2 weeks Ago
This hidden gem of a village features the perfect spot to enjoy a riverside pint. Ringley in Stoneclough is a small village between Kearsley and Radcliffe which offers stunning views of the River Irwell as it flows towards Manchester. St Saviour’s Church and its clock tower stand as monuments that greet visitors walking across the Ringley Old Bridge.
Ringley Old Bridge (Image: Keith Rylance) The bridge – made of sandstone with three arches – dates back to 1677 and was built to replace a wooden bridge that was swept away four years earlier. It was an important crossing point on the packhorse route from Bolton and built at a cost of £500. St Saviour’s Clock Tower is all that remains of the old church built on the site – the first church was built in 1625 and replaced in 1826 with the current one.
St Saviour's Clocktower with the new church in the background (Image: Keith Rylance) Have a story? Get in touch at [email protected].
uk The new church was designed by Charles Barry who rebuilt the Palace of Westminster. Beside the clock tower is The Horseshoe Pub – which boasts that it is “one of the oldest pubs in Radcliffe ” – dating back 300 years. There you can enjoy food and drinks beside the river inside the pub – or out in the beer garden.
The Horseshoe Pub (Image: Google Maps) READ MORE: Secret and hidden waterfalls near Bolton you can visit READ MORE: Hidden gem food spots you can enjoy when in Lancashire READ MORE: Bolton's hidden gems to explore this bank holiday weekend The village is surrounded by scenic walking routes, with the Ringley Woods just a ten minute walk from the pub. Popular local walking routes include the Kingfisher Trail and Rotary Way which can be started from The Horseshoe. La Roma Restaurant is located just across the historic Ringley Old Bridge, offering Italian food and drinks – and a beer garden for sunny weather.
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