Metropolitan district in England
| Coordinates: | 53.59, -2.31 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SD 79 10 |
The borough sits on the northern edge of Greater Manchester, centred on the market town of Bury. To the north the moorland of the West Pennine Moors rises above a network of reservoirs and the River Irwell, while green spaces such as Burrs Country Park and Holcombe Hill with its Peel Tower give the district a mix of urban and rural character.
There’s a strong industrial and cultural heritage here: Victorian textile mills and engineering left a visible legacy, and Bury Market remains one of the country’s busiest outdoor markets. Heritage attractions such as the preserved East Lancashire Railway - running through Ramsbottom to Rawtenstall via Bury - and the birthplace of statesman Sir Robert Peel add historic interest.
Today the local economy blends retail, public services and light industry, with a busy town centre and good commuter links into Manchester. Socially the borough is diverse - places like Prestwich and Whitefield have well‑established communities, including a notable Jewish population - and the easy access to countryside and heritage sites makes it popular with day visitors.