Rochdale

Rochdale's places to stay tell you plenty about the town itself: a solid run of hotels and b&bs for those passing through or here on business, and a couple of self-catering cottages for anyone wanting a slower pace out towards the hills. That split reflects Rochdale well. It's a working Pennine town with a proper centre, but the moors and reservoirs are never far away, and Hollingworth Lake in particular pulls people out towards Littleborough.

Most visitors base themselves centrally, with options like the Mercure Manchester Norton Grange Hotel and Spa and The Royal Toby Hotel offering a bit more comfort, while Premier Inn Rochdale and Travelodge Rochdale cover the straightforward, no-fuss end of things. Broadfield Park Hotel by Belvilla and Fernhill Bed and Breakfast add smaller, more personal alternatives. For something quieter, Syke Farm Cottage and The Stables at Littleborough sit closer to the countryside, good bases for exploring Hollingworth Lake and the surrounding villages rather than the town centre itself.

Hollingworth Lake Country Park and its Activity Centre are the obvious draw if you want to be outdoors, with the water used for a range of activities and the surrounding paths popular for walking. Back in town, Touchstones Museum and Gallery gives a good sense of Rochdale's history and creative side, while Clay And Glaze offers a different, hands-on kind of visit. Families are well catered for too, with Team Karting Indoor Entertainment Centre, Roller City Rochdale, Putt & Play Rochdale and Springfield Park Model Railway all giving children plenty to do whatever the weather.

Altogether, Rochdale works well as a base for a mix of reasons: it's practical for anyone needing an easy overnight stop, but it also has enough around Hollingworth Lake and the surrounding countryside to justify a longer, more relaxed stay.