Our top attractions

Visitors to Rochdale, Dippy's only North West stop, can enjoy 2 dinosaur adventures as part of their visit and they're both free. Image: the Diplodocus exhibit with children at the Natural History Museum, London.

To celebrate Dippy’s visit to Rochdale in 2020, we’ve created a garden that showcases some of the plants that were around when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

In Victorian times Hollingworth Lake was known as the "The Weighvers' Seaport". Now once again visitors can enjoy many outdoor attractions and an excellent Visitor Centre.

Built in 1892 on the banks of the River Beal, the Ellenroad cotton mill produced fine cotton yarn using mule spinning.

With tranquil gardens and a picturesque lake for visitors to enjoy, Queen’s Park is not only a Green Flag Park, it's also a great day out for all the family.

2 miles from Newhey, the 6 reservoirs in the Piethorne Valley are surrounded by open moorland.

Once part of the Alkrington Hall estate, this area of mature woodland provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.

A 12 mile heritage railway based in Bury, operating steam and diesel train rides through charming villages and picturesque scenery. The well-equipped stations boast cafés, pubs, gift shops and more.

First opened in 1804, the Rochdale Canal was the first trans-Pennine canal and one of the country's most spectacular waterways.

Healey Dell is a beauty spot and wildlife sanctuary rich in industrial archaeology, 2 miles from Rochdale town centre on the way to Whitworth and Bacup.

Full of fun activities for the kids, fascinating facts for adults and, for the not so young, a chance to share some cherished memories. Come and discover Rochdale's past and, perhaps, help shape its future.

High in the Pennines above Wardle village, the area around Watergrove Reservoir includes walking trails with spectacular views, bird watching, fishing and a link to the Pennine Bridleway.