Oldham reveals its history in a range of places: Alexandra Park, Gallery Oldham, its markets and a town hall that is now used as a cinema. When planning your trip, you can focus on different things: a family-friendly trail through the park, art and collections, a trail through places in the town centre, or market and architectural history. This means you can choose what to focus on in Oldham, whether you prefer a historic site, several stops or an art institution.

The history of the park and two different trails

Alexandra Park opened on 28 August 1865 and is listed as a Grade II* building. A family-friendly trail is designed to explore the park’s history. Its opening, listed status and trail offer different perspectives on the same place. Trail details may be updated, so it is worth checking the current description before your visit.

The Oldham Time Trek takes a different approach: this free family adventure takes you to twelve special places in the town centre. You can choose between a circular route focused on the park’s history and a trail with several stops around the town. The Time Trek does not require a download or registration. Check availability beforehand, as it may change.

Art and collecting history

Gallery Oldham offers a distinct focus on art. Admission is free; the Gallery has three large exhibition spaces and a community gallery. It has been collecting artworks and objects since 1883. This brings a different time span into focus alongside the park’s specific opening date: the start of an ongoing collection. If you are considering art as part of your travel plans, this offers an institutional perspective alongside the history of the park and its buildings. As admission arrangements and exhibition layouts may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Town hall and markets

Oldham Town Hall was built in 1841 and extended in 1879–80. The old town hall is now used as a cinema; the whole site is called Parliament Square. The building dates place it within the town’s history, while its current use as a cinema offers another perspective on the site. Market at Spindles can be accessed directly from Parliament Square, making the square and the market a natural combined theme for a visit.

The new Market at Spindles has 48 traders and offers fresh food, speciality goods and local products. As the number of traders and the product mix may change, check the latest market information before planning a visit. Tommyfield Market offers another historical perspective: Oldham has had a market since 1788, and the site soon became known as Tommyfield Market. This date gives the market’s history a clear chronological anchor, while the offering at Market at Spindles provides a glimpse of how the market is described today.

Discover more destinations: Hale, Salford, Farnworth, Hyde, Standish, Egerton, Bury, Bolton

For the broader travel overview: Greater Manchester.