The sun is shining once again, and with that set to continue, we’re lapping up everything we can possibly move outside. One of the cheapest and most rewarding activities to do when the weather’s good in Greater Manchester is locate a body of water, and go for a walk, or see what activities there are to do there. Luckily, in our vicinity is Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough, an award-winning tourist destination, much-loved beauty spot, and the third largest body of water in Greater Manchester.
Hollingworth Lake offers a wide range of facilities for all ages, making it the ideal place for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors, and we’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know about this Greater Manchester beauty spot.
History of Hollingworth Lake
Built originally as the main water source for the Rochdale Canal during the 19th century, Hollingworth Lake was later developed as a tourist resort in the 1860s. It’s a man-made lake that spans 118 acres, and it soon became an attraction for those living nearby; in Victorian times it was known as “The Weighvers’ Seaport”.
Hotels were built around it, at least two of which had outdoor dancing stages with gas lighting. Tourism was helped by the arrival of the railway which brought day-trippers and weekend visitors.
Water activities available at Hollingworth Lake
Nowadays, watersports are the name of the game. Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre provides equipment rental, day passes, lessons, courses and party options, so it’s really your one stop shop for all things watersports. These include:
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Powerboating
- Windsurfing
- Stand up paddleboarding
- Pedalos
You can explore water activities at Hollingworth Lake and book services here.
Walking routes around Hollingworth Lake
The main footpath around the lake is approximately 2.4 miles/4km, and is fully accessible with no gates or styles to navigate. As well as walking around the lake itself, the wider country park has plenty of walking routes, given the gorgeous countryside that surrounds the area. Here are just some walking highlights:
- Blackstone Edge
- M62 Bridge loop
- Clegg Moor
- Canal walks into Smithy Bridge & Rochdale
What’s more, the sensory garden opened in July 2024 and is free to visit. The garden, next to the café at the former visitor centre site, includes many elements to stimulate and engage all five senses, allowing visitors to experience nature in a unique and immersive way.
The multipurpose all-season site can be used for educational purposes, and a living willow structure meeting dome is available to hold events and classes in horticulture.
Hollingworth Lake opening times/season dates:
The lake is always open. However, facilities at the lake, such as cafés or the Water Activity Centre, have their own individual opening times.
Water Activity Centre:
Summer (March-October)
- Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Day Permit Opening Times (March-October)
Check ahead for weekday opening hours for Day Permits
- Saturday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Winter (November-February)
- Closed
What facilities are there?
Instagram post via @richard.chadwick
How to get to Hollingworth Lake
From Manchester city centre, Hollingworth Lake is around an hour’s drive via the M62. By train, Hollingworth Lake is around a 1.5 mile walk from Smithy Bridge train station, or you can get the 456 bus from Littleborough train station, to Cleggswood Avenue.
Soak in the stunning scenery; have a picnic; do watersports; discover wildlife in the nature reserve or just enjoy a relaxing walk around the picturesque Hollingworth Lake.
📍 Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, Rochdale, OL15 0AQ.