Festive family days out

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

SANTA’S GROTTO AT TOUCHSTONES

On weekends throughout December, Santa will be gracing Touchstones in Rochdale with his presence! For £10 per child you get a 45 minute experience, including storytime, a craft activity and a gift.

Book your places at www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/ santas-grotto and don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumpers!

GAIA

From 20th November until Christmas Eve there will be a huge, spectacular, floating, rotating replica of the Earth at Number One Riverside in Rochdale Town Centre.

We went to see Gaia back in 2019 when it was in Liverpool Cathedral and it really is quite a sight to behold.

The light and sound artwork by Luke Jerram is accompanied by family friendly activities and events.

Visit rochdale.gov.uk/events for more details.

BOOKSTART BEAR CLUB

Autumn has seen the return of Bookstart Bear across Rochdale Borough Libraries and we couldn’t be more excited.

Bookstart Bear involves story time, singing and the playing of instruments (loudly)! Children get a “passport” when they start attending and collect stamps each week in order to get a certificate. It is all VERY cute, but it also provokes a love for books and for reading from a very early age.

Times and venues differ from week to week in order to include more libraries across the town, so keep an eye out on the Eventbrite website to book a place - www.eventbrite.co.uk (search 'Bookstart Bear')

FIREGROUND CHRISTMAS OPEN DAY

On Saturday 11th December, Fireground will host their ever-popular Christmas Open Day between 10-4. There is free entry to the yard, where there will engines on display, but small charges will apply for the attractions, which will likely include mini fire engine rides, small fairground attractions and appearances from Father Christmas himself!

You should definitely also go inside the museum whilst you are there, where (amongst other things) you can dress up, slide down a pole and walk down a Victorian street!

SANTAS REINDEER & POST BOX

This little gem is situated at Hatters Farm in Middleton. A beautifully decorated Christmas scene, complete with a post box in which to send your letters to the main man! There is also a resident herd of reindeer, which you can feed by putting money in the honesty box and taking a bag of food.

We parked on Oaken Bank Road (OL10 2LA) and walked along this street before turning right onto Stott Lane (M24 6XL). This is pretty much just a stony path and you will find the festive fun just a short walk along here! If you want to park elsewhere (or just want to keep wandering after your visit) you will find Hopwood Woods very close by, with streams to throw stones in, bridges to cross and tree stumps to climb on!

SAIL WITH SANTA

This year you will find Santa sailing around Hollingworth Lake on the Lady Katherine! For £10 per child and £5 per adult you can climb aboard the floating grotto, have a trip across the water, post your Christmas list in the elf post box and get a gift from the man himself (adults get a hot drink instead… and you might need it!).

Various dates and times are available from 2nd December - 24th December. Book tickets at: www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/ events/sail-with-santa

Afterwards, why not enjoy the two mile walk around the lake and try and find the new, very beautiful “fairy tree” sculpture (clue: it’s near the old navy cadets hut).

BOLTON ABBEY

Bolton Abbey is close to Skipton (BD23 6EX) and just over an hour away from Rochdale.

The Festive Trail through Strid Wood is a lovely 2 mile winter walk (one mile each way) complete with Christmas themed exhibits to find and pose with plus mince pies and hot chocolate available to purchase at the end!

It will be advisable to pre-book a parking space at www.boltonabbey.com

FOUNTAINS ABBEY

Fountains Abbey is near Ripon (HG4 3DY) and is about 1 hour & 20 minutes from Rochdale.

It is STUNNING in all seasons, but on selected weekends in winter they light it up in rainbow colours and it looks more amazing than ever! As well as a brightly coloured monastic ruins (what else could you want?), you will find a fantastic woodland play area and a nativity trail to complete!

Pre-book entry at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden

LOTHERTON HALL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

Lotherton is close to Leeds (LS25 3EB) and less than 50 minutes from Rochdale.

Although the slots for visits to Santa’s Cabin might have sold out, you can still buy tickets to just enter the grounds and what a jolly time you will have! There’s a mini zoo (including the most playful penguins) and fabulous playgrounds (including super fast zip lines), but the piece de resistance is the festive woodland walk, with twinkling lights, cheery music and interactive exhibits! Pre-book at: www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/lotherton