Rochdale is home of Gracie Fields and the first modern co-operative business. There are a number of great museums to visit, including the Fireground Museum which is directly located outside of the station. This museum tells the story of firefighting particularly in the Greater Manchester region. It offers educational visits for pupils and students of all ages from Reception to A-level.

Just a short walk into the city centre you will find Touchstones Museum and Art Gallery. Children and adults will be entertained by the interactive exhibits here. There is also Rochdale Pioneers Museum. This is regarded as the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement, where twenty eight working class people came together to establish the first successful consumer co-operative.

For a more relaxing afternoon, Rochdale town centre has a number of shops and eating establishments, but if shopping isn’t your thing, take a walk along the canal towpath to see some of the beautiful countryside.