#1 – Bury Market

We know, we know! We said there was more to Bury than it’s market, but it’d be wrong of us not to mention it at all – it is that special! Voted Market of the Year in 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015, as well as Britain’s Favourite Market in 2019, it should come as no surprise that even to this day Bury’s Market remains the heart of the town centre! The fact that thousands of people travel to Bury Market every year is a testament to its excellence – although, in fairness, many of them are probably just in search of the best stalls at which to try the region’s most-loved delicacy, black pudding!

However, there’s far more on offer at Bury Market than just black pudding. With over 350 open-air stalls available every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday you’ll be spoiled for choice. Although these open-air stalls are only available three days a week, the indoor market stalls are open every-day of the week, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, barring Sunday. There’s also a Fish & Meat Hall, which is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, excluding Tuesdays and Sundays.

If we weren’t already singing the market’s praises, you should also know that Bury Market is located within comfortable walking distance of the town’s main bus and Metro station. Furthermore, it’s also next door to the popular Mill Gate Shopping Centre, which illustrates just how easy the market is to reach – there’s even free parking for coaches! What more could you want?

#2 – Bury Arcade Club

Bury’s Arcade Club grew out of its owner Andy’s huge passion for retro arcade machines. The club began as a small private hoard of around 30 machines and has now blossomed into a vast collection of over 100 machines. In fact, the collection is so large that it’s spread over 2 entire stories of an old mill! So, whether you want to defend the earth on classic arcade machines like Space Invaders, or jump around and get all sweaty on more recent machines such as Dance Dance Revolution, you’ll have plenty of choice at Bury’s Arcade Club.

Now we hear what you’re saying, “Arcade machines are too old school man!” and that’s understandable; lots of youngsters these days have grown up on an entirely different video game diet. Thankfully, Bury’s Arcade Club also caters for gamers looking to play their favourite modern classics in a social setting – you’ll find VR Systems, PlayStation 4’s, Xbox One’s, Nintendo Switches as well as a multitude of high-end gaming PC’s all ready to play.

We’re not going to beat around the bush, you’ll lose a heck of a lot of time at Bury’s Arcade Club; but is time really wasted if you spend it wasting zombies? Although perhaps it’s so easy to spend a lot of time at Bury’s Arcade Club because you don’t have to worry about keeping your batteries charged, you can refuel onsite – the club’s kitchen serves pizza, nachos and other arcade classics throughout the day! Moreover, there’s also a bar which serves a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks if you’re looking to stay hydrated!

Bury’s Arcade Club is relatively easy to reach if you’re travelling from central Bury and using public transport the 475 or 494 bus will take you to almost outside the venue’s front doors. However, if you’re instead choosing to travel by car you’ll want to make use of the M66 leaving at junction 2 onto the Rochdale Rd. After leaving the junction, you’ll want to stay on  Rochdale Rd until you see the right turn onto Heywood St, following Heywood Street until you see a left turn onto Cork St – at the end of Cork St you’ll have found Bury Arcade Club.

#3 – The Rock

The Rock is Bury town centre’s premier retail and leisure destination! The venue plays host to a fantastic selection of some of the best UK high street names such as Next, Lush and Topshop, as well as other more exciting and intriguing independent retailers. The Rock’s Stores open up at 9:00 am and shut at around 7:00 pm, giving you just over 10 hours of retail heaven! So, if you’re visiting Bury and looking to shop ‘till you drop, The Rock should be the first place you stop!

With that being said, don’t worry if shopping’s not really your bag, there’s plenty of other activities available at The Rock! Whether you want to pump some iron at PureGym, score some sensational strikes at AMF Bowling or experience the latest blockbusters at Vue Cinema – you’ll never be short of excitement at The Rock.

You’ll also never be hungry, with over 15 different restaurants there’s a wealth of choice regardless of your budget or diet! You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy yourself as well, as entertainment and dining options remain open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

#4 – Bury Art Museum

Bury’s Art Museum has somewhat ostentatious origins, as it was originally built to house the private art collection of the esteemed local business magnate Thomas Wrigley. However, following the death of Mr. Wrigley, his children donated both the collection and the building to the town in 1897 to be enjoyed by all.

Today Bury Art Museum accurately describes itself as being warm, welcoming, and friendly. Whether you want to see the best in international exhibitions or experience the intimate creations of local artists, Bury Art Museum truly offers something for everyone.

Getting to Bury Art Museum is simple, if you’re driving from a nearby city, you’ll want to use the M66 and follow the signs to Bury Town Centre. However, if you’re instead choosing to use public transport, you’re in luck! The art museum’s central location affords it instant access to Bury’s main bus and Metrolink stations.

#5 – The Fusilier Museum

Regardless of whether or not you’ve had a family member that served in the Lancashire Fusiliers or if you have a penchant for history, you’re sure to love Bury’s Fusilier Museum. The Museum hosts the uniforms, medals and general artifacts of the regiment – using them to trace over 300 years of the esteemed fighting force’s proud history.

The Fusilier Museum is located in central Bury, just opposite the Bury Art Museum – keep your eyes open for the striking Fusilier Memorial in the gorgeous Gallipoli Garden. If you’re looking at visiting the Museum using public transport, it’s located roughly a one-minute walk away from Bury’s Bus and Tram stations. However, if you’re looking to get here by car, you’ll be able to reach the Museum in roughly an hour from Leeds, Bradford or Preston using the M66.