What's Norden Like?
Norden is a placid and pretty suburban village, sitting 3 miles west of central Rochdale and about 12 miles away from the centre of Manchester. In Norden, you’re never far from idyllic countryside spots, from the picturesque Naden valley to the spacious Springfield Park.
Whether you’re attracted to the traditional stone work houses or feel drawn to contemporary family homes, Norden has a place for you.
With a close-knit selection of schools, independent shops and wide open spaces for leisure, Norden is perfect for families who’ve fallen in love with the countryside.
Property In Norden
Properties & developments: In Norden, the homes are characterised by a pleasant combination of traditional and contemporary styles. The area predominantly features detached and semi-detached houses, many of which echo the Victorian and Edwardian architectural styles, providing a quaint, historic charm to the suburb.
Modern housing developments are also present, providing a contrast with sleek, contemporary designs that cater to modern living standards. A notable development is the Greenbooth Road Development, which is set to introduce a mix of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes. These new properties are being designed with spacious layouts and modern amenities, aiming to enhance the residential appeal of the area.
House prices in Norden: Properties sold for an average of £298K in Norden over the past year. Terraced properties were significantly below the average, and sold for around £204K, while semis went for around £240K. Detached homes were by far the most expensive, selling upwards of £420K. Prices have steadily grown in Norden, rising by 9% this last year alone.
Take a look here for the most up to date prices.
Local Schools
Though small, Norden has an excellent selection of schools – especially at the primary level. For example, Whittaker Moss, Caldershaw and St. Michael’s C of E are all rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Equally, there are several secondary schools less than 3 miles from Norden, including Falinge Park High School and Matthew Moss High School, which are both rated ‘Good’. There’s also Beech House School, is an independent institution offering comprehensive education from ages 2-16.
Take at this comprehensive schools list from Rochdale Council for more detailed information.
Transport Links
It’s only a 15 minute drive to the M62 from Norden, allowing easy access to Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool. If you’re looking to travel by train, there is a regular service from Rochdale to central Manchester with a travel time of under 25 minutes. Equally, there are regular services running directly to Liverpool and Leeds. Also, there is the Metrolink trams system, running from Rochdale, which serves the local area.
Here’s a summary of the options:
- Car & Road: – Norden, located in the Rochdale borough, offers convenient road access to surrounding areas. The A671, a major road, passes through the town, connecting it to Rochdale, Bury, and other nearby towns. The M62 motorway, a major arterial route in the region, is easily accessible from Norden, providing quick connections to Manchester and other parts of the North West.
- Bus: – Norden is well-served by a network of bus routes, providing regular connections to Rochdale, Bury, and other nearby towns and villages. The bus stops located throughout the town offer convenient access to local amenities and public transport services. Journey times to neighbouring towns by bus typically range from 15 to 30 minutes.
- Train: – Norden does not have its own train station, but the nearby Rochdale railway station offers excellent rail connections to Manchester, Leeds, and other major cities in the North West. The journey time to Rochdale railway station from Norden is approximately 10 minutes by car or bus.
- Tram: – The Metrolink tram system, which serves Greater Manchester, does not extend directly to Norden. However, the Rochdale Metrolink station, located a short distance from the town, provides convenient access to the tram network.
- Cycling & Walking: – Norden is a relatively quiet and peaceful town, making it a pleasant place for cycling and walking. The surrounding countryside offers scenic routes for outdoor activities, and there are several cycle paths and footpaths in the area. The nearby Pennine Way, a long-distance footpath, provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the region.
- Nearest Airport: – Manchester Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom, is located approximately 20 miles south of Norden. The journey time to Manchester Airport by car or public transport typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Manchester Airport serves numerous domestic and international destinations, making it a convenient option for travellers.
Shops & Amenities
You’ll find a local Co-op in the middle of Norden for your everyday shopping needs, sitting alongside a collection of high-quality independent shops, from Wildbloods Butchers to a local optician’s, hair salon, personal trainer’s, and cabinetry shop. There’s also a local doctor’s surgery less than a 5-minute drive away.
Larger supermarkets can be found nearer to Rochdale but less than 3 miles away, such as a Tesco superstore near the closest M62 junction.
Places Of Interest
Norden sits right next to the Pennines and boasts ample green spaces for walks and exploration – from the peaceful Ashworth and Greenbooth Reservoirs to the sprawling hills surrounding the Naden Valley. You can also enjoy the beautiful gardens of Norden Jubilee park, or cycle along the lush Rochdale canal towpath for miles on end. You’ll also discover unique industrial sites, such as the nearby Coal Bank Mill as well as historic gems like the traditional St. Paul’s Church.
More places to explore in Norden:
- Norden Jubilee Park – A beautifully maintained green space with a playground, sports facilities, and walking trails, perfect for family outings and community events.
- Ashworth Valley Scout Camp – An expansive outdoor area offering camping facilities, hiking trails, and outdoor activities, ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
- Norden Cricket Club – A historic cricket ground hosting local matches and social events, providing a quintessential English village experience.
- Norden Old Library – A charming community hub housed in a historic building, offering various activities, workshops, and a meeting place for local groups.
- Naden Brook – A picturesque stream running through the area, with scenic walking paths along its banks, perfect for leisurely strolls and wildlife spotting.
- The Fisherman’s Retreat – A renowned restaurant and wedding venue set in stunning countryside, offering excellent dining and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Norden Farm – A working farm open to visitors, providing insight into rural life and offering fresh, locally-produced goods at its farm shop.
- St. Paul’s Church – A beautiful 19th-century parish church with striking architecture, serving as a focal point for the community and hosting various events.
- Rooley Moor Road – Also known as the “Cotton Famine Road,” this historic route offers spectacular views of the area and connects to the Pennine Bridleway, popular among hikers and cyclists.
- Norden Terminus – The northern end of the East Lancashire Railway heritage line, where visitors can embark on scenic steam train journeys through the Irwell Valley.
