Failsworth: Canal History, Nature and Special Places

Failsworth combines a history shaped by waterways, distinctive buildings and varied landscapes.

Nature and Paths along the Rochdale Canal

Daisy Nook Country Park covers 40 hectares of varied landscape in the Medlock Valley and is managed by Oldham and Tameside Councils. Fishing is possible in the park at Sammy's Basin, Crime Lake and Bardsley Canal with day permits. These can be obtained from the warden by the water. Daisy Nook therefore offers a specific reason to choose between a peaceful time in the countryside and a more active stay by the water when planning your day.

Moston Brook also shapes the character of the surrounding area. Its valley is a green corridor connecting Failsworth and Moston and is considered a refuge for wildlife. Wrigley Head is connected to the Rochdale Canal on the boundary between Failsworth and New Moston. For cyclists, National Cycle Network Route 66 provides an easy, level cycle ride to Moston Brook along the towpath beside the Rochdale Canal. The canal also provides a pedestrian connection with Failsworth town centre.

The Rochdale Canal is therefore more than just a scenic backdrop. It was opened to Manchester in 1804, making it the first Trans-Pennine canal route. Those interested in historic transport routes and industrial development can explore this theme further along the Oldham Way. The route passes an old lock chamber and continues to Park Bridge, where information boards provide details about the area's iron and steel history.

Historic Places and Architecture

Failsworth is home to several buildings and memorials representing different eras. Failsworth War Memorial was unveiled on 10 June 1923 and commemorates those who died in the First World War. Failsworth Town Hall was built in 1880. Another testament to the area's canal history is Walmsley's House and Warehouse: the canal warehouse with a grocery shop and living quarters, built in 1804, was constructed for local industrialist Thomas Walmsley to mark the opening of the adjacent Rochdale Canal.

In the Daisy Nook area lies Medlock Hall, a 17th-century house with an older collar-beam roof truss believed to date from the 16th century. The area's history also extends into the world of work: in the 18th century, hat-making and silk weaving became important occupations in Failsworth. Initially, both trades were carried out as home industries in Wrigley Head and Pole Lane.

A particular architectural highlight is the Roman Catholic Church of St Mary the Immaculate Conception. The Grade II listed church was built between 1963 and 1967 to designs by Tadeusz Lesisz. Its features include high-quality cast-stone reliefs, a suspended aluminium statue of the Virgin Mary and a large-scale mosaic in the sanctuary.

Failsworth Pole and The Rocks

Failsworth Pole was designated a Conservation Area in 1988 and covers 7.93 hectares. At the centre of this Conservation Area, The Rocks lie five feet below the present-day road. The houses were built in the 18th century as homes. The Rocks was also the birthplace of author and poet Ben Brierley, who is also described as a freethinker.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore first consider what kind of travel experience is important to you: nature experiences and waterways, canal and industrial history, or historic architecture. A holiday apartment in Failsworth can serve as a base for varied planning, allowing individual days to combine different interests without requiring you to commit to just one way of exploring.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Failsworth, you can continue your search here: Manchester, Egerton, Audenshaw, Bramhall, Eccles, Uppermill, Dobcross and Heald Green.

For the higher-level travel overview: Greater Manchester.