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

ROCHDALE PIONEERS MUSEUM

Toad Lane, OL12 0NU There are a number of car parks close by, including on Hunters Lane (OL16 1YL) and Reed Hill (OL16 1DX)

It is a long time since I last went to the Rochdale Pioneers Museum… probably on a school trip back in the 1990s… and so a visit was well overdue.

Even approaching the museum is an experience in itself… As when you walk along the cobbles, admire the old co-op tea advert on the wall and spot the red pillar box and the gas lamps, you really do feel that you have stepped back in time.

The building itself is regarded as the birthplace of the good old Co-op, and as you enter you will find a replica of the original shop, which simply involved a plank of wood laid across two barrels and basically some flour, butter and milk… There were no frozen ready-meals to be had back then!

The museum tells the story of the modern co-operative movement, and its significant impact on societal reform. It is amazing when you realise the influence of the Rochdale Pioneers on issues such as fair trade, women’s rights and education… something our town should be proud of!

Whilst you are digesting all the interesting information your kids can also be inadvertently learning by filling in the trail sheets, answering quiz questions and watching videos or, if they are younger, simply playing in the old-fashioned shop.

A LOT has changed in the museum since my last visit but the opportunity to role-play serving and buying goods in a pretend Victorian shop is definitely my favourite addition! I think my kids would also agree, as they spent a good hour or so counting out eggs and weighing vegetables on the scales, whilst dressed in suitable (and very cute) attire.

Although the museum is only small, it is definitely worth a visit, especially as it is so close to the town centre and also FREE to enter (with donations being very welcome). It is currently open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:30 until 4.

The Baum pub is next door to the museum also giving off those great “old fashioned vibes”, but whilst serving up delicious food and drink.

HEALEY DELL NATURE RESERVE

There are various places to access Healey Dell, but the car park at the end of Station Road (OL12 8RT) gives you the option to either take the long straight path or venture down the uneven path to the Fairies Chapel.

Healey Dell is BEAUTIFUL... If you can just banish from your mind the vision of the two freaky killers on Netflix's ‘Stay Close’ dancing underneath the viaduct!!

It’s a place of two halves really; it has a great flat path (an old railway line), which is perfect for pram pushing, jogging or pedal practice, but there are also lots of “off-shoots” for the more adventurous (some of which might require some hand holding).

There’s waterfalls to admire, streams in which to throw stones, trees to hide behind and a number of ponds to feed ducks or spot fish in. But obviously my son’s favourite bit is pretending to be a steam train chugging across the bridge…

He also likes the ‘plop pump track’, which is situated right at the top end of the nature reserve, close to Massey Croft (OL12 8PZ).

At the opposite end, about a mile and a half away, is the Healey Dell Tearooms (OL12 6BG), serving up a variety of tasty treats, from breakfast to afternoon tea, and milkshakes to cocktails. Dogs are welcome too.

HOPWOOD WOODS

Near Middleton We parked near Hopwood Hall College, in a lay-by at M24 6XH, but there are various different access points

Hopwood Woods are a lovely place to explore in all seasons, but even more so now that they are home to the GRUFFALO!!

The woods are so much bigger than you would expect from the road, and there are streams to throw stones in, bridges to run across, tree stumps to climb on and logs to balance along… you could easily spend a good couple of hours exploring.

Although some of the paths are pram-able, to get the most from your visit I would take a carrier, as some parts are very uneven and steep.

Whilst searching for the Gruffalo you might also see some other impressive wood carvings, including an owl, a rabbit, a squirrel, a kingfisher and a woodpecker! Will you find them all?

If all of your exploring builds up an appetitekeep your eyes peeled for the gorgeous carved picnic table for a rest and a snack. Or, if it leaves you eager for more, then you could head across the road to Boarshaw Clough.

ASHWORTH VALLEY

Spanning between Norden, Bamford and Birtle There are various places to enter Ashworth Valley, but we usually choose Blackpits Road (OL11 5NG)

There’s so much to discover in this peaceful wooded valley, and reading about the history of the place is fascinating! Its industrial past is still apparent in the form of eerily beautiful ruins, my favourites being Ashworth Mill with the adjacent waterfall, and Coal Bank Mill with its little bridge.

Naden Brook babbles through the valley, occasionally allowing for splashing and stone throwing, and even Pooh sticks (beware of steep drops if visiting with young children).

I often find it hard to get my bearings in Ashworth Valley (it’s so big), so I would recommend following an established route.

THE PLUNGE

Edenfield, BL0 0RB

The award for the waterfall with the best name definitely goes to… THE PLUNGE!! To find it, walk along the aptly named Plunge Road, which turns into a path, and simply turn right when you hear the sound of spouting water.

Or carry straight along the path to a lovely clearing in the trees, complete with a stone picnic table and the gently flowing, shallow Dearden Brook (you know what for...!).

SPRINGFIELD PARK

Marland, OL11 4RE There is some parking within the park itself

Have you visited Springfield Park since the new playground was built? There is a pirate themed area for the little ones, including a ship and a slide. There’s also an area for older children, with some interesting climbing apparatus!

For those who like to take bikes and scooters to the park, there is a nice flat path around the tennis courts and the “duck” pond (which is actually dominated by very hungry geese) and one big hill for the daredevils!

In April the miniature railway will open again, and trains will run on a Sunday afternoon, 1-4pm.