Rochdale’s spacious town centre is dominated by the spectacular Victorian Gothic Town Hall which is fronted by the broad Esplanade, still thought to be the widest road bridge in Europe with the River Roch below.

The medieval St Chad’s Parish Church and Broadfield Park provide a stunning backdrop – for the energetic, take the quick route up Church Steps – all 122 of them. The historic conservation area of Toad Lane, site of the first Co-op Shop, is just a short walk away.

Rochdale town centre has two modern, indoor shopping centres, an indoor market and a good range of high street shops, restaurants and pubs with a year round programme of events and entertainments and convenient parking.

Nearby Newhey is a stone-built village with a very fine church on the hill – a landmark for miles around. The secluded Piethorne Valley reservoirs, the conservation area of Higher Ogden and Ellenroad Engine House are all close by.