Explore Rochdale

Rochdale is a borough in the north of Greater Manchester, comprising of Heywood, Middleton, Milnrow and Newhey, Littleborough, and Wardle. Running alongside the Pennines, Rochdale has some of the most beautiful countryside in the region, and is home to a number of well-known landmarks.

In the mid-19th Century, a group from the area formed the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society and opened a store, initiating the first Co-operative Movement that still exists today. Sitting in the original premises, the Rochdale Pioneers Museum is open to visitors and tells the story of the Rochdale Pioneers. Also in the town centre, Rochdale Town Hall is regarded as one of the finest town halls in Europe. In the village of Newhey, Ellenroad Engine House contains the largest surviving, spinning-mill steam engine, and is open to the public to view.

Celebrating the best of the countryside in Rochdale, Hollingworth Lake is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. There are a number of walks and cycle routes incorporating the lake, which is also a base for a sailing and rowing club, along with a variety of other watersports. As well as this, the Pennine Bridleway runs through Rochdale, offering the opportunity to explore over 200 miles of the Pennines’ routes, roads and bridleways.

Rochdale also has a number of popular food and drink offerings, including celebrity chef Andrew Nutter’s restaurant, set in the wonderful countryside on the outskirts of Norden. Situated next to the Rochdale Pioneers Museum is award-winning The Baum, serving food, cask ale and cider, and over 30 continental beers seven days per-week. Other notable restaurants in the area include La Mancha, The Waterside, The Italian Room and The Rake Tapas. The town is also home to The Flying Horse Hotel – Greater Manchester Pub of the Year 2019.

Things to do in Rochdale

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Fireground

The Museum tells the story of firefighting, particularly in the Greater Manchester region. The area…

Hopwood Clough

Centred on Hopwood Hall College, Middleton Hopwood Nature Reserve near Middleton provides a woodland…

What's on in Rochdale

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Swiftmania 24 Mar 2024

Swiftmania

An award winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording…

The Drifters 17 May 2024

The Drifters

The Drifters are back on tour in the UK performing all their classic hits including ‘Saturday…

Ben Hur 22 Jun 2024

Ben Hur

Based on the timeless stories of the nineteenth century, this adaptation condenses the epic…

Totally Tina 20 Sep 2024

Totally Tina

Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s supreme Tina tribute – Justine Riddoch…

Crooners 21 Sep 2024

Crooners

Packed with personality and humour, Crooners has been wowing audiences with its witty and…

Psychic Sally 01 Oct 2024

Psychic Sally

The nation’s favourite psychic is back on tour! Sally has been wowing theatre audiences young and…

Pop Forever 06 Oct 2024

Pop Forever

Join in at the POP FOREVER concert and celebrate the music of our Modern day POP…

Julius Caesar 10 Oct 2024

Julius Caesar

Concerned that Caesar poses a threat to democracy, revolutionaries take the violent decision to…

Where to eat and drink in Rochdale

Bull's Head

Real ale pub with food in the Piethorne Valley. Good start and finish point for Piethorne Valley…

Ship Inn

A small real ale pub with hand drawn pumps, on the banks of the Rochdale Canal with stunning…

The Baum

Situated next door to the Co-Op Museum on Toad Lane, The Baum opened its doors in the early 1980s as…

The Summit

The Summit is situated on the border of Oldham and Rochdale in a residential area. Being big on…

Where to stay in Rochdale

Fernhill B&B

Fernhill B&B offers luxury and tranquillity, that prides itself in providing quality service and…

Fielden Farm

A traditional Pennine hill farm set in 36 acres below the dramatic rocky skyline of Blackstone Edge…

The Rake

This beautiful grade II listed building, located in a rural setting, provides accommodation…

Rochdale blogs

  • News
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Festival of Libraries returns for 2024

133 libraries taking part ~ free events programme ~ Wednesday 12 June to Sunday 16 June 2024 Manchester City of Literature is preparing to celebrate the joy of libraries with Greater Manchester and the world when the Festival of Libraries takes place from Wednesday 12 to Sunday 16 June 2024.

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Rochdale Town Hall reopens to the public

More than 2,500 people joined in the celebrations as Rochdale Town Hall reopened its doors to the public for the first time in four years this weekend. Thousands of visitors from all different walks of life packed into the Grade I listed building, eager to see the results of The National Lottery…

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Get ready for the 10th edition of the Manchester Film Festival!

Grab some popcorn because it’s just one month until the BIGGEST cinema celebration in the North West – the 10th edition of the Manchester Film Festival! This year promises to be truly unforgettable as we bring you an exclusive lineup of films never before seen in Manchester but which have dazzled…

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Multi - million pound revamp of Rochdale Town Hall unveiled

The restoration of one of the North West’s finest historic buildings has been unveiled, with Rochdale Town Hall set to reopen to the public in a matter of weeks. The project, which was supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with an £8.9m grant, has transformed the iconic Grade I Listed…

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Rochdale to light up with new Fire Festival

The countdown to Christmas begins in Rochdale later this month with a spectacular new two day event and magical family entertainment leading up to the lights switch-on. ‘Ignite’ Fire Festival will transform the gardens opposite Rochdale Town Hall from Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 November with two free…

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Where is Rochdale