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 miles
- Liverpool 22.2 miles
- Preston 15.3 miles
- Oldham 15.9 miles
- St. Helens 14.8 miles
- Wigan 7.7 miles
- Warrington 15.2 miles
- Burnley 16.5 miles
- Blackburn 11 miles
- Bolton 1.7 miles
- Stockport 18.5 miles
- Salford 10.7 miles
Neighbouring places
- Bolton Built-up area 1.7 miles
- Bottom o' th' Moor Built-up area 1.7 miles
- Heaton, Lostock & Chew Moor Ward 1.7 miles
- Halliwell Ward 1.7 miles
- Astley Bridge Ward 1.8 miles
- Horwich North Ward 1.9 miles
- Queens Park & Central Ward 2.1 miles
- Rumworth Ward 2.3 miles
- Bromley Cross Ward 2.6 miles
- Horwich Built-up area 2.8 miles
- Tonge with the Haulgh Ward 2.8 miles
- Great Lever Ward 3.1 miles
Example postcodes in Smithills
BL1 6NG, BL1 5RN, BL1 5UX, BL1 4PF, BL1 4EQ, BL1 7ND, BL1 5RR, BL1 5SY, BL1 7PA … See all
Transport links
- Manchester Airport 18.8 miles
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport 23.9 miles
- Lostock Junction 1.8 miles
- Hall I' Th' Wood Railway Station 2.6 miles
Hotels near Smithills Ad
- Holiday Inn Bolton Centre 3.5 2.2 miles
- The Bolton Stadium Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals 3 2.7 miles
- Host & Stay | Thurstane Street 1 mile
- The Court House 3 2.4 miles
- Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa 4 2.8 miles
- Premier Inn Bolton West 3 2.1 miles
- OYO Unique Private Rooms - Bolton Central, Free Parking 2.1 miles
- The Court House 2.4 miles
- Premier Inn Bolton 3 2.8 miles
- Astley Bank Hotel 6.1 miles
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 miles
- University of Bolton Stadium Stadium 2.7 miles
- School Stadium 5.9 miles
- Gigg Lane Stadium 7.5 miles
- DW Stadium Stadium 8.1 miles
- Wigan Athletic FC Stadium 8.2 miles
- Ewood Park Stadium 9.1 miles
- Agecroft Hall Archaeological site 9.1 miles
- Heaton Park Estate 9.7 miles
- Salford City Stadium Stadium 9.8 miles
- Haydock Park Racecourse Recreation 10.2 miles
- The Trafford Centre Shopping centre 10.5 miles