About two miles. The time taken will vary according to how long you spend at each highlight.
Begin at the East Lancs Railway Station, then cross over to the Bury Transport Museum. Pop inside to discover vintage vehicles like the horse drawn tram that was a chip shop. There’s plenty to do, including trying on costumes.
Cross Market Place towards the Church of St Mary the Virgin and you will see the statue of Sir Robert Peel, founder of the police force – he’s the reason we nickname the police ’Bobbies.’ From here, follow the Rock Road, with the church wall on your left, until you reach The Rock Shopping Centre. Continue towards Rochdale Road to the Millgate Shopping Centre. Go through the Parkade entrance, before heading into the famous market. Bring a shopping bag, you’re bound to need it!
Exiting, with your back to the fish and meat market, walk to the bus station. Follow the path to the right towards Kay Gardens. Notice the Kay Memorial honouring John Kay, inventor of The Flying Shuttle. John died in poverty in France.
Cross Haymarket Street and continue towards Moss Street, where you will find the Fusilier Museum – you can’t miss it, there is a bright yellow Land Rover outside. Inside, discover the story of the Lancashire Fusiliers.
The Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre is directly across the road to the left. Cross over to reach Library Gardens: maybe pose for a selfie with the life size bronze statue of Bury’s favourite daughter, Victoria Wood. Then walk along Silver Street, turning into Bolton Street at the junction. At the zebra crossing, cross into Market Street, back towards Kay Gardens. The Met will be on the left: maybe a good place to finish and raise a glass to Bury’s heritage. For more details go to bury.gov.uk
How to get there
The towns are all about 30 minutes from Manchester and are all connected to the Manchester tram network. By road to Bury: follow the M60 to the M66. Leave at Junction 2 onto the A58 and then the A56. To Oldham: follow the A62. To Rochdale: follow the M62 to Junction 20, then pick up the A664.