Parks, gardens and countryside

From sailing or kayaking across beautiful lakes, walking by waterfalls, hiking through wooded valleys or over open moorland, to rock climbing or mountain biking in the magnificent hilly terrain of the South Pennines – there are so many ways to enjoy the diverse beauty of the landscape around Rochdale borough.

Look through the pages in this section to read about walks in the borough, everything from gentle family-friendly strolls in our Green Flag parks and along the Rochdale Canal, to exhilarating high moorland treks in the rugged South Pennines.

Cycling and horse riding trails are just as diverse, giving riders of all abilities somewhere to enjoy their pastime. For golfers and water sports enthusiasts, Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and Littleborough have plenty to offer too.

And if you fancy experiencing the beautiful woodland and water at Hollingworth Lake under the expert guidance of rangers, you can take part in one of the many activities on their packed events calendar. From learning survival skills to making sculptures out of twigs, there’s something for everyone, and you’re sure to keep the kids entertained.

Inspiration

Prehistoric garden

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.
1. 1 Jun 202028 Jun 2020
Prehistoric bog garden at Queen's Park

Step back in time with our prehistoric bog garden.
1. 1 Jun 202028 Jun 2020
Prehistoric bog garden at Truffet Park

Step back in time with our prehistoric bog gardens.
1. 1 Jun 202028 Jun 2020
Broadfield Park, Green Flag Award

Rochdale's town centre park, the oldest in the borough, is of great historic interest and contains the statue of John Bright MP.
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Jubilee Park, Green Flag Award

A Green Flag Award, this lovely little park is located in the town’s conservation area, between the recently renovated Middleton Library and St Leonards Church. It has an elegant bandstand and plenty of seating.
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Queen's Park, Green Flag Award

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.
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Hare Hill Park, Green Flag Award

Hare Hill Park in Littleborough is a traditional Victorian Park with many original features.
Rochdale Memorial Gardens, Green Flag Award

The restored Rochdale Memorial Gardens provide a quality public green space in the heart of Rochdale town centre.
Truffet Park, Green Flag Award

Truffet Park is the local park for the people of Langley, which is located 1 mile north west of Middleton.
Hopwood Park, Green Flag Award

Hopwood Park is a small pocket park crammed with facilities and features you would normally only expect in a bigger park.
Hollingworth Lake & Visitor Centre

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.
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Healey Dell Nature Reserve & Tea Rooms

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.
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Hollingworth Lake - A Circular Trail

Address

Hollingworth Lake Country Park and Visitor Centre, Rakewood Road, Littleborough, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL15 0AQ

Telephone
01706 373421

Littleborough, Rochdale

Hollingworth Lake is in fact, a reservoir.

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Windsurfing at Hollingworth Lake Activity Centre

Address

Hollingworth Lake Activity Centre, Lakebank, Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, Greater Manchester, OL15 0QD

Telephone
01706 370499

holwac@link4life.org

Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough

Experience the thrill of windsurfing at Hollingworth Lake.

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Kitcliffe - A Piethorne Valley Walk

Address

Rangers’ Office, Ogden Lane, Newhey, Milnrow, Greater Manchester, OL16 3TQ

Telephone
01706 881049

Newhey, Milnrow

Built between 1872 and 1878 to collect water from the Wickenhall Brook, Ogden Reservoir holds 185 million gallons. Ogden and Foulwater Lodge together release up to 1 million gallons of water per day into Piethorne Brook.

More Details
Bluebell Wood - A Piethorne Valley Walk

Address

Rangers’ Office, Ogden Lane, Newhey, Milnrow, Greater Manchester, OL16 3TQ

Telephone
01706 881049

Newhey, Milnrow

Although known locally as Bluebell Wood, its proper name is Old House Ground Plantation. This mixed woodland provides a valuable habitat here on the high moors, although you can see how severe weather stunts the trees and sometimes blows them over.

More Details

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