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 19th 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.