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5 Interesting things to do in Oldham

People often forget that, when we talk about Oldham, we aren’t just referring to the centre of the historic manufacturing town. In fact, as a borough, Oldham offers so much more than meets the eye…

Stretching from the tail end of Failsworth to the likes of Dobcross, Diggle and beyond, as a district Oldham actually encompasses 55 square miles of land, giving you plenty of opportunity to find fun and interesting activities!

So, if you’re looking for things to do in Oldham, here are five ideas that might help you on your way:

Alexandra Park, Oldham

Not to be confused with the Alexandra Park in Whalley Range (just a few miles south of Manchester City Centre, if you’re interested) this Alexandra Park is located on Kings Road, just outside Oldham Town Centre.

It was actually opened a result of the dwindling cotton trade of the time – in the 1860’s the cotton famine left countless labourers out of work. Luckily, the estate on which the park is now located was purchased with the guarantee that these now unemployed workers would be hired to handle construction of a new park.

On the 28th August 1865 the park was opened to the public for the first time and was regularly used as a speaker’s corner.

Nowadays, the park is recognised as a prime family walk location thanks to its tranquil forest walks, gorgeous plant life and, of course, the lake which stands as the park’s centrepiece.

Plus, if you find yourself getting peckish after a long stroll around the grounds, the Boathouse Café remains a firm favourite amongst regular visitors and is the perfect stop-off before you head home after a cracking day out.

With tennis courts, boating and runs to satisfy the sporty visitor, as well as the countless other hidden gems scattered around, Alexandra Park has a little something for everyone.

If you’d like to find out more, you can visit the official Alexandra Park page on the Oldham Gov website here.

Extreme Air

From one mode of exercise to another – if you’re looking for a fun way for the kids to expel some energy and get active in a totally different way, then Extreme Air is the exact thing you’re looking for.

Extreme Air can be found at Unit 1B on Park Road, right next to Matalan. A bouncy experience whatever way you look at it, this indoor trampoline park offers amazing, adrenaline-fuelled trampoline sessions for both young people and adults alike!

Need a cool way for the kids to blow off some steam? Let them bounce the pent-up energy away with their friends at a great price. Or how about a birthday party? Those are catered for too! Your little one can bring along a group of friends to help celebrate in style.

But what about the grown-ups? Well, if you’re just spectating as your younglings enjoy themselves, you can kick back and relax with a coffee and a bite in the on-site café. Or, if you’re interested in having a go yourself, try out one of Extreme Air’s various work out classes, designed to help you burn calories in the wackiest way!

Need we say more? Check out Extreme Air’s website here for all the info you’ll need.

Daisy Nook Country Park

Another beautiful park to tick off your list of things to do in Oldham, Daisy Nook Country Park lies around 3 miles south of Oldham town centre, but still falls within the borough limits.

Named after a painting by an Oldham artist, the country park has been welcoming joggers, nature-enthusiasts and adventurers for decades.

A particular favourite of local dog walkers, the park’s intricate greenery and well-trodden country paths make it an ideal stop for those looking to get themselves, their animal friends and their family moving in a quiet, undisturbed setting.

There’s also a café  to grab a quick brew and a bite on your travels and children’s play area to keep the younger members of your clan entertained during their visit.

Or, if you’re after a very specific segment of nature for your own garden, the hugely popular Daisy Nook Garden Centre can be found just outside the park’s boundaries, across from Stannybrook Road. Here, you’ll find all the necessary tools to create your very own nature paradise at home!

Another interesting factoid about Daisy Nook: A 1946 depiction of the park in post-WWII celebrations entitled ‘Good Friday, Daisy Nook’ fetched a staggering £3.7 million at auction.

Want to know more? You can visit the Daisy Nook Country Park Oldham Gov website here.

Uppermill

An intimate yet exciting location, Uppermill should definitely be on your list of things to do in Oldham.

A village that has been developing at a fast rate over the past decade, Uppermill has now become home to more pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants than you’d ever expect to find in somewhere of this size.

With a bustling night life as well as plenty of things to do in the day, you’ll find yourself packed-out with activities whatever time you choose to visit.

Specific highlights include Dinnerstone Restaurant, which presents a unique mixture of English and Italian dishes, and Café Grande Abaco (formerly known as Java) who offer exceptional coffee as well as themed taster nights to really get your palette going.

But if the food side of things isn’t tickling your fancy, you can’t go wrong sampling all the unique shops in the area. There are plenty of options from local, independent vendors for you to pick up a gift for a friend or loved one.

Add to this all the tried and tested walking routes nearby, for the hikers amongst you, and you can’t go wrong!

For a little more in-depth Uppermill knowledge, you can take a look at their search results on TripAdvisor here.

Dovestone Reservoir

Known for miles around thanks to its unmatched tranquillity and sheer visual splendour, on a good day you’d struggle to find better views than those you’ll find whilst sampling the many walking paths around Dovestone Reservoir.

Whether you’re a serious walker or just after a change of scenery, Dovestone can provide. Lying on the end of Saddleworth Moor, just outside Greenfield, the reservoir offers plenty in the way of relaxing walks and exceptional photography opportunities for those wanting to capture the perfect shot.

The reservoir itself is a staple in the local area, supplying drinking water to the surrounding towns and villages, as well as being a go-to resource during the moorland fires which have plagued the nearby grassy fields during hot spells in the summer.

Better still, there are two pay and display car parks available, making working your way back to the car after a long walk a much easier job than other walking destinations.

If you’d like to visit Dovestone Reservoir for your next outing, visit their TripAdvisor page here to discover more.

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