10 Things to Do in Oldham: A Local’s Guide to Great Days Out

Looking for the best things to do in Oldham? You might be surprised by just how much there is to explore right on our doorstep.

From beautiful countryside and reservoirs to parks, local history and family days out, Oldham and the surrounding area have plenty to offer whether you live locally or you’re visiting for the day.

MGA Plumbing & Heating is a local, family-run business, so Oldham isn’t simply somewhere Mike works — it’s the community we’re proud to be part of.

So, we’re putting the plumbing tools down for a few minutes and sharing 10 great things to do in and around Oldham.

Grab your coat — this is Oldham, after all — and let’s get exploring! 1. EXPLORE DOVESTONE RESERVOIR If you’re searching for places to visit near Oldham, Dovestone Reservoir has to be high on the list.

Set on the edge of the Peak District near Greenfield, Dovestone is a popular spot for walking and enjoying some impressive countryside views. Whether you’re heading out for a proper walk or simply fancy some fresh air and scenery, it’s a brilliant place to escape for a few hours.

Great for: Walking, countryside views and getting outdoors.

Mike’s tip: Check the weather before you set off — this is Greater Manchester, so sunshine and rain can sometimes turn up on the same walk!

2. SPEND AN AFTERNOON IN UPPERMILL & SADDLEWORTH

If you fancy a relaxed afternoon out, Uppermill in Saddleworth is well worth a visit.

With its village atmosphere, independent shops, cafés and surrounding countryside, Uppermill is a great place for a wander. You can also explore stretches of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal or use the village as a starting point for discovering more of Saddleworth.

It’s one of those places where you can go for a quick coffee and somehow end up spending half the day there.

Great for: Coffee, food, shopping, canal walks and exploring Saddleworth.

Mike’s tip: Leave yourself enough time for a proper wander — and possibly a brew while you’re there.

3. TAKE A WALK AROUND TANDLE HILL COUNTRY PARK

For woodland walks and open views, Tandle Hill Country Park is another great outdoor spot in the Oldham area.

The park combines woodland and open grassland, with walking routes and views across the surrounding countryside and Greater Manchester.

Whether you want to stretch your legs, walk the dog or simply get away from screens for an hour or two, Tandle Hill is well worth adding to your list.

Great for: Walking, woodland, views and fresh air.

Mike’s tip: Wear decent footwear if the weather has been typically Oldham!

4. ENJOY A FAMILY DAY AT DAISY NOOK COUNTRY PARK

If you’re looking for family things to do around Oldham, Daisy Nook Country Park deserves a place on the list.

With woodland, waterways, walking routes, picnic areas and space for the kids to explore, it’s a good option when you want an inexpensive day outdoors.

Pack some snacks, get everyone away from the screens and enjoy a wander through one of the area’s best-known green spaces.

Great for: Families, walking, picnics and nature.

Mike’s tip: Take a change of shoes for the kids. You’ll thank us when you get back to the car!

5. DISCOVER LOCAL HISTORY & CULTURE AT GALLERY OLDHAM

Not every great day out needs walking boots.

Gallery Oldham gives you the chance to explore art, exhibitions and stories connected with Oldham and the surrounding area.

It’s a useful one to remember when the Greater Manchester weather decides an outdoor adventure isn’t happening — and it adds something completely different to a day exploring Oldham town centre.

Great for: Art, exhibitions, local history and rainy days.

Mike’s tip: A good choice when you want to explore Oldham without needing a waterproof jacket!

6. WALK ALONG THE HUDDERSFIELD NARROW CANAL

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal through Saddleworth offers another brilliant way to see a different side of the area.

The canal passes through picturesque villages and countryside, with routes around places including Uppermill and Diggle.

It’s a great option if you fancy a peaceful waterside walk while taking in some of the area's industrial heritage and Pennine scenery.

Great for: Canal walks, photography, local history and exploring Saddleworth.

Mike’s tip: Combine it with a stop in Uppermill and you’ve got yourself a cracking afternoon out.

7. RELAX IN ALEXANDRA PARK

You don’t have to head into the hills to find green space in Oldham.

Alexandra Park is close to Oldham town centre and offers paths, landscaped green space and a boating lake, making it a handy choice for a relaxed walk or some time outdoors.

It’s particularly useful if you want somewhere accessible from the town centre without planning a full countryside trip.

Great for: Relaxed walks, families, green space and a quieter afternoon.

Mike’s tip: Perfect when you fancy getting outdoors but don’t want to turn it into a full hiking expedition.

8. TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT AT SUMMIT UP

When the weather isn’t playing nicely — or you just fancy something more energetic — Summit Up in Oldham offers indoor climbing activities for different ages and abilities.

It gives families and groups an indoor option and adds something a little more adventurous to our list.

If walking around a reservoir sounds too peaceful for you, climbing a wall might be more your style!

Great for: Families, indoor activities, climbing and rainy days.

Mike’s tip: Maybe save the big Sunday dinner until after the climbing.

9. EXPLORE CROMPTON MOOR

For another taste of Oldham’s countryside, head towards Crompton Moor above Shaw.

The area offers moorland, woodland and routes for walking and cycling, giving you another option when you want to escape into the outdoors without travelling far from Oldham.

It also shows just how much countryside there is across the borough beyond the better-known Saddleworth spots.

Great for: Walking, cycling, countryside and views.

Mike’s tip: If you live around Shaw or Crompton, you’ve got some brilliant countryside practically on your doorstep.

10. SPEND SOME TIME EXPLORING OLDHAM TOWN CENTRE Sometimes the best way to appreciate somewhere is simply to spend a few hours exploring it.

Oldham town centre offers shopping, places to eat and drink, entertainment and cultural attractions, with the Metrolink making it easy to reach from different parts of Greater Manchester.

Combine the town centre with Gallery Oldham or Alexandra Park and you can easily build your own Oldham day out.

Great for: Shopping, food, entertainment and combining several activities in one day.

Mike’s tip: Don’t rush straight through town — have a wander and support a few local businesses while you’re there.