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

Things to do in Oldham

Check out our highlights

Crompton Moor

Crompton Moor rises above the town of Shaw, and is a unique and popular recreation site in Oldham…

Strinesdale

Strinesdale has reservoirs, woodlands and meadows surrounded by farmland. A 20 hectare (50 acre)…

What's on in Oldham

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Where to eat and drink in Oldham

Ashton Arms

 Extremely popular town-centre free house overlooking the new town centre cinema complex…

Desi Lounge

Desi Lounge is a favourite Indian restaurant for many in Manchester and Oldham. Renowned chef Mr…

Fika

Fika Café/Tea Room/Coffee Shop  is located in the centre of Uppermill High Street…

Garden Cafe

The Garden Cafe at Dobcross is a popular meeting area for the local Saddleworth community. They…

La Rustica

La Rustica is a cosy, rustic restaurant offering homecooked traditional Italian cuisine with a…

Where to stay in Oldham

247hotel.com

247hotel.com is perfect for business or pleasure. Hotel 247.com is situated within easy reach of the…

Oldham blogs

Top activities for Kids this May half term 2024

As the spring half term quickly approaches, Manchester is filled with an exciting array of kid-friendly events across it’s boroughs. From show-stopping theatre, to wandering through the local zoos, Manchester’s half term events promise the perfect blend of education and entertainment, ensuring a…

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Walks near Dove Stone Reservoir

Gabriella Wieland is a freelance writer and editor. Residing in Manchester, she spends much of her time liaising with scientists to find a geographical cure for eternally-grey skies and finding adventures of the ‘free’ variety. You can find her online, and on Instagram. With lockdown measures…

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Guide to Arts and Culture in Greater Manchester

Galleries, theatres and museums are a big reason to visit Manchester. Permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, famous names, well-loved plays and local or global artefacts offer a window to the world. But wouldn’t it be nice to do more than just look out of a window? Even Da Vinci needed…

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Walking Routes in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is fit to burst with walking routes and trails, so we've put together a round-up of some of the best, with easy-to-use downloadable trail maps. Whether it's an easy family walk, a strenuous 5k or a picturesque dog walk you're looking for, these walks near Manchester mean you have…

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Top 5 Visitor Attractions in Oldham

1. Gallery Oldham Gallery Oldham provides a wide range of exhibitions and activities targeted at different audiences of all ages. Current and forthcoming exhibitions feature artworks and items from Oldham’s diverse collections alongside newly commissioned art, international work, touring…

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Where is Oldham