About The Area
Saddleworth & Uppermill sit within the dramatic landscape of the South Pennines, historically part of Yorkshire though now within Greater Manchester. These villages emerged during the Industrial Revolution, when textile mills dotted the valleys. Uppermill grew as the commercial heart of Saddleworth, its stone buildings and narrow streets preserving this heritage.
Today, the area maintains its distinctive Yorkshire identity despite its Greater Manchester address. The landscape shapes daily life here – moorland walks, traditional pubs, and independent shops define the villages. Cultural events like the Whit Friday Brass Band contests and Rushcart Festival continue centuries-old traditions.
The working mills have transformed into museums, galleries, and offices, while new residents – often professionals and families – appreciate the combination of countryside setting and practical connections to Manchester and Leeds.
Property Market
Architecture: Saddleworth & Uppermill feature predominantly stone-built properties that speak to the area’s industrial past. Weavers’ cottages with distinctive rows of windows line many streets, while Victorian terraces and detached homes show varied Yorkshire stone craftsmanship. Georgian properties appear throughout Uppermill’s centre, many retaining original their features.
The most sought-after properties lie along High Street in Uppermill, around Church Road in Dobcross, and throughout the historic centre of Delph. These areas showcase stone-built period homes with gardens. The Conservation Area in Uppermill holds particularly fine examples of 18th and 19th-century architecture.
Developments: Planning permission has been granted for select small-scale developments near Running Hill Gate. These incorporate local stone to maintain architectural consistency. The conversion of former mills into apartments continues, with current projects preserving industrial features while creating modern living spaces.
Property prices: According to recent data, Saddleworth (Oldham) properties averaged £301k over the last year. Detached homes reached £490k, semi-detached properties sold for £306k, while terraced houses averaged £242k. Prices in the OL3 postcode showed a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Our estate agents in Saddleworth can help you sell your home for the best possible price.
Rental market: One-bedroom flats in Uppermill command around £800 monthly, while two-bedroom properties achieve around £1000. Three-bedroom family homes range from £1,100-£1,500, depending on location and condition. The rental market has strengthened over the past two years, with prices rising moderately, and our Uppermill letting agents can help you locate and rent the ideal property in the area.
Take a look here for up to house prices in the local area.
Transport Links
The transport setup in Saddleworth & Uppermill connects these historic villages to nearby cities while maintaining their peaceful setting.
- Car & Road: The A62 Leeds Road provides direct routes to Manchester and Leeds, with journey times of 45 minutes to central Manchester and one hour to Leeds. The M60 and M62 motorways lie within 15 minutes’ drive.
- Bus: Regular First Bus services run through the villages, including the 350 connecting Ashton-under-Lyne to Oldham. The 356 service links the Saddleworth villages, running from Uppermill to Denshaw.
- Train: Greenfield station offers Northern Rail services to Manchester Victoria (35 minutes) and Huddersfield (25 minutes). Peak hours see four trains per hour to Manchester.
- Cycling: The Uppermill section of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath provides traffic-free cycling routes. National Cycle Route 62 passes through Diggle.
- Walking: Well-maintained footpaths crisscross the area, including sections of the Pennine Way and the Oldham Way.
- Airport: Manchester Airport lies 25 miles away, approximately 45 minutes by car or 75 minutes by public transport via Manchester Piccadilly.
For more information about the transport options in Saddleworth & Uppermill, take a look here.
Places Of Interest
The surrounding areas of Saddleworth & Uppermill offer numerous sites worth exploring.
- Saddleworth Museum – This museum chronicles local history through textile industry artifacts and displays (High Street, Uppermill, OL3 6HS)
- Dovestone Reservoir – Provides walking trails around the water, with views across to Indians Head and Chew Valley.
- Diggle Locks – Historic flight of locks on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, showcasing industrial engineering.
- Brownhill Countryside Centre – Starting point for moorland walks with educational displays about local wildlife.
- Uppermill High Street – Historic thoroughfare with independent shops housed in Georgian and Victorian buildings.
- Pots & Pans War Memorial – Hilltop monument offering panoramic views across Saddleworth.
- Delph Village – Well-preserved mill village with traditional architecture and quiet streets.
- Sacred Trinity Church – Grade II listed building dating from 1830, with striking Gothic architecture.
- Standedge Tunnel – Britain’s longest, deepest, and highest canal tunnel.
- Saddleworth Moor – Expansive heather moorland offering challenging walks and dramatic views.
Jobs & Employment
The employment landscape in Saddleworth & Uppermill balances traditional industries with emerging sectors. Small to medium enterprises dominate, particularly in retail, hospitality, and professional services along Uppermill High Street and throughout the villages.
Manufacturing maintains a presence in converted mill spaces, while creative industries grow steadily, with several design studios and digital businesses choosing the area for their offices. The strong transport links enable many residents to work in Manchester, Leeds, and Huddersfield, bringing their spending power back to local businesses.
Future growth looks positive, with planned developments set to create additional office and retail space. The tourism sector continues to expand, supported by the area’s heritage attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. Local authorities are actively supporting small business development, particularly in sustainable tourism and creative industries.