Discover Heywood

Heywood offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip. Queen’s Park combines a picturesque lake and an activity centre with a history dating back to its opening in 1879. In the Ashworth and Roch Valleys, wooded river valleys and slopes shape the landscape; around Ashworth Valley, there are spectacular views. The East Lancashire Railway adds a professionally guided Rail Ale Trail and an annual events programme to your travel plans.

Queen’s Park: Lake, BMX Track and History

Queen’s Park has a picturesque lake for visitors to enjoy, as well as an activity centre with a BMX track. This gives the park two distinct points of interest: the scenic appeal of the lake and a specific activity centred on BMX. If you want to consider parkland and sports-related activities separately when planning your trip, this combination offers a concrete point of reference.

Queen’s Park opened in 1879 with money made available to the town by Queen Victoria. The opening year and the funds provided by Queen Victoria give the park a clear historical connection. When choosing a destination, you can also consider whether you are interested in a place’s history as well as its lake and BMX track.

Wooded Valleys and Views

Around Ashworth Valley, the wooded river valleys and slopes of the Ashworth and Roch Valleys offer spectacular views. The key difference when comparing this area with Queen’s Park is the type of natural setting: the lake defines the park, while here the river valleys, slopes and views are the main attractions. If scenery and views matter to you when choosing a destination, this gives the area a clear focus.

East Lancashire Railway: Tour and Events Programme

The East Lancashire Railway offers a professionally guided Rail Ale Trail and holds an annual programme of events for all ages and interests. These are two different options to consider when planning your trip: the Rail Ale Trail is a specific guided tour, while the event dates that coincide with your travel dates may determine whether the events programme suits you. If you want to attend a specific event, check the dates for your travel period. This will help you decide whether to focus your plans on a guided activity or an event date.

Cycling from Heywood Station

A new connecting path from the East Lancashire Railway station in Heywood forms part of the Rochdale Canal towpath route. The route is considered relatively easy, traffic-free and family-friendly for cyclists. The route and path conditions may change, so check the current route before setting off. When planning, you can distinguish this option from the guided tour: the connecting path focuses on the cycle route and its link to the station, while the Rail Ale Trail is a professionally guided activity.

Discover more destinations: Royton, Pemberton, Little Hulton, Altrincham, Astley, Blackrod, Hazel Grove, Manchester

For the main travel overview: Greater Manchester.