days out
WATERGROVE
HEALEY STONES
Wardle, Rochdale, OL12 9PL FREE Although parts of this walk are do-able with a pram, in order to get all the way round you will need a carrier. Similarly, only parts of this walk are suitable for kids’ bikes (as there are a variety of terrains including cobbles and steps).
Easiest access points - Road Lane (off Whitworth Rd) or top of Dewhirst Road (Syke)
Situated at the top of Wardle Village, Watergrove Reservoir offers spectacular views and is a dog's paradise (although watch out for deer!). Another plus is that there is a large free car park.
Who knew there is a miniature Stonehenge in Rochdale? Standing not far from Brownhouse Wham Reservoir and Hamer Pasture Reservoir is the Healey Stone Circle. Large boulders to climb on or hide behind (for the kids) and the most stunning view (for you)!
PIETHORNE RESERVOIR Ogden Lane, Newhey, OL16 3TQ You have to park at the bottom of the road and walk upwards along the road for a while (but it’s a very quiet road). At the top you will see the path around Piethorne off to your left (with the very pretty gate). There are other reservoirs lower down such as Ogden Reservoir but we chose Piethorne because of the circular, pram-friendly path (I love a circular route). However, there were a few gates which couldn’t fit the pram through and I was forced to be The Hulk and lift it over. It's a lovely, child-friendly walk with beautiful views, a waterfall, woods (bluebells in the spring) and wildlife.
Catherine Aspinall, a local mum of two lively children and an equally energetic pug, shares her top family day out ideas. With a love for exploring and the outdoors, Catherine and her family are always out and about, having fun adventures in Rochdale & the North West. Follow on Facebook & Instagram @wherewegoingmummy
SPARKS GYM TODDLER PLAY SESSIONS
GAIA
FLIP OUT
Heywood, OL10 1PN £4 per child (suitable for 6 years and under) Tuesday, Thursday & Friday between 9:30-12 and 1-3.
Number One Riverside, OL16 1XU FREE
Near Tesco, OL11 3EX Prices start at £5.95 for the trampoline park up to £14.95 for both the trampolines and inflatables. There is “Toddler Time” in term-time
The toddler sessions at Sparks Gym are back! Here the kids can run riot on all the gymnastic equipment; balancing on beams, jumping on springboards and hanging off bars... EXACTLY like they have seen on the Olympics. There’s also more play houses than you can shake a stick at, foam building blocks, a huge springy floor area and a few slides. Plus a little cafe for drinks and snacks. 14 | Rochdale Style
Starting 11th November until Christmas Eve there will be a huge, spectacular, floating, rotating replica of the Earth 'in Rochdale. We went to see Gaia back in 2019 when it was in Liverpool Cathedral and it really is quite a sight to behold. Gaia will also be accompanied by a new surround sound musical composition so the whole experience should be quite awesome and inspiring, or even relaxing and meditative (if you are not going with my kids).
For a whole lot of bouncing fun get yourself down to Flip Out! There are what feels like A MILLION trampolines plus towers to climb, buckaroos to ride, tumble tracks to charge down and a car to launch yourself off! It’s a great place to let the kids run wild with guaranteed soft landings and without anything in your house getting broken!
