Lying to the northeast of Manchester, the borough of Oldham is a great combination of spectacular and unrivalled countryside, quaint villages and market towns, award winning food and drink establishments, excellent shopping opportunities and heritage sites.
Almost 25% of the borough lies within the Peak District National Park, so walkers, cyclists and horse riders have lots to enjoy, the Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway being just two of the amazing routes through this diverse and beautiful landscape, whether you want a leisurely stroll or a ten mile hike. Oldham has lots to offer for a great day out or extended stay.
The dramatic moorland landscape of the South Pennines provides the perfect backdrop for Saddleworth’s picturesque villages, Castleshaw Roman Fort and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Beside the Canal in Uppermill, Saddleworth Museum is situated in a converted 19th Century mill, and tells the story of those who helped shape Saddleworth’s landscape and character.
A great place for outdoor activities, there’s walking and sailing at Dovestone Reservoir, rock climbing at Crompton Moor, canoeing at Castleshaw and much more. Wonderful woodlands, waterways and wildflower meadows can be found at our country parks at Daisy Nook and Tandle Hill. You can even find mining bees and fossilised mussels at Glodwick Lows Local Nature Reserve.
Culturally, Oldham has a lot to offer and is the home of Oldham Coliseum, which is one of the oldest theatres in Britain to still be operating today. Situated in the heart of Oldham town centre, it has seen performances from comedy greats such as Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel, as well as a number of well-known film and TV stars. The award winning and unique Gallery Oldham in the Cultural Quarter, houses a collection of artworks and objects dating back to 1883 and there’s always something different to see with its busy events programme to suit all ages. The new Odeon cinema complex in Parliament Square in the converted Grade 2 Listed Old Town Hall is well worth a visit to see this exceptional re-development and catch the latest film release.
With a wide range of vibrant events and unique traditions like the Whit Friday Brass Bands contests, Saddleworth Rush Cart Festival, South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival, Illuminate, Diggle Blues Festival and the more recent Cotton Clouds Music Festival, visitors will find a varied festival program to suit everyone.
When it comes to eating and drinking, Oldham is well and truly on the map. The award winning White Hart Inn in Lydgate is a favourite for culinary delights, or try one of the many gins in Delph’s, Old Bell Inn's World Record breaking gin collection. Or you could visit the Donkeystone Brewery in Greenfield for tours and tastings of their unique range of craft ales.
Oldham Town Centre is a shoppers’ haven, with an array of shops, a shopping mall and a traditional market, as well as a free town centre play area for your little ones to enjoy, and numerous cafes, restaurants and bars. Access to Oldham town has never been easier thanks to Metrolink. The town centre line has three stops – Oldham Mumps, Oldham Central and Oldham King Street – meaning the many shops, attractions, events and leisure offer is all within a short distance. Journeys from Manchester to Oldham now only take around half an hour.
Discover more at www.visitoldham.com