Autumn family days out - Rochdale

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

SCARECROW FESTIVALS

The start of autumn can only mean one thing… it’s time for the annual Scarecrow Festivals!

First up you’ve got ‘Wardle Scarecrow Festival’, which will run from Saturday 30th September until Sunday 8th October.

Maps featuring all the scarecrows will then be available at the following places -

Craft Cottage, East St (open Thurs/Fri 10-4 and Sat 10-2)

Charlie’s Coffee & Cakes, Ramsden Rd (open Weds-Sat 9-3)

Wardle News, Birch Road (open Mon-Sat 7-8 and Sun 8-8)

Tattersalls Bakery (Open Mon-Fri 8-4 & Sat 8-12:30)

Maps are priced at £1 each, with all proceeds going to the wonderful Jolly Josh charity

If the weather is kind, then there will also be kids crafts available to do outside Craft Cottage on Saturday 30th September and Saturday 7th October (10-2).

This is always such a cute day out, wandering around the village wondering what you will come across next!

The photos are entries from previous years… so who knows who or what you may find this year!

Next up you’ve got ‘Littleborough Scarecrow Festival’, which will run from Saturday 14th October until Saturday 28th October

Maps showing the location of all the scarecrows will be available at the following places -

The King William pub, Shore (open Weds-Thurs 5-10:30, Fri 12-11 and Sat/Sun 12-10:30)

Sainsburys Local, Hare Hill Road (open 7 days 7-11)

Yankee Heaven, Canal Street (open Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri/Sat 10-7 and Sun 11-4)

Cherry Tree Café, the Coach House (open Mon-Sat 9-4)

Co-op Food, Station Road (open Mon-Sat 6-10 & Sun 11-5)

Maps will be free, but there is a suggested donation of £1, as the team are hoping to raise money for the amazing Springhill Hospice.

This year there will even be a launch party to kick off the scarecrow festival. This will take place on Saturday 14th October at Littleborough Cricket Club between 1pm and 4pm, and will include a DJ, dancing, musical games, colouring, crafts and cookie decorating, as well as stalls, a raffle and a musical tractor. The Mayor of Rochdale will also be there to judge the best dressed scarecrows.

Another lovely trail to enjoy! This one falls during half term… so it is definitely an activity to occupy the kids during the school holidays!

RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES

ROLLER CITY

• Platting Lane, Rochdale

• Free parking opposite the venue at OL11 2LS.

• Prices can be found on the website at rollercityrochdale.com

• The recommended age is 5+

• Food & drink options available - obviously we opted for a slush

Well… it’s been absolutely years since I stepped foot into Roller City. However, last month me and the boy decided to re-discover it and test our skating skills!

There’s disco music and lights and it’s so laid back that you can go as slow or as fast as you like (or dare)! My boy particularly liked it when the staff got the rope out and you had to attempt to limbo under it (I can assure you that I did not attempt this myself).

I also thought it was good that the skate sessions last 2 hours, as this gives you enough time to build up confidence, get faster and also take some breaks (as you’re going to need them… what a work out).

LITTLE PLAY TOWN HEYWOOD

• Market Place, Heywood, OL10 4NL

• Free car parking behind the venue on Longford Street

• Prices and booking at littleplaytownheywood.co.uk

• There is a little cafe inside

Did you know that Heywood has its very own role play centre complete with shop, café, doctors, vets, police station... the list goes on and on!

Set across two floors, there is so much to keep your little ones busy. My little girl spent most of her time peacefully shopping and cooking me food in the cafe, meanwhile the boys caused what can only be described as complete carnage racing around the road (complete with traffic lights and zebra crossings) and performing extremely loud shows in the theatre. What more could you possibly want it your own little town?!

FIREGROUND

• Maclure Road, Rochdale

• Car park around the back of the building at OL11 1DN

• Prices and opening times can be found at: fireground.org.uk

• The Fireground Cafe is on site

There are a lot of different engines to see, from ancient to the present day, and lots of other little artefacts to look at too. There is also interesting information to read about the Great Fire of London and The Blitz. You can also dress up slide down a pole!

My favourite bit (being the history geek I am) is the old Victorian street section (although I am also partial to a bit of dressing up) and the kids favourite bit is the interactive fire engine driving game - where you have to make the correct decisions to save a lady from a flood and a cat from a tree!