Brownhill Countryside Centre, Saddleworth’s Scenic Gateway
Explore Saddleworth’s scenic Pennine landscapes from this accessible, dog-friendly countryside centre with trails, a cafe, and a nature garden.
Nestled in the heart of Saddleworth between Dobcross and Uppermill, Brownhill Countryside Centre offers a welcoming base for exploring dramatic Pennine landscapes. This dog-friendly centre features accessible nature trails, a charming canal-side cafe, and a Green Flag-awarded nature garden, making it ideal for leisurely walks, wildlife appreciation, and local cultural insight.
A brief summary to Brownhill Countryside Centre
- Wool Rd, Oldham, Dobcross, OL3 5PB, GB
- +441617705888
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit The Limekiln Cafe for homemade food and refreshments; it’s dog-friendly and perfect for a relaxing break.
- Take the accessible canal path walk to Uppermill village to enjoy local shops and cafes.
- Bring your dog along—dogs are welcome under control, and water is provided onsite.
- Explore the Green Flag-awarded nature garden near the centre for peaceful wildlife watching.
- Check seasonal opening times for The Limekiln Cafe, as they can vary throughout the year.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Oldham to Dobcross, which runs approximately every 30 minutes. The journey takes around 40 to 50 minutes. From Dobcross, the centre is a 15-minute walk along Wool Road. Bus fares typically range from £3 to £5 one-way.
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Car
Driving from central Oldham to Brownhill Countryside Centre takes about 20 to 30 minutes via the A62 and local roads. Free parking is available onsite. Note that rural roads may be narrow, and GPS navigation is recommended.
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Train and Walk
Travel by train to Greenfield station on the Huddersfield line, approximately 6 miles from the centre. From Greenfield, a taxi or a 1.5-hour scenic walk along the canal path leads to Brownhill Countryside Centre. Taxi fares start around £15.
Brownhill Countryside Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Brownhill Countryside Centre
A Natural Hub in the Pennines
Brownhill Countryside Centre is perfectly situated amidst the rolling hills and moorlands of Saddleworth, a region renowned for its striking Pennine scenery. The centre acts as a gateway to this beautiful countryside, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature just a short distance from the villages of Dobcross and Uppermill. Its location beside the Huddersfield Narrow Canal enriches the experience with peaceful waterside views and opportunities for scenic walks.Accessible Trails and Outdoor Exploration
The centre boasts improved walking paths designed to accommodate visitors of all abilities, including new stepping stones that enhance accessibility. These trails meander through the surrounding countryside and along the canal, inviting exploration of local flora and fauna. The nearby Green Flag-awarded nature garden provides a tranquil spot for reflection and wildlife watching, highlighting the centre’s commitment to environmental stewardship.The Limekiln Cafe: A Welcoming Retreat
Onsite, The Limekiln Cafe offers a cozy and dog-friendly environment where visitors can enjoy homemade food and refreshments. While the cafe can get busy during summer afternoons, it remains a popular stop for walkers and families alike. The cafe’s garden centre adds charm and offers a pleasant setting to relax after a day of outdoor activities.Community and Conservation Efforts
Brownhill Countryside Centre serves not only as a visitor hub but also as a centre for environmental education and local heritage. Exhibitions throughout the year and a small shop selling gifts and refreshments contribute to the community spirit. The centre’s efforts in promoting sustainable tourism and accessibility reflect its role as a steward of the Saddleworth countryside.Dog-Friendly and Family-Oriented Atmosphere
Welcoming dogs under control, the centre is a favorite for dog owners seeking countryside adventures. Facilities such as water for dogs and horse parking make it uniquely accommodating. Families and nature lovers find the centre a perfect spot for day trips, combining outdoor fun with educational opportunities.Seasonal Appeal and Visitor Experience
Open year-round, Brownhill Countryside Centre adapts to the changing seasons, offering different charms from vibrant spring blooms to crisp autumnal walks. Its location and amenities make it suitable for a wide range of visitors, from casual strollers to dedicated nature enthusiasts, ensuring a memorable experience in the scenic Pennines.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tonge Hall
11.8 km
Discover Tonge Hall, a rare Elizabethan timber-framed manor in Middleton, blending Tudor grandeur with poignant history and ongoing restoration.
Lowry Footbridge
16.1 km
A Victorian iron bridge immortalized in art, connecting Manchester's industrial past to its present.
Heaton Park Temple
16.1 km
Discover the tranquil neoclassical Heaton Park Temple, perched atop Manchester’s largest park with stunning city views and rich historic charm.
Murrays' Mill
16.4 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
16.4 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
16.5 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Manchester Old Town Hall Colonnade
16.7 km
A neoclassical relic of Manchester’s first Town Hall, relocated and preserved as a serene monument in Heaton Park.
Sussex Avenue
16.8 km
Discover the charm of Bury from Sussex Avenue, your convenient gateway to local attractions and experiences in this historic English town.
Heaton Park Papal Monument
17.0 km
A granite testament to faith and history where 200,000 gathered for a papal milestone in 1982.
Victory Over Blindness
17.0 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
17.1 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Robert Owen Statue
17.1 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Manchester Cathedral
17.4 km
Discover Manchester Cathedral’s breathtaking Gothic architecture and rich history in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
17.4 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Arch of Chinatown
17.5 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
Saddleworth Museum & Gallery
0.8 km
Discover Saddleworth’s rich heritage and vibrant art scene in a charming canal-side museum open daily in Uppermill.
Rochdale Canal
10.4 km
Historic 32-mile canal crossing the Pennines, blending industrial heritage with scenic walking, cycling, and boating opportunities.
Uniquely Manchester Ltd
12.4 km
Modern, secure, and flexible self-storage and workspace solutions in the heart of Middleton, Manchester.
Boggart Hole Clough
13.0 km
Explore Manchester’s ancient woodland where nature’s beauty meets eerie folklore and steep wooded ravines at Boggart Hole Clough.
Clayton Hall
13.8 km
Explore Clayton Hall, a rare medieval moated manor in Manchester with Victorian rooms, living history, and rich heritage.
Philips Park
14.3 km
Historic Philips Park offers 31 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows, and riverside trails in Manchester’s vibrant urban landscape.
Etihad Stadium
14.9 km
Explore Etihad Stadium, Manchester's iconic venue for football and events, where passion meets modern architecture.
Healey Dell Fairies Chapel
15.1 km
Discover the enchanting Fairies Chapel at Healey Dell, a natural rock grotto steeped in folklore and nestled within a tranquil riverside nature reserve.
The Monastery Manchester
15.2 km
A breathtaking Victorian Gothic revival venue blending historic grandeur with modern elegance for unforgettable weddings and events in Manchester.
Beswick arches
15.8 km
Historic railway viaduct with iconic brick arches standing proudly in the heart of East Manchester’s evolving Beswick district.
Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester
15.9 km
Explore Greater Manchester’s rich public transport heritage through one of Britain’s largest collections of historic buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
Ancoats Green
16.1 km
Ancoats Green: a vibrant, sustainable city park blending nature, community, and urban renewal in Manchester’s historic district.
Heaton Park Tramway
16.1 km
Step back in time with vintage tram rides and a charming museum nestled in Manchester’s scenic Heaton Park.
Old Naval Yard
16.2 km
Discover the Old Naval Yard in Ancoats, a historic gateway to Manchester’s rich maritime and industrial heritage nestled in a vibrant urban district.
Heaton Hall
16.3 km
Explore Heaton Hall’s exquisite neoclassical architecture and rich history nestled within Manchester’s expansive Heaton Park.
Essential places to dine
Vermilion
14.7 km
Experience vibrant Asian fusion cuisine and lavish ambience at Vermilion, Manchester’s premier destination for seafood, cocktails, and celebrations.
SUD Pasta Ancoats
16.4 km
Experience vibrant, handmade Italian pasta and lively communal dining in the heart of Manchester’s trendy Ancoats district.
RIGATONI'S Ancoats
16.4 km
Specialized Southern Italian pasta kitchen in Manchester’s vibrant Ancoats, serving bold, hearty rigatoni dishes in a modern setting.
mana
16.4 km
Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Mana serves avant-garde British tasting menus in a sleek open-kitchen space in Ancoats.
Erst
16.4 km
Seasonal sharing plates and natural wines in Ancoats' industrial-chic haven, where Manchester's food scene thrives.
Elnecot
16.5 km
Ancoats’ vibrant modern British bar and kitchen blending inventive seasonal dishes with a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere.
The Counter House
16.5 km
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats
16.5 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza with light, airy crusts and traditional toppings in a lively, rustic setting in Manchester’s Ancoats district.
Jimmy's Manchester
16.5 km
Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
Canto
16.5 km
Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
Viet Shack Restaurant
16.6 km
Experience bold Vietnamese street food flavors and vibrant fusion dishes in the heart of Manchester’s creative Ancoats district.
Street Urchin
16.6 km
Bold British seafood and market dining in a modern, plant-filled space with warm service and inventive, seasonal dishes in Manchester’s Ancoats.
The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle
16.8 km
Cozy railway-arch eatery in Manchester serving authentic handmade spätzle and Central European pasta with a lively, buzzy atmosphere.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
16.9 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Tariff & Dale
16.9 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
All Things Unique
9.4 km
Explore All Things Unique in Ashton-under-Lyne for an unforgettable shopping experience filled with eclectic gifts and local treasures.
Crown HQ
16.2 km
Retro threads meet rhythmic beats in Ancoats' industrial gem—a vintage shop by day, dance haven after hours.
GRACIOUS APPARELS
16.3 km
Discover diverse fashion treasures in Ancoats: custom T-shirts, alterations, designer clothes, and more at this vibrant Manchester clothing hub.
HighMidLows
16.4 km
Uncover eclectic contemporary fashion in Ancoats' creative heart at HighMidLows, where unique local designs meet everyday style in a vibrant boutique setting.
Twisted Smile
16.4 km
Discover eclectic style at Twisted Smile, Ancoats' boutique beacon of unique apparel amid Manchester's creative revival. Curated finds and expert advice await in this urban fashion haven. (162 characters)
All Things Quirky 4 U
16.5 km
A charming Etsy shop in a historic Huddersfield mill, filled with vintage accessories, handmade jewellery, and quirky gifts with personality.
The Norah Store
16.6 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
Urban Exchange
16.6 km
Manchester's Ancoats shopping hub where outlet deals meet industrial chic and canal-side revival.
Ancoats General Store
16.6 km
A modern corner shop in Ancoats mixing everyday essentials with craft beers, vegan options, coffee and an in‑store post office.
Store Retail Group Ltd
16.6 km
Explore the vibrant retail scene in Ancoats, Manchester, at Store Retail Group Ltd, where local craftsmanship meets urban charm.
Annea Veleta
16.7 km
A curated, maker-focused gift boutique in Ancoats offering handcrafted homewares, stationery and tasteful Manchester-themed keepsakes.
Form Lifestyle Store
16.8 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
16.8 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Kiku Boutique
16.8 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Bionic Seven
16.8 km
Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
cask
16.3 km
Craft beer haven on Manchester's New Islington Marina, with canal views, games, and a relaxed vibe in trendy Ancoats.
blossom street SOCIAL
16.4 km
Chilled wine bar in Ancoats with vinyl vibes, bottle walls, and pop-up fine dining—where sophisticated sips meet casual social hours in Manchester's creative heart.
The Jane Eyre
16.5 km
Ancoats' inventive neighbourhood bar serving bold small plates, creative cocktails, and Sunday roasts in a buzzing industrial space—perfect for grazing and lingering.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub
16.6 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
KERB
16.6 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
The Crown & Kettle
16.7 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Bar Fringe
16.7 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
The Fitzgerald
16.8 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
16.8 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
Hold Fast Bar
16.8 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
16.9 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Behind Closed Doors
16.9 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
Flok
16.9 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
Wilson's Social
16.9 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
Dusk Til Pawn
16.9 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
16.4 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Aatma
16.8 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Mint Lounge
16.9 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
16.9 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Twenty Twenty Two
17.0 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Cargo
17.2 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Club Tropicana
17.4 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Bijou Club
17.4 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
17.4 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
Satans Hollow
17.5 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
17.6 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
Club Liv Manchester
17.8 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Kable
17.8 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Venue Nightclub
17.9 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Viva Manchester
17.9 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly