Smithills is a largely residential ward on the north‑west fringe of Bolton in Greater Manchester, sitting up against the rise towards the West Pennine Moors. The area is notable for its mixed topography - elevated streets and moorland edges give good views over the town - and for green spaces and walking routes that attract locals who want quick access to countryside without leaving the borough.
Historically the locality grew up around the old manor of Smithills Hall, a timber‑framed house with medieval origins that anchors the area’s past, while much of the built environment dates from suburban expansion in the 20th century. Today the ward is mostly residential with a socio‑economically mixed population, a small local retail and community offer, and a commuter orientation towards Bolton and Manchester, balanced by an active interest in heritage and outdoor recreation.
Postcode districts covering Smithills
Most populated places nearby
- Manchester 13.7 miles22 km
- Liverpool 22.2 miles35.8 km
- Preston 15.3 miles24.7 km
- Oldham 15.9 miles25.6 km
- St. Helens 14.8 miles23.9 km
- Wigan 7.7 miles12.4 km
- Warrington 15.2 miles24.4 km
- Burnley 16.5 miles26.5 km
- Blackburn 11 miles17.6 km
- Bolton 1.7 miles2.7 km
- Stockport 18.5 miles29.8 km
- Salford 10.7 miles17.1 km
Neighbouring places
- Bolton Built-up area 1.7 miles2.7 km
- Bottom o' th' Moor Built-up area 1.7 miles2.7 km
- Heaton, Lostock & Chew Moor Ward 1.7 miles2.7 km
- Halliwell Ward 1.7 miles2.8 km
- Astley Bridge Ward 1.8 miles2.9 km
- Horwich North Ward 1.9 miles3.1 km
- Queens Park & Central Ward 2.1 miles3.4 km
- Rumworth Ward 2.3 miles3.7 km
- Bromley Cross Ward 2.6 miles4.2 km
- Horwich Built-up area 2.8 miles4.4 km
- Tonge with the Haulgh Ward 2.8 miles4.5 km
- Great Lever Ward 3.1 miles5 km
Example postcodes in Smithills
BL1 5TA, BL1 6BU, BL1 6DX, BL1 3LU, BL1 6EJ, BL1 6HZ, BL1 5PW, BL1 6JA, BL1 6AQ … See all
Transport links
- Manchester Airport 18.8 miles30.2 km
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport 23.9 miles38.4 km
- Lostock Junction 1.8 miles3 km
- Hall I' Th' Wood Railway Station 2.6 miles4.1 km
Hotels near Smithills Ad
- Kings Arms Hotel 4.3 miles6.9 km
- The Bolton Stadium Hotel, A Member of Radisson Individuals 4 2.7 miles4.3 km
- Holiday Inn Bolton Centre 4 2.2 miles3.5 km
- The Bridge Hotel 2.8 miles4.5 km
- Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa 4 2.8 miles4.5 km
- The Whitehall Hotel & Distillery 3 5.8 miles9.4 km
- Astley Bank Hotel 6.2 miles9.9 km
- The Court House 3 2.4 miles3.9 km
- Delta Hotels Worsley Park Country Club 4 7.3 miles11.8 km
- The Waterside Bar Rooms & Restaurant 8.8 miles14.1 km
Schools in Smithills
- Church Road Primary School Primary
- Devonshire Road Primary School Primary
- Johnson Fold Community Primary School Primary
- Smithills School Secondary
- St Peter's Smithills Dean C of E Primary School Primary
Local points of interest
- Octagon Theatre, Bolton Theatre 2.3 miles3.8 km
- University of Bolton Stadium Stadium 2.7 miles4.4 km
- School Stadium 5.9 miles9.4 km
- Gigg Lane Stadium 7.5 miles12.1 km
- DW Stadium Stadium 8.1 miles13 km
- Wigan Athletic FC Stadium 8.2 miles13.2 km
- Ewood Park Stadium 9.1 miles14.6 km
- Agecroft Hall Archaeological site 9.1 miles14.7 km
- Heaton Park Estate 9.7 miles15.6 km
- Salford City Stadium Stadium 9.8 miles15.7 km
- Haydock Park Racecourse Recreation 10.2 miles16.4 km
- The Trafford Centre Shopping centre 10.5 miles16.9 km