Explore Oldham

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 Oldham Way, Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway being just three 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, canoeing at Castleshaw and much more. Wonderful woodlands, waterways and wildflower meadows can be found at our country parks at Daisy Nook, Alexandra Park and Tandle Hill. You can even find mining bees and fossilised mussels at Glodwick Lows Local Nature Reserve and get involved with Northern Roots, an urban farm set in the heart of Oldham.

Oldham has a lot to offer, including the Odeon cinema complex in Parliament Square in the converted Grade 2 Listed Old Town Hall, the popular Summit Up climbing centre, bustling markets, a Gallery featuring regular exhibitions and much more.

With a wide range of vibrant events and unique traditions like the Whit Friday Brass Bands contests, Saddleworth Rush Cart Festival, Festival Oldham, Illuminate Festival, the Halloween Half Marathon, Diggle Blues Festival and a packed Christmas events programme, visitors will find a varied events to suit everyone.

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. 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 only take around half an hour.

Oldham is looking to the future, with many regeneration projects currently underway, including the restoration of the Old Library Building, a new market and events space, and a new theatre for the future generations to enjoy.

Discover more at www.visitoldham.com