Whether you’re looking for a playground, a place to picnic, or a pub, it’s got it all
Emma is the parents editor for the Manchester Evening News. She covers news and events for families across Greater Manchester.
Hollingworth Lake(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
With the kids back in school many families will be looking to make the most of weekends before the weather takes a turn.
One place that is popular with visitors of all ages is Hollingworth Lake Country Park in Littleborough, Rochdale.
While the lake’s water level is currently very low following the summer heatwaves, there’s plenty to explore in the area, with wooden sculptures dotted about including a fairy tree and an owl, along with playgrounds and picnic areas – at the lake itself and close to the visitor centre where you can park up.
There are various hiking and cycling routes in the area, or you can simply enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, which has its own cafe half way round selling sandwiches, potatoes, sausage rolls and the like along with milkshakes, frappes and ice cream.
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Along Lake Bank itself, it almost feels like you’re on a day trip to the seaside – with a fish and chip shop and the popular Wallis’s amusement arcade and pastel-infused ice cream parlour, selling ice cream, sundaes, donuts and sweets galore.
Wallis’s Parlour(Image: Manchester Family/MEN)
And there’s no end of places to eat, with something to suit all budgets, from The Wine Press restaurant, which customers rave about, to the traditional pub, The Beach, a Greene King selling classic pub meals as well as carvery. It’s dog friendly and there’s a huge beer garden with its own play area.
It was The Olive & Pickle we stopped off at for a bite, a rather stylish cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a cute little kiosk next to it selling Grandpa Greene’s luxury ice cream and other drinks and snacks.
Traditional breakfast at The Olive & Pickle (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
It took a while for the food to arrive and while it wasn’t the best lunch around – and not really worth the £12.50 for a traditional breakfast and £9 for a panini, plus £4.50 for chunky chips – it filled a gap.
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However the place redeemed itself with a huge slice of Biscoff cake we took home to devour, easily the best part of the meal.
The Olive & Pickle (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
Of course, if you’re not wanting to spend any money, the walk is enjoyable on its own and perfect for getting some crisp autumn air in the months ahead.
There are various places to park, including the visitor centre and the pay and display car park in front of the lake. You can get the details and prices here.
Do you have a day out in Greater Manchester that you’d recommend to families? Let us know in the comments, or share it with us on our Manchester Family Facebook page. You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram @familymanc.