Oldham is a large town set on the outskirts of Manchester. It is surrounded by beautiful views of parkland with mature beech, mixed woodland, and grassland. We hope that with this list if you happen to be in Oldham on a sunny day, that you consider exploring some of the best parks that are in and around Oldham.
1. Dovestone Reservoir
Situated on the edge of Oldham, this park not only has a lot of greenery for you to have a picnic in, but it is also full of activities to take part in. Interested in sailing? Visit the park’s own personal sailing club.
Bit of a bird watcher? Head across the park to admire peregrine falcons. Perhaps you’re looking for something a little bit edgier, in which case the rock climbing with over 500 routes might interest you. If all else fails, take part in the horseback riding as you gaze over the reservoir with views to the South Pennine Hills. This park is easily accessible and has two public car parks.
Dovestone Reservoir
Address: Greenfield; Greater Manchester; England
Website: Dovestone Reservoir
2. Lancaster Park and Animal Farm
If you have small children with you, then this park is a must visit. There are lots of activities to keep your children entertained; discover trees, insects, and flowers on the short 1-kilometer (half-mile) nature trail through the River Irk. Then, be sure to visit the petting barn to learn about farmland animals and how to look after them. After that take a picnic and let your little ones run around the park until they wear themselves out. An interesting fact is that most of the farm structures are built from reclaimed materials that Ben, the owner, had salvaged from his earlier demolition work!
Lancaster Park and Animal Farm
Address: Middleton Road West, Chadderton, OL1 2TG Oldham, United Kingdom
Farm Price: 3 GBP (4 USD)
Opening Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday to Sunday
Website: Lancaster Park and Animal Farm
3. Daisy Nook Country Park
With over 40 hectares (98 acres) to explore you could easily spend the whole sunny day wandering around Daisy Nook Country Park. With its extensive waterways, sit and watch the barges pass by or stroll around the lake with an ice cream. Be sure to get lost in the woodlands and see if you can find one of the many wildflower meadows that look beautiful in the summer months. There is so much to see that we recommend downloading a free walking guide which is available online.
Daisy Nook Country Park
Address: Stannybrook Rd, Failsworth, M35 9WJ Oldham, Manchester, UK
Website: Daisy Nook Country Park
Website: Walking Guide
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4. Coalshaw Green Park
At just 4 hectares (9.8 acres), this local parkland is more of a local playing field but it does have its own secrets hidden within. There is a lot of activity space at Coalshaw Green Park including tennis courts, bowling areas and even a skate park which is regularly used by local children. In addition to the high energy activities above you can also take a meander around the ornamental gardens, or just sit, relax and have a picnic. This park may be smaller than some of the others on our list but there is definitely enough to see and do whilst enjoying the English sunshine!
Coalshaw Green Park
Address: Coalshaw Green Rd, Chadderton, OL9 8JR Oldham
Website: Coalshaw Green Park
5. Werneth Park
This 9-hectare (22-acre) park was created in 1936 as part of a 19th-century estate featuring a hall with gardens and a small park. Let alone strolling through the extensive parkland, there is also a designated nature trail to follow which takes you through the most interesting flora. You can also take part in some activities on the tennis courts, bowling green and football field. You might need to contact the park in advance to check availability, particularly on sunny days.
Werneth Park
Address: 49B Frederick St, OL8 4AG Oldham, UK
Website: Werneth Park
6. Stoneleigh Park
This is much more of a sunny day type park with bowling greens, tennis courts, football pitches and two rugby pitches. Of course, if it is that sunny, you could always choose to have a picnic and a beer instead, while watching everyone else do the hard work! You could also check out Stoneleigh Abbey which is close by.
Stoneleigh Park
Address: Stoneleigh, CV8 2LZ Kenilworth, UK
Website: Stoneleigh Park
7. Chadderton Hall Park
This 6-hectare (14-acre) park is guaranteed to be a fantastic day out in the sun. There are two tennis courts on site and a cafe that does yummy hot chocolates! Aside from the cafe, there are numerous picnic benches which you can choose throughout the park.
Chadderton Hall Park
Address: Chadderton Hall Rd, Chadderton, OL9 0QB Oldham, UK
Website: Chadderton Hall Park
8. Tandle Hill Country Park
This is one of the oldest country parks on our list, and at 48 hectares (118 acres), it is not something to be ignored. Bring a picnic to the highest peaks for the best views across Manchester Plain and the Pennine Hills. Tandle Hill is also a designated site of biological importance for its fungi and bird populations, meaning that you can grab your binoculars and be in for a fantastic sight.
There is a cafe offering hot drinks and home made cake, only open on the weekends. It is a perfect stop-off point for those of you following the nature trail. We recommend downloading a walking map before you head to Tandle Hill County Park.
Tandle Hill Country Park
Address: Tandle Hill Rd, Royton, OL2 5UX Oldham, U
Website: Tandle Hill Country Park
Website Walking Guide
9. Hartshead Pike
The pike is a popular destination for walkers and sun hunters, located just a 16-minute drive from central Oldham. On top of this hill, you’ll be rewarded for your hard work by being able to visit the tower from which Hartshead Pike got its name. This tower has a unique and long history which is worth researching before you go. Standing by the tower; views include the Pennine moors to the east, North Wales to the west and north towards Pendle Hill. Blissful.
Hartshead Pike
Address: Hartshead Pike, Ashton-under-Lyne, UK
Website: Hartshead Pike
Catching the sun
Whatever you decide to do on a sunny day in England you’ll notice that everyone tends to gravitate towards open spaces and parks. So if you happen to be in Oldham, definitely choose one from our list above and you will be sure to have a fantastic day. Also, it really wouldn’t be a traditional English sunny day without a picnic so come prepared. Frisbee is of course optional. Enjoy the sun, folks!
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