A Guide to spending 48 hours in Rochdale

Rochdale has become one to watch as this up-and-coming town just a 12-minute train ride from Victoria Station is gaining recognition for its array of historic and cultural gems.  

Voted the greenest borough within Greater Manchester for its abundance of award-winning parks and open spaces such as Healey Dell and Hollingworth Lake Country Park, it’s also the birthplace of the Co-operative movement and its magnificent Town Hall is one of the region's greatest architectural gems. The annual Feel Good Festival, taking place on the 10th of August, is always a huge hit.  

Below we have pulled together the ultimate guide to spending 48 hours in Rochdale: 

Rochdale Town Hall

Starting with its rich history, Rochdale Town Hall recently underwent a £20m renovation to restore its historic value. The Grade I-listed building was designed by William H Crossland and originally opened in 1871. It now offers new seating, decorative paving and landscaped areas creating a new events space in the town centre and the Great Hall has been restored to its former glory!  

Touchstones 

Due to redevelopment, Touchstones is temporarily closed until 2025 but there are plenty of reasons to visit when it reopens. They have a range of exhibitions running annually and has become a dedicated learning space for workshops, talks and special events where you can discover more about the borough and its people. 

Rochdale Pioneers Museum 

Immerse yourself in the history of the Co-operative movement at Rochdale Pioneers Museum and journey back in time to see how your ancestors did their shopping. You can also experience special displays of unique Co-operative items such as stamps, commemorative china and rare dividend coins and commodity tokens while learning more about this historic movement that shaped the country.  

And why not stop off at the Ellenroad Engine House and Steam Museum or Fireground as well, to add to your ever-growing knowledge of the town.   

Heritage 

Make the most of your stay and hop on the East Lancs Railway at Heywood station. It is the most easterly point of the ELR, and a great place to start your journey if you want to ride the line from end to end (and back again). They also have a selection of evening dining experiences from wine tasting nights to murder mystery nights, click here to find out more.  

For anyone looking to delve into the heritage side of Rochdale, Alkrington Hall & Woods is a must see! This picturesque local nature reserve offers visitors the chance to explore the woodlands that surround the banks of the River Irk and the fishing lodges around Rhodes. Plus, did you know it is the oldest surviving Palladian style house in Lancashire, listed Grade II* by Historic England.  

Or explore Middleton’s Golden Cluster, where you can visit a range of heritage sites all nestled together including St Leonard’s Church, Ye Olde Boar’s Head, The Arts & Crafts Church, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Jubilee Library, just to name a few. Visit Middleton’s Golden Cluster to find out more.  

Rochdale’s Independent Edge  

If you’re looking for something different to try, running on the second Saturday of every month, Rochdale’s Artisan Market is great if you’re into all things artsy or independent!  

Promoting around 30 local, independent traders from fruit and veg to meat vendors and other crafty bits. If you’re a Makers Market lover, you’ll love this! 

Visit Rochdale to find out more about upcoming dates. 

Sticking with the independent theme, Heywood Market is a community run collection of 30 local traders selling unique items and gifts. You can find vendors such as The Thread Shed selling ladies' fashion pieces and Just Lovely Gifts to Francesca’s Cakes and Bakes/Baking a difference for all your freshly baked sweet treats, from traditional British scones to the classic Manchester tart!  

And a relatively new concept is Rochdale’s Vegan Market which offers a variety of vegan street food, artisan bakes, craft cheeses, handmade cosmetics, ethical clothing and jewellery, arts and crafts, and charity stalls. Head to what's on in Rochdale to find out more about upcoming dates. 

Rochdale’s beautiful nature and countryside  

The region is home to some of the North West’s finest countryside and walking trails including Healey Dell Nature Reserve, Hollingworth Lake Country Park and Ogden and Wardle reservoirs.  

Healey Dell is only 2 miles from Rochdale town centre and is considered a hidden gem in the area. You can get lost in the scenery as the walking trail offers several different routes to take but the waterfall walk seems to be a common favourite. And afterwards why not stop off at Healey Dell Tea Rooms as a treat, that has nothing but 5-star reviews across the board.  

Hollingworth Lake is another beautiful outdoors spot. Not only is it easily accessible and wheelchair friendly but if offers some beautiful scenes of the surrounding countryside. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from as well to get a well earned pitstop in!

Some lesser-known walking routes are Odgen and Wardle reservoirs, that fall under the Pennines area. If you are looking for a quieter route where you can fully switch off, then Ogden's 1.2-mile walk is for you and if you want to challenge yourself you can follow the path up on to Ovenden Moor Wind Farm.

If you take this slightly harder trail (3-mile walk) you'll experience a spectacular viewing point to the wind farm on Knoll Hill before you descend towards the dam at Ogden Reservoir. 

Explore Rochdale’s surrounding areas  

The Pennines covering Littleborough, Milnrow, Newhey and Wardle offer an array of unique, tranquil walking routes and quaint, local little shops and cafes. If you enjoy exploring towns and villages such as Harrogate or the Lakes, then this is very similar.  

Food/Drink/Nightlife in Rochdale  

Rochdale is home to a host of independent and big brand eateries. Their current hotspot is Defiance Distillery the award-winning, quirky gin distillery that lives inside Spotland Bridge Mill. This is the perfect spot for either an afternoon pitstop or to spend the whole evening here.  

Some other favourites: 

• The Baum 

• Hoochi Koochi  

• The Rake Tapas 

• Stocco Restaurant 

• Vicolo del Vino 

• Vinesteins 

• The Red Lion

Rochdale is also home to Phoenix Brewery based over in Heywood, click here to read about their story. 

And if you are looking for some evening entertainment, check out Middleton Arena which has a range of theatre performances and music events running for people of all ages. Find out what's on here. 

Calling all music lovers, Empire Rochdale is where you can go to see any live gig or performance and are praised for their tribute nights. Head over to their website to start planning your next night out. 

For more information, visit our Explore Rochdale page.