We love where we live. Here’s our top 28 things to do in the Oldham area with the family!
1. Visit Oldham Library, there’s always plenty to do
I love visiting Oldham Library, me and the kids usually visit once a week. Oldham has several small libraries in the villages with the main large library in the centre of Oldham. There is always something going on and lots of activities and events are free. There’s weekly stories and rhyme classes, plus specialist baby yoga classes, weekend events such a Comic Con to fantastic shows in their performance space, such as my recent trip to see The Secret of Christmas Eve. Check out what’s going on at Oldham Library and visit now.
2. Take a Trip to Gallery Oldham
There’s plenty to see and do at Gallery Oldham, plus it’s free to enter. Not only do they offer a wide range of exhibitions, there’s lots for families at the weekend and during the half term break including arts and crafts sessions, The Small Cinema and much more. Here’s our review of a recent trip.
3. Enjoy the newly refurbished Old Town Hall
Oldham’s iconic Old Town Hall has been transformed and redeveloped only a year or two ago and it looks fantastic. The Grade II listed building has lovingly been brought back to life and now houses ODEON cinema, Nando’s, Costa Coffee and the family friendly Molino Lounge. It’s the first cinema in the town for more than 30 years! Local families can now enjoy an evening out close to home.
4. Check out Tommyfield Markets
Right in the heart of Oldham, take a trip to Tommyfield Markets, the indoor market hall is open Monday – Saturday 9am-5.15pm. You may be surprised at what you find, check out their traditional markets and material market as well as the Sunday car boot! See here for more information.
5. Have a great day out at Stonerigg as you whizz around the track
Experience racing like no other with 9 themed Scalextric tracks to race on right here in Oldham! My eldest loves a trip to Stonerigg in Lees, it’s the UK’s largest themed Scalextric attraction.
6. Wander around the villages of Saddleworth
Whether it’s Diggle or Delph, Dobcross or Greenfield why not have a wander around the villages of Saddleworth? We are so lucky to have such beautiful places on our doorstep! Take a stroll, perhaps enjoy a pub lunch, find a local park and make it your hidden gem.
7. Enjoy a family day out in Uppermill park and along the canal
A family favourite of ours! We love nothing more than a walk along the canal, past Brownhill and into Diggle. The kids love to go across the stepping stones and there’s always time to play in the playground. There’s plenty of choice for a refreshment whether its hot drinks, cakes or even a glass of wine, there’s something for everyone in Uppermill.
8. Have a day out at Cockfields Farm
Enjoy a fabulous family day out down on the farm right here in Oldham! Open 7 days a week, you can expect to have a jam-packed day! There’s animal activities running every half an hour including pig washing and lamb feeding. Over the years we have visited many times, check out our review here. Also read about our recent trip when we went to their Christmas Experience.
9. Yanks Are Back In Saddleworth!
Enjoy the annual military show and vehicle parade that return to the villages of Saddleworth every summer. It’s an unforgettable event of fantastic 1940’s entertainment and historical displays. Keep up to date via their website.
10. Come along to the ‘greatest free show on earth’ – Whit Friday Brass Band Contests
Known locally as the ‘greatest free show on earth’, the Whit Friday Brass Band Contests are certainly not to be missed. Whether your in it for the music or the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. The villages of Saddleworth come alive each year as hundreds of bands come from all over the world!
11. See a show or concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall
Whether it’s to see a stand up comedian, a tea dance or the darts, the Queen Elizabeth Hall is Oldham’s premier large event venue with three bars and the accommodation for up to 1,500 people for a stand up concert.
12.Visit one of Oldham’s fantastic parks
There are plenty of beautiful parks and green spaces in Oldham including Alexandra Park, Chadderton Hall Park, Dovestones Resevoir, Tandle Hill, Fox Denton Park to name a few! Head outdoors and find your perfect spot now, check out some of my favourite local parks. See here for more information about local parks and green spaces.
13. Indulge in a gorgeous ice cream at Grandpa Greene’s
Based beside the canal, Grandpa Greene’s is the perfect place to relax and enjoy an award-winning ice cream (there’s so many flavours to choose from) surrounded by breathtaking views. Whether you park in their large free car park or walk along the canal to get there, no trip into Saddleworth is complete without a trip here!
14.Nosy round a craft fair or food market at Uppermill Civic Hall
As well as a community venue for shows and concerts, Uppermill Civic Hall is also host to craft fairs and food markets from time to time. We have been to some lovely Christmas craft fairs. Keep up to date via the website.
15. Visit the Saddleworth Museum
Saddleworth Musuem galleries and shop in Uppermill is open every afternoon, tickets are £3 per adults, £2 per children. The museum galleries tell the story if the people who have created Saddleworth’s lansdscape and character. Worth a visit next time your in Uppermill. The museum is also perfect for families, there’s usually a trail for children to take part in whilst visiting, there’s also family bags, dressing up stations and interactive galleries.
16. Spend the day at Daisy Nook Country Park
Put on your walking boots and head outdoors, why not check out Daisy Nook Country Park? On the border of Oldham near Ashton Under Lyne, there’s a free car park at the Daisy Nook Vistors Centre and cafe. my family and I love walking through Daisy Nook, in winter we stop for a hot chocolate, ion summer an ice cream. There’s a boat themed sand pit for the kids to enjoy, plus swings and a slide as you explore. More information can be found here.
17. Take part in the Oldham Parkrun
Oldham’s Parkrun takes place every Saturday in Alexandra Park at 9am. It’s a 5km run where you race yourself against the clock. It costs nothing to join in but you need to register before your first Parkrun which you can do here. You don’t need to be a pro, you run for your own enjoyment!
18.Make a splash at one of Oldham’s leisure centres
There’s 6 Oldham Active Leisure Centres throughout Oldham all with a public swimming time tables. There’s also a wide range of public and family swim sessions plus weekly parent and baby sessions too! Great for getting the whole family excited about swimming.
19.Put on those walking boots and hike up to Pots and Pans
For some truly remarkable views, hike up to see the Pots and Pans monument (the Obelisk on Alderman’s Hill) that overlooks Saddleworth. The obelisk commemorates Saddleworth’s losses in the two world wars. Enjoy these breathtaking views, see here for a circular walk.
20.Enjoy the views around Dove Stone Reservoir
Certainly a picturesque spot, Dove Stone Reservoir is situated on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park. There’s a networks of footpaths that makes the area accessible to all, including easy an easy route for walkers, wheelchair users and prams. There’s picnic benches along the way plus toilets at the pay and display car park. At weekends (nice days and bank holidays) there is usually an ice cream van and a burger van too. There’s no better place to spend a day outdoors!
21.Take advantage of the free parking and shop till you drop!
Every Saturday and Sunday you can park for absolutely free for up to 3 hours on all council owned town centre car parks! Perfect for doing a spot of shopping. Take the whole family with you, head into Spindles Shopping Centre for Shopping Susie’s Kids Club. The kids club is on most Saturday’s where your little one could find free face painting, crafts and balloon modelling! Keep up to date of the next kids club via their website.
22.Visit The Little Owl Farm
Enjoy the fabulous views, a delcious breakfast and some fun with the animals at the Little Owl Farm in Grains Bar close to the village of Denshaw. Your little ones will love to feed the farm animals and get up close with the owls. From time to time enjoy some music and stalls with their markets and special events. Make sure you visit Cindy’s Cafe for some delicious fresh food!
23.Tire the kids out at Play! and Play!2
Our favourite soft play centre to visit is Play 2 in Diggle (they even offer a twin discount!), Play is in Royton. Tire the kids out seven 7 days a week, parents can relax with a coffee whilst the kids have fun.
24.Feel festive and go along to the annual Christmas Tree Festival every December
A firm favourite of ours, visit Oldham’s Parish Church each December for their annual Christmas Tree Festival. Enjoy over 50 Christmas tress decorated by local businesses and communities. Have a go at the tombola, stop for a brew and homemade cake and you may even hear a brass band or two.
25. Have a fun day out at Housing Units
Over 7 days a week, Housing Units is the home department store right here in Oldham. As well as offering a friendly shopping experience, housing units has a cafe and a restaurant. Enjoy a quick bite or a special afternoon tea. There’s plenty of events on throughout the year to keep the family happy too including Storytime at Kids World and even Santa’s Grotto. The Christmas department which opens every September is definitely worth visiting.
26. Take the family to Elk Mill for shopping and food
If shopping is your families thing then Elk Mill is the place to be! From fashion to homeware, you’ll find everything at Elk Mill. There’s plenty of free parking, toilets, a fab play area there’s even free WiFi so everyone’s happy! After a day of shopping why not treat the kids and head to Nandos, Pizza Hut or McDonalds?
27. Zoom around Coalshaw Park and their skate park
If your kids love their skate board then head to Coalshaw Park as they have their very own Skate Park. They will be able to practise their moves and whizz up and down the ramps. There is also a children’s play area, playing fields, ornamental gardens and toilet facilities.
28. Get some culture at Oldham Coliseum and see a show.
In the heart of Oldham, see one of the finest shows that the world has to offer at Oldham Coliseum. There’s something for everyone, plenty for the whole family. The panto is certainly a personal highlight plus I seen lots of different shows including work from Oldham Theatre Workshop and much more. For whats on in 2020, see here.
Cover photo Credit : Oldham photographer Inspired By Joseph.
Out and about mummy 