Location Pack
Your guide to Bolton Arena — home of our GT events. How to get there, where to park, where to stay, and everything nearby.
The Venue
Our GT events are held at Bolton Arena, a large indoor sports arena in Horwich, right next to the Toughsheet Community Stadium (home of Bolton Wanderers) and the Middlebrook Retail & Leisure Park. It is one of the best-connected venues in the North West — directly off the M61 with its own railway station a few minutes' walk away.
Bolton Arena
Arena Approach, Horwich, Bolton BL6 6LB
Getting There
By Car
Bolton Arena is directly off Junction 6 of the M61 — the arena and stadium are visible from the junction and clearly signposted.
From the south: M6 to J21a, M62 eastbound to J12, then M61 towards Bolton/Preston, exit at J6.
From the north: M6 to J29, M65 towards Blackburn, exit at J2 onto the M61 towards Manchester, exit at J6.
By Train
Horwich Parkway station is around a 3 minute walk from the arena doors.
Direct services run on the Manchester Airport – Preston/Blackpool North line via Bolton, roughly every 30 minutes. From Manchester city centre it's about 25 minutes.
By Bus
Bus routes 516, 575, 576 and 615 stop near the arena and Middlebrook Retail Park, connecting to Bolton town centre and the surrounding area.
By Air
Manchester Airport is around 30 minutes away by car — or catch the direct train from the airport straight to Horwich Parkway, no changes needed.
Parking
There is plenty of parking at and around the arena. Our recommended options, closest first:
Bolton Arena Car Park
Free parking directly outside the venue on Arena Approach. This is the closest option — arrive early on event day to grab a space.
Stadium & Middlebrook
Additional parking is available around the Toughsheet Community Stadium and at Middlebrook Retail Park, all within a short walk of the arena.
Facilities
Inside the arena you'll find:
- An on-site café serving hot and cold food and drinks throughout the day
- Toilets and accessible toilets close to the main hall
- Step-free access throughout the venue
- Free WiFi
- Cash machines and shops a short walk away at Middlebrook Retail Park
Food & Drink
At the Arena
The arena café serves breakfast, hot food, snacks, and coffee — perfect for grabbing something between rounds without leaving the building.
Middlebrook Retail Park
A 5–10 minute walk away with loads of options including McDonald's, KFC, Nando's, Subway, Costa, Greggs, and an ASDA superstore — plus a cinema and bowling if you're staying the weekend.
Lunch breaks are built into the event itinerary with enough time to walk to Middlebrook and back — see the event pack for exact timings.
Nearby Hotels
For our two-day GTs, these are the most convenient places to stay — the closest is literally next door:
| Hotel | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bolton Whites Hotel | 2 min walk | Inside the Toughsheet Community Stadium, next door to the arena |
| Premier Inn Bolton Stadium/Arena | 5 min walk | Free parking, Harvester restaurant attached, next to Middlebrook |
| Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel | 5 min drive | In Blackrod, just off M61 J6 — good option if closer hotels are full |
Accessibility
Bolton Arena is a modern, step-free venue with accessible parking, entrances, and toilets.
If you have any access requirements you'd like us to plan for — seating, table placement near facilities, or anything else — email us before the event at lordsofwaaagh@gmail.com and we'll make it happen.
On The Day
- Head straight to the main entrance on Arena Approach — the event hall will be signposted from there.
- You'll be digitally registered before the event, so once you arrive just find your table and set up.
- If you're running late or can't find us, email lordsofwaaagh@gmail.com or message us on our socials.