Great Days Out in Rochdale
Discover new adventures The borough of Rochdale, located between Manchester, Leeds and the beautiful south Pennines hills, is home to lots of perfect days out. Here you can explore visitor attractions, indoor and outdoor activities, superb events, fascinating heritage and history, family fun, or simply admire the beauty of the countryside every day of the year. There is simply so much to do, literally something to keep everyone in the family happy. Bustling towns and picturesque villages nestle against a scenic backdrop. Reservoirs and canals surround quiet lanes and byways. Top quality multi award winning attractions, welcoming accommodation, exciting festivals and designer shopping make Rochdale an intriguing destination all year round. Here are a few ideas for some great days out in Rochdale. 2 #VisitRochdale
Rochdale Town Hall Rochdale s fabulous Grade-I Victorian Gothic town hall designed by William Henry Crossland is world renowned for its unique and detailed architecture. Take an expertly guided tour, marvel at the wonderful craftsmanship and immerse yourself in the building s rich history. A full two-and-a-half hour tour takes you into the most stunning areas including the Great Hall, Mayor s Parlour, the former Magistrate s retiring room, police cells and much more. Information Address The Esplanade Rochdale OL16 1AB 01706 924797 Opening Hours Short tours Wednesdays 2.15pm. Full tours first Monday of the month excluding bank holidays, 2.15pm. Visitrochdale.com 3
Touchstones Arts & Heritage Centre Museum, art gallery, visitor information point and local studies centre all rolled into one amazing Grade 2 listed building. There s also the stylish Art Café and shop. 4 This free-to-enter building in the heart of the town includes changing displays of Rochdale s impressive museum collections, activities and events for all ages, expert help to research your family history, and the highest quality contemporary art programmes. Whether you re popping in for a brew and cake, or to learn more about Rochdale s rich heritage, it offers something for everyone. Information Address The Esplanade Rochdale OL16 1AQ 01706 924492 Opening Hours Tuesday to Saturday, 9am 5pm #VisitRochdale
Rochdale Pioneers Museum The birthplace of the modern co-operative movement, where, on 21 December 1844 the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society opened their store selling pure food at fair prices and honest weights and measures. The business revolution that started here now involves a billion co-operators as members of 1.4 million co-operative societies across the world. This fascinating museum, quality assured by VisitBritain, features the original store and tells the story of the ideals and principles of the co-operative movement. Information Address 31 Toad Lane Rochdale OL12 0NU 01706 524920 Opening Hours Tuesday to Saturday, 10am 5pm Visitrochdale.com 5
Cotton Famine Road Nestled away on Rooley Moor, with spectacular views across the south Pennine hills, stands a famous landmark to a local struggle for social progression, as featured in the BBC Two series Black and British: A Forgotten History. This historic Victorian stone road is a monument to the fascinating story of how Rochdale cotton workers sided with the Union cause during the American Civil War. Today the road s official name is Rooley Moor Road, part of a popular walking route to Bacup, but for many it remains Cotton Famine Road - a timeless local landmark to the international struggle to abolish the Atlantic slave trade. Information Address Rooley Moor Road 6 #VisitRochdale
Hollingworth Lake & Country Park In Victorian times Hollingworth Lake was known as the The Weighvers Seaport. Now once again visitors can enjoy many outdoor attractions and visitor centre. Spanning 118 acres with the dramatic backdrop of Blackstone Edge, the lake is one of the most popular days out in the area. The jewel in the crown of the south Pennines, with facilities for rowing, yachting, windsurfing, fishing, cycling and walking. Café s, bars, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and campsites can be found along the bank too. With boating, a nature reserve, trails, events, guided walks, Visitor Centre, community arts, environmental exhibitions, play and picnic areas it is the perfect day out for all the family. Information Address Rakewood Road Littleborough Rochdale OL15 0AQ 01706 373421 Opening Hours Visitor Centre open - Every day 10am to 3.30pm apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year s Eve and New Year s Day. Eve and New Year s Day. Visitrochdale.com 7
Blue & purple plaque trails Information Address Rochdale Town Hall Rochdale OL16 1AB Discover Rochdale s fascinating history on foot our maps takes you on a journey through the town centre to discover its rich cultural history. From the Old Duke of Wellington Hotel originally a wealthy wool merchant s residence to the gothic marvel of the Town Hall and the Dame Gracie Fields statue you can discover the rich history and influential people behind the pride of Rochdale. The plaques are there to surprise and to inform, and tell a story that can be as revealing to life-long residents as to those visiting for the first time. With over 20 blue plaques together with information on listed and historic buildings, enjoy a walk into the past and discover fantastic local stories! 8 #VisitRochdale
The railway is inextricably linked to the area s industry, providing industries with a vital link to the country s network of import, export, raw materials and, most importantly, workers. The East Lancashire Railway, is now a 20 km heritage steam railway line between Heywood and Rawtenstall. East Lancashire Railway Whether you are a train lover or not you will not be disappointed by this journey back to the golden age of steam railways. The line offers lots of special events for people of all ages. Special tickets may replace other ticket types and are available on event days including: Day Out with Thomas, 1940s Wartime Weekend, diesel and steam events. Information Address Railway St, Heywood OL10 1LX 0161 764 7790 Visitrochdale.com 9
Golden Cluster Middleton Middleton would have looked very different today had it not been for the famous Arts and Craft architect Edgar Wood. He spent his life reshaping the town. He designed more than 60 buildings in Middleton and its vicinity. At the time his designs were controversial and Wood had vocal critics. He therefore kept a very low profile on publicly funded projects. The idiosyncratic Jubilee Library of 1889 is straight from his Arts and Crafts copybook, but was fronted by a Bury architect, Laurence Booth. Likewise, Edgar Wood restored St. Leonard s Parish Church in 1905 under the name of the architect, G. F. Bodley. Even his role as designer of Long Street Methodist Church was kept a close secret until the very last moment. A little later, Middleton s historic Ye Olde Boar s Head pub was set to be demolished to make way for a new town hall and Edgar Wood worked quietly behind the scenes in Middleton and London to stop it. 10 #VisitRochdale
The Golden Cluster is his legacy. His Arts & Crafts buildings like Redcroft & Fencegate, 36 Mellalieu Street and 51-53 Rochdale Road and garden suburb layouts means Middleton centre is an attractive place to explore his work. In 1905 he redesigned Jubilee Park, laying out paths and rhododendron beds and creating a setting for his Jubilee Drinking Fountain and staircase (1905). Edgar Wood is closely associated with three ancient buildings within the Golden Cluster, St. Leonard s Church, Ye Olde Boar s Head and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School respectively the oldest church, pub and school in the Greater Manchester region. Visitrochdale.com 11
Healey Dell & tearoom A beauty spot, nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary rich in industrial archaeology, two miles from Rochdale town centre. The River Spodden has carved its way through the woodlands down thousands of years, creating delightful scenery and spectacular waterfalls which once powered ancient corn, wool and cotton mills. 12 This disused 1800s railway line is now a nature trail with magnificent views from a 100-foot high viaduct. The Healey Dell Heritage Centre offers a unique experience with its Victorian themed tea rooms with English cream teas served in vintage bone-china. The centre offers a permanent exhibition featuring a pictorial history of the Dell. There is a Fairy Grotto where children can meet the Healey Dell Fairy Godmother and so much more! Information Address Healey Corner Off Whitworth Road Healey, Rochdale OL12 6BG Opening Hours Tea rooms open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and all Bank Holidays, 10am 5pm. #VisitRochdale
Ellenroad Steam Museum Featuring the world s biggest working steam engine. In steam on the first Sunday in the month, together with various other family activities. Information Address Elizabethan Way Newhey, Rochdale OL16 4LG 07789 802632 Opening Hours First Sunday of each month (except January) from 11am, steaming 12.00 to 4pm. Visitrochdale.com 13
Blue Plaque heritage walk Look out for blue plaques which commemorate famous former residents, their homes and other historic locations. Jesse Fothergill (1851 1891) At the entrance to the New England Furniture Shop, Todmorden Road. Novelist who captured the lives of working people in the local cotton mills in the 19 th century. Gordon Harvey (1858 1922) On the side of Town House, Town House Road, Littleborough. MP for Rochdale 1906 1918 political idealist, enlightened mill owner, local benefactor and pioneer environmentalist. 14 #VisitRochdale
John Collier (1708 1786) On the bridge over the river Beal in Bridge Street, Milnrow Town Centre. John Collier was an acclaimed 18c. Caricaturist and satirical poet who lived and worked as a teacher in Milnrow. He wrote in a broad Lancashire dialect under the pseudonym of Tim Bobbin. Enid Stacy (1868 1903) On the gatepost on the steps leading to St James Church, Calderbrook. International and local speaker and writer on the welfare of working people and women s right to vote. Visitrochdale.com 15
New Year s Eve Fireworks Rochdale Beer Festival Amazing events The borough plays host to superb events and festivals, all year round. Go to visitrochdale.com to see what s on this year. Rochdale Feel Good Festival 16 #VisitRochdale
Street Eat Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival Heywood 1940s Weekend Littleborough Rushbearing Festival Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10k & Fun Run Visitrochdale.com 17
Littleborough On the very edge of the South Pennines, Littleborough and the surrounding area is an ideal centre for exploring this outstandingly beautiful part of Lancashire with its wide, open moorland, wooded valleys, distinctive towns and villages. There are plenty of opportunities for sport, leisure, relaxation and discovery, in an area renowned for its warm and friendly welcome. When you are looking for a little retail therapy you will find a tempting array of shops. Shopping in the Pennines is a very enjoyable pastime - the compact streets are ideal for browsing and make a pleasant change from the towns and cities. You will be sure to find everything you need from your daily requirements to that elusive special gift to take home. 18 #VisitRochdale
There are fabulous independent and individual shops offering antiques, books, paintings and pottery, jewellery, speciality foods and local produce as well as designer clothes, shoes, gifts, and traditional toys. Many of the smallest villages have well stocked general stores for all your day to day needs too. In addition to supermarkets, there is a retail outlet in Firgrove. Littleborough and the Pennines is a perfect destination to visit at any time of year. You ll find a variety of days out, events and things to do. There will always be something to suit your taste, whether it s family fun, an interesting day out or an event of specialist interest. There are festivals, fairs and shows to visit, however the beauty of the area and its all year round entertainment will ensure you ll always find plenty to do during the winter and autumn too! Information Address Littleborough OL15 Visitrochdale.com 19
Farmers Market Enjoy a leisurely Sunday at the Farmers Market, where you can sample and purchase locally source produce and craft items. Information: Address: Peel Street, Littleborough Rochdale OL15 8AQ Opening Hours: March November, 2nd Sunday in month 20 20 #VisitRochdale R le
Where to stay You ll be spoilt for choice by our range of hotels, B&Bs and self-catering establishments, offering everything from budget accommodation to 5 star luxury. Whether you re looking for a tranquil rural retreat or a more central location in Rochdale itself, a warm welcome awaits you. Visitrochdale.com 21
Easy to find South Pennines Leeds Rochdale Town Centre Hollingworth Lake Rochdale Railway Station Newbold Kingsway Business Park Peak District National Park Bury, Blackburn & Burnley Manchester KEY Pennine Bridleway The Rochdale Way Urban areas High land Main road Rochdale Canal i M Information Point Train Station Railway Rivers Pennine Way Metrolink Station Lakes or reservoirs Rochdale Transport Interchange 22 #VisitRochdale Visitrochdale.com 23
Any questions? Rochdale Visitor Information Centre Touchstones Rochdale The Esplanade Rochdale OL16 1AQ 01706 924928 All information correct at the time of printing. We recommend contacting individual attractions prior to your visit. Produced by Rochdale Borough Council #VisitRochdale Visitrochdale.com