Saddleworth Museum & Gallery, Uppermill
Discover Saddleworth’s rich heritage and vibrant art scene in a historic canal-side museum nestled in Uppermill’s charming village.
Nestled beside the Huddersfield Canal in the charming village of Uppermill, Saddleworth Museum & Gallery offers a captivating journey through the local history, culture, and art of the Saddleworth area. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, this museum presents diverse exhibits on the region’s industrial heritage, landscapes, and community life, alongside rotating art exhibitions showcasing local and national artists.
A brief summary to Saddleworth Museum & Gallery
- High St, Oldham, Uppermill, OL3 6HS, GB
- +441457874093
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 1 pm-4 pm
- Tuesday 1 pm-4 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm-4 pm
- Thursday 1 pm-4 pm
- Friday 1 pm-4 pm
- Saturday 1 pm-4 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit between 1pm and 4pm daily to explore the museum and gallery during opening hours.
- Check the museum’s website or contact them ahead for any special exhibitions or events.
- Take time to stroll along the nearby Huddersfield Canal towpath for scenic views.
- Enjoy local handcrafted items and souvenirs in the museum’s gift shop.
- Family tickets offer great value, making it an ideal outing for visitors of all ages.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Car
Driving to Saddleworth Museum & Gallery from Oldham town center takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Parking is available nearby in Uppermill village, but spaces can be limited during weekends. Parking is mostly free, though some areas may have time restrictions.
-
Bus
Local bus routes serve Uppermill from Oldham and surrounding towns, with journey times around 30-45 minutes depending on the route. Bus stops are within walking distance of the museum. Check local timetables for up-to-date service times and frequency.
-
Walking
If staying nearby in Uppermill, the museum is easily accessible on foot via flat, paved village streets and canal towpaths. Walking times vary but typically range from 10 to 20 minutes from central Uppermill locations. The terrain is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Saddleworth Museum & Gallery location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Saddleworth Museum & Gallery
A Historic Hub in the Heart of Saddleworth
Saddleworth Museum & Gallery is situated in a picturesque location on High Street, Uppermill, adjacent to the tranquil Huddersfield Canal. The museum occupies a carefully restored building dating back to 1862, which once played a role in the area’s industrial past. This historic setting provides an atmospheric backdrop for exploring the rich stories of Saddleworth's people, landscape, and heritage.Exploring Local Heritage and Industry
The museum’s galleries span four floors, each dedicated to different facets of Saddleworth’s history. Exhibits vividly portray the area’s transformation through the Industrial Revolution, highlighting textile manufacturing, canal trade, and rural life. Artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays bring to life the community’s evolution, reflecting the identity of this Yorkshire parish nestled on the Lancashire side of the Pennines.A Dynamic Space for Art and Community
Beyond historical collections, the museum hosts an art gallery that regularly features exhibitions by both amateur and professional artists from the local area and beyond. These free-to-view exhibitions include paintings, photography, and tapestries, enriching the cultural fabric of Saddleworth. The canal-side community gallery also serves as a venue for presentations, workshops, and fundraising events, fostering local engagement.Facilities and Visitor Experience
Visitors can enjoy the museum’s thoughtfully designed spaces, which include seating areas on each floor for rest and contemplation. The museum is wheelchair friendly, with accessibility prioritized despite the building’s historic nature. A gift shop offers locally crafted items and themed souvenirs. Admission is affordable, with family tickets available, making it an inviting destination for all ages.Location and Surroundings
Uppermill itself is a vibrant village known for its independent shops, eateries, and scenic canal towpaths, perfect for leisurely walks before or after your visit. The museum’s location beside the canal enhances its tranquil atmosphere, inviting visitors to soak in the peaceful surroundings while exploring the cultural offerings.Community and Educational Engagement
Saddleworth Museum & Gallery is a registered charity and accredited institution that relies on community support and visitor contributions. It offers educational programs, youth workshops, and group tours, making it a valuable resource for learning about local history and arts. The museum’s commitment to preserving and sharing Saddleworth’s unique story ensures it remains a cherished cultural landmark.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
15.8 km
A Victorian iron bridge immortalized in art, connecting Manchester's industrial past to its present.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
16.0 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
Murrays' Mill
16.1 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.
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.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
16.1 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Manchester Old Town Hall Colonnade
16.6 km
A neoclassical relic of Manchester’s first Town Hall, relocated and preserved as a serene monument in Heaton Park.
Victory Over Blindness
16.7 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
16.8 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Robert Owen Statue
16.8 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Heaton Park Papal Monument
16.9 km
A granite testament to faith and history where 200,000 gathered for a papal milestone in 1982.
Sussex Avenue
17.1 km
Discover the charm of Bury from Sussex Avenue, your convenient gateway to local attractions and experiences in this historic English town.
Manchester Cathedral
17.1 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
17.1 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Arch of Chinatown
17.1 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
Brownhill Countryside Centre
0.8 km
Explore Saddleworth’s scenic Pennine landscapes from this accessible, dog-friendly countryside centre with trails, a cafe, and a nature garden.
Rochdale Canal
10.9 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
12.9 km
Explore Manchester’s ancient woodland where nature’s beauty meets eerie folklore and steep wooded ravines at Boggart Hole Clough.
Clayton Hall
13.4 km
Explore Clayton Hall, a rare medieval moated manor in Manchester with Victorian rooms, living history, and rich heritage.
Philips Park
14.0 km
Historic Philips Park offers 31 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows, and riverside trails in Manchester’s vibrant urban landscape.
Etihad Stadium
14.6 km
Explore Etihad Stadium, Manchester's iconic venue for football and events, where passion meets modern architecture.
The Monastery Manchester
14.7 km
A breathtaking Victorian Gothic revival venue blending historic grandeur with modern elegance for unforgettable weddings and events in Manchester.
Beswick arches
15.4 km
Historic railway viaduct with iconic brick arches standing proudly in the heart of East Manchester’s evolving Beswick district.
Healey Dell Fairies Chapel
15.6 km
Discover the enchanting Fairies Chapel at Healey Dell, a natural rock grotto steeped in folklore and nestled within a tranquil riverside nature reserve.
Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester
15.7 km
Explore Greater Manchester’s rich public transport heritage through one of Britain’s largest collections of historic buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
Ancoats Green
15.8 km
Ancoats Green: a vibrant, sustainable city park blending nature, community, and urban renewal in Manchester’s historic district.
Old Naval Yard
15.9 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 Park Tramway
16.1 km
Step back in time with vintage tram rides and a charming museum nestled in Manchester’s scenic Heaton Park.
Cutting Room Square
16.2 km
A vibrant urban square in Ancoats blending industrial heritage, contemporary dining, and cultural art installations.
Essential places to dine
Vermilion
14.4 km
Experience vibrant Asian fusion cuisine and lavish ambience at Vermilion, Manchester’s premier destination for seafood, cocktails, and celebrations.
SUD Pasta Ancoats
16.1 km
Experience vibrant, handmade Italian pasta and lively communal dining in the heart of Manchester’s trendy Ancoats district.
RIGATONI'S Ancoats
16.1 km
Specialized Southern Italian pasta kitchen in Manchester’s vibrant Ancoats, serving bold, hearty rigatoni dishes in a modern setting.
mana
16.1 km
Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Mana serves avant-garde British tasting menus in a sleek open-kitchen space in Ancoats.
Erst
16.1 km
Seasonal sharing plates and natural wines in Ancoats' industrial-chic haven, where Manchester's food scene thrives.
Elnecot
16.2 km
Ancoats’ vibrant modern British bar and kitchen blending inventive seasonal dishes with a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere.
The Counter House
16.2 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
16.2 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
16.2 km
Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
Canto
16.2 km
Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
Viet Shack Restaurant
16.3 km
Experience bold Vietnamese street food flavors and vibrant fusion dishes in the heart of Manchester’s creative Ancoats district.
Street Urchin
16.3 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
16.5 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
16.6 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Tariff & Dale
16.6 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
8.8 km
Explore All Things Unique in Ashton-under-Lyne for an unforgettable shopping experience filled with eclectic gifts and local treasures.
Crown HQ
15.9 km
Retro threads meet rhythmic beats in Ancoats' industrial gem—a vintage shop by day, dance haven after hours.
GRACIOUS APPARELS
15.9 km
Discover diverse fashion treasures in Ancoats: custom T-shirts, alterations, designer clothes, and more at this vibrant Manchester clothing hub.
HighMidLows
16.1 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
16.1 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)
The Norah Store
16.3 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
Urban Exchange
16.3 km
Manchester's Ancoats shopping hub where outlet deals meet industrial chic and canal-side revival.
Ancoats General Store
16.3 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
16.3 km
Explore the vibrant retail scene in Ancoats, Manchester, at Store Retail Group Ltd, where local craftsmanship meets urban charm.
Annea Veleta
16.4 km
A curated, maker-focused gift boutique in Ancoats offering handcrafted homewares, stationery and tasteful Manchester-themed keepsakes.
Form Lifestyle Store
16.4 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
16.5 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Bionic Seven
16.5 km
Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
Kiku Boutique
16.5 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
16.6 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
cask
16.0 km
Craft beer haven on Manchester's New Islington Marina, with canal views, games, and a relaxed vibe in trendy Ancoats.
blossom street SOCIAL
16.1 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
16.2 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
16.3 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
KERB
16.3 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
The Crown & Kettle
16.4 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
16.4 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
Hold Fast Bar
16.5 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
The Fitzgerald
16.5 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
16.5 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
16.5 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Flok
16.6 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
Behind Closed Doors
16.6 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.
Dusk Til Pawn
16.6 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Wilson's Social
16.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly