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A World Almost Lost: The Lordly Splendour of Rivington Terraced Gardens

| Last Updated: November 2024

Is Manchester city life wearing you down? Do you long for simpler times and more charming surroundings, like those of the past?

While time travel isn’t possible yet, you can still “travel” back to the early 1900s by visiting Lord Leverhulme’s former holiday home at Rivington in Lancashire—-the Bungalow, and its terraced gardens. 

This historical site is always open, inviting you to enjoy the natural beauty and simplicity of a bygone era.

Before you explore the old stone buildings and lush vegetation, check out our guide for everything you need to know about visiting the Rivington Terraced Gardens.

What is the Rivington Terraced Gardens?

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Rivington Terraced Gardens in Lancashire is a historical site that once belonged to William Hesketh Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme, and his wife, Elizabeth Ellen, Lady Lever, in the early 1900s.

Lord Leverhulme was a key figure behind Sunlight Soap. His company, Lever Brothers, later became part of Unilever.

Designed by renowned landscape architect Thomas Hayton Mawson, the gardens span about 45 acres (18 hectares). It features a series of terraces, gardens, lawns, two lakes, and a dovecote tower, all overlooked by the Bungalow, Lord Lever’s home.

After Lord Leverhulme’s demise in 1925 (Lady Lever passed away earlier, in 1913), Sir John Magee of the Magee Marshall & Co., brewers in Bolton, purchased the terraced gardens. Sir Magee lived there until his death in 1939.

Over the years, ownership changed hands multiple times. During this tumultuous period, the terraced gardens fell into disrepair and were nearly forgotten until public protests in 1967 prevented its demolition.

Since then, various efforts by government and private groups aimed to restore it. In fact, the garden, as well as a couple of structures here, got listed in England’s National Heritage List in 1986 and 1987, respectively. 

In 1997, United Utilities, the current owner of the Rivington Terraced Gardens, established the Rivington Heritage Trust (RHT). The private company also leases the gardens to RHT.

Although the trust initially aimed to transform the gardens into a “Blue Planet Park,” it shifted focus to repair and conservation in 2016, and continues to do so to this day.

Today, Rivington Terraced Gardens is a cherished public park, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and natural beauty.

Where is the Rivington Terraced Gardens located?

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Image Source: Google Maps

Rivington Terraced Gardens is on the hillside of Rivington Pike in the borough of Chorley, Lancashire. The gardens have three main entrances, each providing access to the nearby towns of Chorley, Horwich, and Bolton.

Best Time to Visit the Rivington Terraced Gardens

Rivington Terraced Gardens is open year-round, offering free access every day of the year. That’s 365 days of visits!

For the best experience, go during the spring and summer months, from April to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant, perfect for long walks or picnics, and the gardens are at their most vibrant.

Autumn, with its cooler air and falling leaves, is also a wonderful time to visit.

The gardens host various events, particularly at the Lawns and the Bungalow. The Rivington Heritage Trust regularly updates event details on the terraced garden’s website and socials, including that of volunteer appreciation parties.

How to Get to the Rivington Terraced Gardens

Going for a visit to the Rivington Terraced Gardens from Manchester’s city centre is a breeze, since it’s not that far away. Here are the best ways to get there:

  • Driving: The terraced gardens are just about an hour away from Manchester centre if you’re driving. The most straightforward route is through the M61, then exit to Junction 6 to travel toward Horwich to reach Rivington and the gardens.
  • Closest bus stop: The gardens are about two hours away from Piccadilly Station—ride the bus from Manchester to Bolton, then take the 576 bus to Horwich and stop at Pennine Road. Lastly, walk around a mile to reach the Rivington Terraced Gardens.
  • Closest train station: Going by train will also take about two hours of travel. You can take the train from Manchester to either Bolton or Horwich Parkway. 

If you end up at Bolton, ride the 576 bus to get to Pennine Road, and if you end up at the latter, walk a bit to the University of Bolton Stadium stop at Burnden Way and ride the 516 bus to Pennine Road. Then, you’ll need to walk the last mile to get to the gardens.

Things to Know Before Going to Rivington Terraced Gardens

Rivington Terraced Gardens is just a part of the vast areas you can visit in Rivington. Access can be quite tricky, and you’ll surely need to walk long stretches of roads, but the experience is well worth it.

Here are the things you should know before visiting the terraced gardens:

  • Entrance fees: Entrance to Rivington Terraced Gardens is typically free. However, access could be restricted when the site is hired for private events, or fees might be required during special events.
  • Parking: Rivington Terraced Gardens isn’t very accessible from any car park. However, there are a couple of car parks in Rivington and Lever Park within reasonable distance: Lower House, Rivington Hall, and Knowle House—so plan accordingly.
  • Accessibility: Unfortunately, Rivington Terraced Gardens isn’t accessible for those with mobility issues. Because of its historical design and topography, the gardens feature many uneven paths and steps, which aren’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

What to Do and See in the Rivington Terraced Gardens

Viscount Leverhulme designed his terraced gardens to be magnificent, with features that suited the lavish and social lifestyle of nobility in his time. Now being restored and open to the public, Rivington Terraced Gardens offers even more to see and do than ever before.

Experience a bit of Renaissance Rome at the Italian Lake

Media from Rivington Heritage Trust

First on our list is the Italian Lake. While its landscaping is simpler compared to other areas in the terraced gardens, it’s still a must-see.

Inspired by Renaissance-style gardens in Rome, the Italian Lake was one of the first features built in the gardens. Visitors can enjoy the restored arched loggias that offer views over the Lancashire Plains and the pond where Lord Leverhulme rode his boats.

Previously, the lake was almost gone and completely overgrown with vegetation. However, the Rivington Heritage Trust (RHT) restored it, removing silt from the lake. Today, Holly trees line this tranquil body of water, providing a place to calm the mind.

Reminisce and Meet Friends at the Bungalow

Media from Rivington Heritage Trust

The Bungalow, also known as Roynton Cottage, was the holiday home of Lord Leverhulme and Lady Lever. Despite its demolition in 1948, it remains the heart of the gardens.

Originally, the Bungalow was a wooden structure. In 1913, suffragette Edith Rigby burned it down as a protest for women’s rights, and then it was rebuilt a year later with bricks and stone, becoming grander than ever, before its eventual neglect and destruction.

Today, you can spot the Bungalow with the circle of stones outlining its iconic ballroom. The Bungalow’s plot, including the adjoining Orchestra Lawn, is now used as a venue for events in the Rivington Terraced Gardens.

See Lady Elizabeth’s “hidden” refuge at the Pigeon Tower

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The Pigeon Tower, also known as the Dovecote Tower, is a four-story stone building gifted by Lord Leverhulme to his wife, Lady Elizabeth Ellen Lever, for her birthday. It’s the first landmark you’ll spot if you’re coming from the Lower House Car Park on Belmont Road.

Built between 1905 and 1909, the tower’s top floor features a cosy sitting room with spectacular views, where Lady Lever enjoyed playing music and sewing. This room also has a fireplace adorned with the couple’s initials, “W-H-E-E-L,” in an emblem above it.

While the actual dovecotes are long gone, the Pigeon Tower remains a symbol of Lord Leverhulme and Lady Lever’s love within the terraced gardens.

Join events at The Lawns

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The Lawns at Rivington Terraced Gardens comprise two adjoining areas: the Great Lawn and the Tennis Lawn, both landscaped in the early 20th century.

The Great Lawn was designed as an event space for Lord Leverhulme’s guests. Creating this lawn was a significant engineering feat, as tons of rocks had to be removed to level the land.

The second area, known as the Tennis Lawn, featured a shale tennis court commissioned by the gardens’ second owner, John Magee. Lord Lever originally wanted it to be another lake, but his plans went unrealised because of his demise.

Today, these lawns still, and frequently, host events at the terraced gardens.

Tend fruit trees at the Kitchen Gardens

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The Kitchen Gardens provided Lord Leverhulme’s holiday estate with year-round produce. This was quite an achievement, as the area featured three heated greenhouses and a bothy that could house some of the estate’s many gardeners (there were about a hundred!).

Over the years after Lord Leverhulme’s death, most of the Kitchen Gardens got destroyed. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough documentation of this area to aid the ongoing restoration efforts.

However, history still lives on in this area. The existing redcurrant bushes are descendants of those grown during Lord Leverhulme’s time, and one apple tree from that era still thrives here.

Embrace tranquillity at the Japanese Garden

Media from Rivington Heritage Trust

The Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful areas in the Rivington Terraced Gardens, inspired by Lord Leverhulme and Lady Lever’s travels to Japan.

This one-of-a-kind garden features a serene lake, fed by a waterfall, on its west side. Traditional Japanese elements, such as stone lanterns, enhance its charm.

Pathways lead to other parts of the terraced gardens, offering mesmerising views of the surrounding greenery and the distant Rivington Pike Tower.

The best way to spend time here is to just sit and admire the scenery, as you do in other parks. The sounds of nature also offer a calming refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Be one with nature at the Ravine

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The Ravine is perhaps one of landscape architect T. H. Mawson’s finest works. It’s an elegant and harmonious blend of natural vegetation and man-made structures, making it one of the terraced garden’s most prominent features.

One of the last areas of the terraced gardens to be constructed (around 1921), the Ravine boasts a series of waterfalls cascading down steep slopes over man-made rock formations made of Pulhamite. Visitors can easily explore the area via stone bridges and pathways.

The RHT is doing excellent work in restoring this part of the gardens, ensuring regular upkeep of the plants, waterfalls, and pathways.

Volunteer for the upkeep of the Rivington Terraced Gardens

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The easiest way to join the restoration efforts at Rivington Terraced Gardens (aside from plain ‘ol donating) is by becoming a volunteer. The Rivington Heritage Trust (RHT) welcomes volunteers of all ages to help with the upkeep and restoration of the gardens.

“Conservation Days” are held every first Saturday of the month, where volunteers gather to complete various tasks for a few hours. Assigned tasks are based on each participant’s fitness and skill level, ensuring everyone can contribute meaningfully.

While participants aren’t paid, they don’t need to pay for anything either. The RHT provides refreshments, including tasty doughnuts! 

For more details about registration, visit the RHT’s website.

Where to Eat near the Rivington Terraced Gardens

Great House Barn Tea Room

Media from Great House Barn – Rivington

Address: Great House Barn, Bolton BL6 7SB
Phone: 1204 697738
Pricing: ££
Operating hours: Daily – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Good to know: Great for breakfast or afternoon snacks
Website
Menu

If you’re looking for a place to eat in Bolton or the Lever Park area, head to the Great House Barn Tea Room on Rivington Lane.

This historic barn, though smaller than its sister barn across Rivington, got converted into a cosy tea room with a welcoming interior and plenty of outdoor seating. It’s perfect for relaxing after exploring the Rivington Terraced Gardens.

Popular choices include the British breakfast, which pairs wonderfully with a coffee or a cup of tea. However, our favourite is the hot chocolate, which warms the heart, especially during the winter.

Village Green Tea Room

Media from Horwich Life

Address: Sheep House Ln, Rivington, Bolton BL6 7SD
Phone: 7783 509163
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: Daily – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Good to know: Great for pets; Has every day specials
Website
Menu

The Village Green Tea Room is a cafe along Sheep House Lane, going towards Chorley. It’s housed in a quaint brick structure that charmingly reminds us of a chapel.

While Village Green offers the usual cafe fare, its daily specials set it apart from others (these change daily, so best to ask the till what’s the latest). Plus, it’s a dog-friendly spot, always welcoming of visitors with their furry friends.

If you’re looking for something savoury to enjoy with your tea, try Village Green’s homemade pies. Available in mince or cheese flavours, these pies are sure to keep you coming back for more.

The Rivington Bar & Grill

Address: 69 Church St, Horwich, Bolton BL6 6AA
Phone: 1204 696027
Pricing: ££ 
Operating hours: Daily – 120:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Good to know: Has value for money set menu
Website
Menu

The Rivington Bar & Grill, often referred to as “The Rivington,” is a modern British and Italian restaurant on Church Street in Horwich. It’s about a half-hour drive from Rivington Terraced Gardens and is a favourite among both visitors and locals.

If you’re new to this restaurant, we highly recommend trying the hot-off-the-grill Fillet Steak. This perfectly cooked ten-ounce steak is served with chips and a side garnish.

The Rivington also offers a Sunday Set Menu and a Weekday Market Menu, both of which provide excellent value with two courses at a great price.

The Cafe at Spring Cottage

Media from Spring Cottage

Address: Rivington Ln, Rivington, Village BL6 7SB
Phone: 7444 567257
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday, Thursday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Tuesday and Wednesday – CLOSED

Good to know: Serves organic food
Website
Menu

Spring Cottage, a beloved events venue on Rivington Lane, features a charming cafe that serves organic food. The cafe, like the rest of the premises, is idyllic, homey, and truly inviting, especially for those tired after a day of volunteering at the Rivington Terraced Gardens.

A standout menu item is the Ploughman’s Lunch, available for one or to share. This hearty meal includes a generous serving of pork pie, ham, cheese, salad, and freshly baked artisan bread.

The Cafe at Spring Cottage is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. However, this won’t affect your visit if you’re planning a weekend trip to Lord Leverhulme’s terraced gardens.

The Pike Snack Shack

Media from The Pike Snack Shack

Address: George’s Ln, Horwich, Bolton BL6 6RU
Phone: 7949 338820
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Good to know: Has ice cream and a resident pet dog
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The Pike Snack Shack, which opened during the pandemic, has quickly become a favourite among locals and trekkers in the Winter Hill area of Rivington, about a 20-minute drive from the Rivington Terraced Gardens.

The shack is well-known for its selection of drinks, sandwiches, desserts, and ice cream. Crowd favourites include the pastries and hot chocolate, which you can enjoy while hanging out with the owners’ pet dog, Dudley, and taking in the majestic views of Rivington Pike.

What makes this shack truly special is its community spirit. Even when the shack’s door is locked, you can knock on the house next door for service—no questions asked.

Fika Rivington

Media from Fika

Address: Belmont Rd, near Pigeon Tower, Rivington Terraced Gardens, Bolton BL6 7SA
Contact: [email protected] 
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Monday and Tuesday – CLOSED

Good to know: Nearest cafe to Rivington Terraced Gardens; Pet-friendly establishment
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Fika (Swedish for “going for coffee and cake with friends”), is the closest place to grab a bite at the Rivington Terraced Gardens. It’s very accessible along Belmont Road, especially if you’re hiking to or from the Pigeon Tower and Rivington Pike.

This cafe is fairly new and housed in an old stone lodge that used to be the public toilet in the area. While it offers a long list of drinks, we recommend sticking with the classics: a mug of hot chocolate or a cup of flat white coffee.

Fika is also pet-friendly, making it a great stop if you’ve been walking through the snow with your furry friends.

FAQs about the Rivington Terraced Gardens

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