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Town in Greater Manchester, England
Photo: RussellHarryLee from England, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rochdale is a town in Greater Manchester in northwest England, 12 miles north of Manchester city centre. In 2021 it had a population of 111,000, with a similar number in the nearby small towns of Middleton, Milnrow, Wardle, Littleborough and Heywood that together comprise Rochdale Metropolitan Borough. Its main attraction is its Victorian centre and industrial heritage.
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Rochdale is the birthplace of the co-operative movement. This is the building where it all started, with modern annex, but it's all a bit cramped.
Attractive Victorian Gothic revival building opened in 1871. The original spire burnt down in 1883 but was replaced by the present clock tower, which has a restaurant. The Cenotaph opposite Town Hall was designed by Lutyens and unveiled in 1922.
Dating to 14th-16th century, though reworked in Victorian times, this is the Anglican parish church of Rochdale.
Fire-fighting museum in a former fire station. Interesting collection of fire engines and equipment.
Twin steam engines Victoria and Alexandra turned a great drum which powered the belts driving a cotton mill. The mill has been demolished but the engines still function.
Indoor tarmac go-karting track, speeds up to 40 mph (70 km/h), beginners welcome. Junior karts are for ages 8-14, but children can drive from age 6 on suitably dinky machines.
Clean efficient hotel.
Tired and needing a make-over.
Simple chain hotel at the bypass, cleaning spasmodic.
Reliable chain hotel at M62 junction 21.
Decent mid-range hotel with restaurant. Lodge annex with 3 double rooms is intended for small groups.
Good mid-range hotel in its own gardens with spa, part of Accor chain. You need a car as Castleton is more like edge of Manchester than in Rochdale. Satnav users beware, this is not Castleton in the Peak District.
7 room hotel with bar and restaurant. It's a mile uphill from Littleborough village, the A58 is a busy road but there's a footpath. You might use it as a stopover on the Pennine Way, as the White House pub further up on the Way doesn't have rooms.
By train
Trains from Manchester Victoria run to Rochdale every 10 min, taking 15-20 min. These trains are part of longer mainline routes:
By bus
National Express Bus NX 540 runs daily from London Victoria to Rochdale Interchange, taking 6 hours.
By road
The usual approach is along A627(M), the motorway spur from M62. To the south this leads into Oldham, where you can use A663 through Chadderton to short-cut to M60.
Most sights are walking distance. Buses connect the Pennine valleys: those above plus the 456 and 458 between Rochdale and Littleborough.
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Manchester, Greater Manchester · International · MAN
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