RAMSBOTTOM has been named by The Guardian newspaper as one of the UK’s ‘15 market towns you’ll want to discover’ in a recent article.

The “lovely and lively”towns were chosen as “ideal locations for a day trip or spring getaway and also make great bases for exploring the nearby countryside”.

Describing Ramsbottom, the article said: “On the edge of the West Pennine Moors to the north of Manchester, this market town is fast becoming one of the trendier and desirable parts of the city’s outer reaches thanks to its music scene, independent shops and restaurants.”

A number of the town’s acclaimed eateries and pubs were also highlighted.

The Guardian said: “Get back into the swing of raising pint glass to lips at great pubs such as the Eagle and Child, with a huge beer garden set among the pots and vegetable patches of the pub’s allotment, and try to bag an outdoor table at pintxo bar Baratxuri and/or its sister restaurant Levanter.”

The article also mentioned Ramsbottom’s proximity to the Irwell Sculpture Trail, the Forest of Bowland and the East Lancashire Railway.

Last year, Bury Council launched a plan to improve Ramsbottom town centre and develop it in a popular visitor destination.

The plan will consider the possibility of improving the balance between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists through a coordinated parking plan, as the current parking problem detracts visitors.

It will also look for an opportunity to create more leisure space and improve access to the river and green spaces.