About Oldham
Oldham is a town in Greater Manchester, England, situated approximately 7 miles northeast of Manchester city centre. Originally a small farming community, Oldham grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a global centre for cotton spinning and textile manufacturing in the 19th century.
Located on the edge of the Pennines, Oldham is known by its hilly terrain and industrial heritage, and useful proximity to Manchester. The town features many buildings with trademark Victorian architecture, reflecting its history, as well as many newer constructions which hint towards its ongoing regeneration. Living in Oldham certainly offers a more affordable alternative to Manchester, with lower housing costs and a slower pace of life.
The area displays ongoing investment in education, with the Oldham College and the University Campus Oldham providing opportunities for higher education and skills development. Cultural institutions like Gallery Oldham and the Coliseum Theatre contribute to the town’s artistic scene.
Oldham is also distinguished by its multicultural atmosphere – reflected in its shops, restaurants and residents. This diversity is evident in the vibrant food scene, cultural festivals, and community initiatives that promote integration and celebration of different traditions. The population is also diverse in terms of age and background, with more young people than average, which is partly due to its proximity to Manchester’s universities. Many residents commute to central Manchester for work, which is quite easy to do and can be accomplished by car, train or tram in around 30 mins.
Property In Oldham
Property options: Oldham’s housing stock predominantly reflects its industrial heritage, with a mix of Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses dominating many neighbourhoods. These brick-built homes, often with small front gardens and rear yards, are particularly common in areas closer to the town centre. The suburbs feature more inter-war and post-war semi-detached and detached properties, which offer larger living spaces and gardens.
An experienced local agent can help you make the most of your property sale, as well as offering an expert lettings valuation for landlords operating any of these properties. This all starts with a free market appraisal.
Unique homes: A unique feature of Oldham’s property landscape is the presence of former textile mills converted into apartments, generating some eye-catching and curated living spaces. Some of the most desirable properties can be found in the affluent areas of Saddleworth, particularly in villages like Uppermill and Dobcross, where stone-built cottages and larger detached homes offer picturesque views of the countryside. St. Mary’s Estate in Oldham also boasts some of the town’s finest properties, with a mix of Victorian villas and newer executive homes.
Development: In terms of development, Oldham is undergoing significant regeneration, with the ongoing “Creating a Better Place” initiative. This includes the redevelopment of the central area, featuring new retail spaces, a cinema, and plans for up to 2,000 new homes. The conversion of the iconic Oldham Town Hall into a cinema and restaurant complex has already been completed, serving as a catalyst for further improvements in the area.
Take a look here for the most up to house prices in Oldham.
Local Schools
Oldham has many different options for schools, with Manchester lying just to the south, and adding to the pool of options. Below are some of the best options available – though there are many more that could be mentioned.
- Primary: Westwood Academy (Excellent), Northmoor Academy (Good), Richmond Academy (Good) and St Thomas CofE Primary School (Good).
- Secondary: The Blue Coat CofE School (Excellent), The Oldham College (Good), Oasis Academy Oldham and The Brian Clarke Church of England Academy (New)
Take at this comprehensive list of schools provided by Oldham Council for many more options to explore throughout the local area.
Transport Links
There are numerous ways to get around Oldham, here are just a few of the options available:
- Car & Road: Oldham’s road network is well-connected, providing convenient access to major cities and towns. The M60 motorway, a key arterial route in the region, is easily accessible, offering swift connections to Manchester, Liverpool, and other major urban centres. For those commuting to work or leisure, the M62 motorway provides direct access to Leeds and Hull – it takes about 20mins to get to Manchester and 45 mins to get to Liverpool.
- Bus: Oldham’s bus network is extensive, providing frequent services to various destinations within the borough and beyond. The bus station in centre of town serves as a hub for local and regional routes, connecting Oldham to Manchester, Rochdale, Huddersfield, and other nearby areas. By bus, you can reach Manchester in about 30 mins and Rochdale in just 15 mins.
- Train: Oldham’s train station, Oldham Mumps, provides direct services to Manchester Victoria, a major transportation hub with connections to various destinations across the UK. The train journey to Manchester is relatively short at 15 mins, and services are common.
- Tram: Oldham Mumps station provides regular tram journeys to the local areas and throughout Oldham, ensuring yet another mode of travel into Manchester or onwards to Rochdale. It takes about 30 mins to reach Manchester.
- Nearest Airport: Manchester Airport, one of the largest airports in the UK, is located approximately 15 miles from Oldham.
Find out more about the options for local transport here.
Shops & Amenities
Oldham is large enough to have too many places to list. However, the town has plenty of amenities available, so it is well worth exploring a few of the options below to get started:
Shopping
- Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre: The main shopping mall in Oldham with a variety of high-street brands and local stores.
- Tommyfield Market: A historic indoor and outdoor market offering fresh produce, clothing, and household items.
- Hill Stores Retail Park: A retail park with a selection of home goods, electronics, and fashion stores.
- Henshaw Street Shopping: A pedestrianized shopping area with smaller, independent shops.
Leisure
- Oldham Coliseum Theatre: A historic theatre offering drama, musicals, and comedy performances.
- Oldham Leisure Centre: A modern sports facility with a gym, swimming pool, and classes for fitness enthusiasts.
- ODEON Oldham: A multi-screen cinema showcasing the latest films in comfortable seating.
- Crompton Pool and Fitness Centre: A leisure centre with a swimming pool and fitness classes catering to all ages.
Parks
- Alexandra Park: A large, well-maintained park with lakes, gardens, play areas, and a café, perfect for walks and family outings.
- Tandle Hill Country Park: A scenic park with woodlands, open spaces, and walking trails offering panoramas of the surrounding areas below.
- Dovestone Reservoir: A beautiful nature reserve with hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities around a large reservoir.
- Chadderton Hall Park: A family-friendly park with playgrounds, gardens, and open fields for sports and recreation.
Places to Eat and Drink
- The Old Bill: A cosy pub with a traditional menu and a friendly atmosphere.
- Tamarind Indian Restaurant: A popular spot for authentic Indian cuisine and a wide range of dishes.
- The Old Bank: A stylish bar and restaurant offering a mix of British and international dishes in a unique setting.
- Kazan Grill: A Turkish restaurant serving a variety of grilled meats, mezze, and Mediterranean-style dishes.
Places Of Interest
There are loads of interesting places to investigate in and around Oldham. So, here’s a short list to get you started:
- Daisy Nook Country Park – A scenic 40-hectare park featuring woodland trails, canal-side walks, and a visitor center, perfect for nature lovers and families seeking outdoor activities.
- Gallery Oldham – A vibrant cultural hub showcasing local history, art exhibitions, and interactive displays, offering free entry and regular workshops for all ages.
- Saddleworth Museum – Located in the picturesque village of Uppermill, this museum explores the area’s rich textile heritage and rural life through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
- Alexandra Park – A beautiful Victorian park with ornamental gardens, a boating lake, and sports facilities, ideal for relaxation and recreation.
- Oldham Coliseum Theatre – A historic venue presenting a diverse program of drama, comedy, and musicals, providing entertainment for theatre enthusiasts and families alike.
- Oldham Parish Church – A Grade II listed building with stunning Gothic architecture, offering a glimpse into the town’s religious history and hosting community events.
- Oldham Athletic Football Club (Boundary Park) – Home to the local football team, this stadium provides an authentic experience of English football culture and community spirit.
- Tandle Hill Country Park – The highest point in Oldham, offering panoramic views of Manchester and the Pennines, with extensive woodlands and a war memorial.
- Crompton Moor – A rugged moorland area popular for hiking and bird watching, featuring unique rock formations and diverse wildlife.
- Oldham Town Hall Cinema – A beautifully restored Edwardian building now housing a modern cinema complex and restaurants, symbolizing Oldham’s successful urban regeneration.
