What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a visit to one of Bolton’s most historic gems?

Bolton Parish Church joined hundreds of other history-steeped sites in opening its doors as part of the Heritage Open Days weekend – England’s largest festival of history and culture.

I joined a gaggle of interested visitors at the Victorian gothic church, in Churchgate, for a tour of the bell tower, a quick bell ringing lesson and a chance to take in its architectural splendour.

Perhaps the first thing that catches your eye as you enter the church is a stone cross which dates back to the Saxon era.

It was found when an old church on the same site – which stood 1412 – was demolished to make way for the current one, in 1866.

The current church was consecrated in 1871.

As you enter the building there are memorials to figures from Bolton’s history including Lieutenant Robert Knowles, the engineers Benjamin Hick and his eldest son John Hick MP, head of Hick Hargreaves and Co.

The gothic arches and stained glass window at the east wall have the effect of being both awe-inspiring and peaceful.

I would be sure that even those not of a religious persuasion can find some peace and calm reflection in such magnificent surroundings.

Once you have taken in the splendour of the church, there is the chance to climb to the top of the church tower –some 193 steps.

But first our group stops off at the ringing room, for a demonstration, some history about the church bells and a demonstration of campanology.

I even got to try my hand at ringing one of the bells – sending a monotone peel across Bolton.

But much as I love their evocative sound, I did not appear to be a natural.

And while some of the group headed back down to try out the hand bells, I joined a hardy half-dozen who climbed the narrow spiral stair case to the very top of the tower.

That’s some 193 steps from top to bottom.

From here you are offered stunning views of all over Bolton and beyond – from Winter Hill to the skycrapers of Manchester.

Our guide tells us we are just about four foot short of Bolton Town Hall, owing to its plinth.

But as you soak in the glorious views it’s difficult to believe that anywhere beats this!

Bolton Parish Church is not holding tours tomorrow due to church services, but other Heritage Open Days being held in the borough include: 

Brookfield Hall, Westhoughton Masonic Hall, Brookfield, Peel Street, Westhoughton between 11am and 5pm.

Smithills Hall, Smithills, Dean Road, between noon and 4pm.

St Stephen & All Martyrs’ Church, Radcliffe Road, Lever Bridge, Bolton, between noon and 3.30pm.

St. James the Great Church, Daisy Hill, Lower Leigh Road, between 2pm and 4pm.

Behind the scenes in the archives at Bolton Central Library, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton.