Car Hire Oldham

While Oldham has lots of attractions that will keep you entertained, it’s also a great base to explore the rest of north-west England.

There are some amazing art galleries in the town centre – as well as museums and a variety of big-name stores. Plus, you’re not far from the Peak District, where you can take in some of the most breathtaking views in the north of England. Oldham is also conveniently close to one of the UK’s biggest cities, Manchester – less than 10 miles away.

Manchester Airport is the closest international airport serving Oldham. It takes little more than 25 minutes by car to reach and is a relatively simple drive via the northbound M60 motorway.

Manchester itself is just over 30 minutes’ drive away on the A62 west – making it a perfect day trip to roam its bustling centre, soak up its world-class arts scene and take in the sights. If you’re thinking of venturing a little further, Liverpool is around an hour’s drive away via the M60 and M62.

When you’re driving in and around Oldham, remember that limits are signposted in miles per hour, as in the rest of the UK. The town itself is largely residential and has several roads that carry a 30mph (48km/h) limit, with speed cameras in force on many routes.

Oldham Way passes the south side of the town centre – and has a 50mph (80km/h) speed limit. There’s a 30mph (48km/h) limit in place on the A62, another major road which heads to Manchester. It’s also important to note that a one-way system is in operation in the centre of Oldham.

If you’re driving into Oldham and want to drop off your vehicle to explore on foot, there are several car parks available. If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can get free parking for up to three hours here in council-run car parks – but you’ll still need to display a ticket in your windscreen.

Whether you’re here for business or adventure, you’ll find Oldham ticks a lot of boxes – with fine dining, pretty countryside and plenty of entertainment on offer too. Here are some of the best things to see and do.

Serene scenery

Sitting pretty among the Pennine Hills, Oldham neighbours the vast Peak District, which you can explore by taking the A623 road south-east. As well as being one of the most scenic drives in the UK, there are plenty of activities available here – including walking, cycling and wildlife watching.

Hugging the north-eastern edge of the park is the stunning Dove Stone Reservoir. Here you’ll find several walking paths that take you across the open landscape, through woodland and alongside the water. It makes for a fantastic day out and lots of awe-inspiring photo opportunities.

Culture and creativity

Oldham has emerged from its industrial past to reinvent itself as a heavyweight of the arts, with galleries and museums thriving throughout the town. Gallery Oldham should be the first port of call for visiting culture vultures.

Aptly located in the town’s Cultural Quarter, it’s lauded for its diverse range of exhibitions. These perspective-changing displays chronicle Oldham’s past and present, and touch on the experiences of the Greater Manchester region.

There’s also Saddleworth Museum and Gallery, which you’ll find five miles out of the town centre, opposite Saddleworth Golf Club. It’s been transformed from a 19^th century Victorian Mill into a facility which puts on fun activities for families while telling the story of the region’s famed textile industry.

Thriving town centre

Oldham has been reinvigorated in recent years. Spindles Town Square is the hub of the town’s array of stores and cafés, with its shopping centre featuring a good range of big-brand outlets. It’s also easy to access, with dedicated parking available.

For something a little different, check out a show at the Coliseum Theatre. Renovated in 2012, its big-budget productions range from family-friendly pantomimes to musical performances and stand-up comedy. You’ll find it in the centre of town, just a short walk from the shopping centre.

If you’re looking to relax with a hearty meal after a day exploring Oldham and beyond, take a short 10-minute drive out of the town towards the White Hart Inn – a traditional village eatery that’s won awards for its mouth-watering menu.

If you fall in love with the tranquillity of its location – perched on a hill overlooking the countryside – you might want to stay over in one of its 16 en-suite rooms.

Explore the delights of this charming town and the picturesque surrounding areas with car hire in Oldham.