore Restaurant
6.6 km
Modern British cuisine and vibrant cocktails meet stylish celebrations in the heart of Chorley’s Brewers Print Building.
Vardons Restaurant at Shaw Hill
9.2 km
Elegant British dining with scenic golf course views at Shaw Hill’s Regency-style Vardons Restaurant.
Fat Olive Restaurant
9.6 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and British flavors in a welcoming, lively setting at Wigan’s beloved Fat Olive Restaurant.
The Wheel Restaurant
9.9 km
Experience award-winning, student-prepared cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting at Wigan’s unique Wheel Restaurant.
Gallimore's Fine Restaurant
10.0 km
Contemporary British dining in Wigan’s historic town centre, offering quality menus in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Charnock Farm Restaurant
10.9 km
Rustic country dining, comfortable motel stays, and charming event spaces nestled in the tranquil Lancashire countryside.
Juniper Restaurant
10.9 km
Refined dining with impeccable service and exquisite dishes in the heart of Shevington, Wigan.
Restaurant Metamorphica
17.2 km
Exclusive fine dining in Haslingden offering innovative British tasting menus in an intimate, handcrafted setting by Chef Steven Halligan.
Crowded House Restaurant
17.8 km
A vibrant blend of modern British dining, quirky charm, and lively bar culture in the heart of Bury.
Aven Restaurant
17.9 km
Experience Preston’s finest with Aven Restaurant’s award-winning British cuisine, seasonal tasting menus, and warm, elegant ambiance.
Tipsy Chef (Bar & Restaurant)
18.2 km
A vibrant American-inspired bar and restaurant in Preston, famed for inventive dishes and lively cocktails in a buzzing social setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Freckle Boutique
11.3 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion and personalized service at Freckle Boutique, a charming shopping gem in Heskin, Chorley.
Crissys Gifts For All Occasions
11.4 km
Explore Crissys Gifts For All Occasions in Blackburn for unique gifts and souvenirs that capture the essence of your visit.
North West Vintage Clothing Company Ltd
11.5 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures in the historic Bygone Times at Eccleston, where every piece tells a story of style and sustainability.
The Mill Shop
14.0 km
A welcoming gift shop in St Catherine’s Park, Lostock Hall, blending community spirit with unique local crafts and charitable support.
Cedar Farm
14.3 km
Discover Cedar Farm: Lancashire’s charming blend of boutique shopping, gourmet dining, and family-friendly farm fun in a scenic rural setting.
The Secret Closet
15.5 km
Curated Italian, Danish & Portuguese fashion with a commitment to responsible, sustainable retail.
Retrogue Vintage Clothing
18.1 km
Discover unique vintage and designer secondhand fashion treasures in the heart of Preston at Retrogue Vintage Clothing.
KENJI Preston
18.3 km
Discover an eclectic mix of unique gifts and general merchandise from Asia in Preston’s vibrant KENJI store within St George's Shopping Centre.
Quirky Gifts
19.2 km
Explore Accrington's most charming gift shop for unique, whimsical treasures that capture the spirit of your travels.
Mood Gifts & Home
19.4 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish home accessories in a warm, community-focused boutique in Longton, Preston.
Salford Shopping Centre
22.7 km
Affordable shopping precinct in Salford's Pendleton, with free parking, daily essentials, and community conveniences under one roof.
The Works
23.7 km
Unleash creativity at unbeatable prices: books, crafts, toys and more in Salford Quays' discount haven.
Next Outlet
23.7 km
Discounted designer fashion, homewares and shoes in Salford Quays' bustling MediaCityUK hub – style-savvy shopping with premium brands at outlet prices.
The Body Shop
23.8 km
Compact MediaCityUK branch of The Body Shop with core cruelty‑free ranges, seasonal gifts and refill options on the Salford Quays Quayside.
M&S Outlet
23.8 km
Bargain-hunting haven in Salford Quays: M&S discounted fashion, homeware, and beauty amid MediaCityUK's creative buzz.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Rivington
2.6 km
A stylish gastropub in Horwich offering fresh, quality dishes and a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends.
Riley's Taproom and Wine Bar
6.5 km
A stylish and welcoming taproom in Chorley offering craft beers, fine wines, and a cozy atmosphere for relaxed socializing.
The Shed Chorley
6.5 km
A vibrant micro bar in Chorley offering rustic charm, live music, and signature wine and cheese platters every weekend.
Waggon & Horses
6.6 km
A lively traditional British pub in Westhoughton offering hearty fare, well-kept beers, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
The Dressers Arms | Pub & Rooms
7.9 km
Charming countryside pub and cozy rooms offering hearty food, local ales, and warm hospitality in scenic Wheelton, Chorley.
The Nook & Cranny Bromley Cross
8.5 km
A cozy, community-focused tap house in Bromley Cross serving quality cask ales in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Sherringtons Bar
9.3 km
A welcoming and lively bar in Wigan offering great drinks and a cozy atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Piggy Banks
9.5 km
A friendly, affordable bar in Bolton offering a great selection of ales and simple food in a cozy, welcoming setting near the train station.
The Wiend Bar
10.0 km
Energetic cocktail bar and nightclub in Wigan offering strong drinks, vibrant DJ sets, and a lively atmosphere for late-night socializing.
Little Fifteen
10.1 km
Stylish wine bar and Italian restaurant in Wigan, blending vibrant atmosphere with classic design and a curated wine selection.
Hogarths
18.1 km
Historic Victorian gin palace in Preston city centre, famed for its vast gin selection, lively sports atmosphere, and vibrant community spirit.
Revolution Preston
18.1 km
A vibrant four-level cocktail bar and restaurant in Preston city centre, perfect for dining, cocktails, and late-night partying.
Baluga Bar & Club
18.1 km
Experience Preston's vibrant nightlife at Baluga Bar & Club, where stylish drinks meet a lively dance floor in the heart of the city.
Winedown
18.2 km
Discover Winedown, Preston’s cozy underground wine bar with exceptional wines, artisan cheese boards, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Blitz Venue & Nightclub
18.2 km
Experience Preston’s vibrant late-night scene with live DJs, affordable drinks, and an energetic club atmosphere at Blitz Venue & Nightclub.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Level Nightclub
9.4 km
Experience Bolton’s vibrant nightlife at Level Nightclub, where dynamic music, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere create unforgettable nights.
Park Hall Nightclub
9.7 km
Experience the vibrant energy and nostalgic vibes of Park Hall Nightclub, Chorley’s premier rural nightlife destination.
Pure Nightclub
10.2 km
Experience Wigan’s vibrant nightlife at Pure Nightclub, where energetic beats, stylish vibes, and unforgettable late-night memories come alive every Saturday.
Ibiza Nightclub
10.2 km
Experience Wigan’s vibrant nightlife at Ibiza Nightclub, where music, dance, and unforgettable Saturday nights come alive until dawn.
Underground
13.0 km
Experience classic rave vibes and late-night energy at Underground, Bolton’s intimate clubbing hotspot in Farnworth.
The Warehouse
18.0 km
Three floors of diverse music and vibrant nightlife in Preston’s welcoming alternative club scene.
Popworld - Preston
18.1 km
Popworld Preston: Where cheesy pop tunes meet vibrant nightlife and unforgettable party vibes in the heart of the city.
Switch Nightclub
18.4 km
Energetic and affordable nightlife hub in Preston, popular with a middle-aged crowd and known for its lively atmosphere.
Rendezvous Nightclub & Resteraunt
24.1 km
Vibrant nightclub and restaurant in Whalley offering lively weekend events, diverse music, and friendly service in Ribble Valley’s heart.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
24.6 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
Bijou Club
25.1 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Club Liv Manchester
25.3 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Cargo
25.4 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
History Nightclub
25.4 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
42's
25.4 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
