Hollingworth Lake Country Park in Littleborough offers watersports, walking routes, fishing, a sensory garden and stunning Pennine scenery — all on the doorstep of Rochdale. 

Hollingworth Lake Country Park | Parks in Rochdale

What to expect at Hollingworth Lake

• 118-acre lake with lakeside walking and picnic spots
• Watersports including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, windsurfing and rowing
• Outdoor activities including rock climbing, mountain biking and archery
• Lessons, courses and qualifications at the Water Activity Centre
• Fishing around the lake
• Walking routes from easy lakeside strolls to hill treks in the surrounding Pennines
• Sensory garden — free to visit, opened July 2024
• Living willow structure meeting dome for events and horticulture classes
• Café on site
• Public toilets
• Car parking across the site
• Award-winning tourist destination

Hollingworth Lake Country Park in Littleborough

Hollingworth Lake Country Park is a 118-acre man-made lake set in the Pennine countryside at Littleborough, near Rochdale — and one of Greater Manchester's most popular and well-loved outdoor destinations. Built originally in the 19th century as a water supply for the Rochdale Canal, the lake was developed as a tourist resort from the 1860s and became so popular with mill workers from across the region that it was affectionately known as the Weighvers' Seaport. Today it remains an award-winning country park offering a wide range of facilities and activities for all ages.

Watersports and outdoor activities

Hollingworth Lake Adventure and Water Activity Centre, managed by Your Trust on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council, offers an extensive programme of watersports and outdoor activities. On the water, visitors can try sailing, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, windsurfing and rowing. On land, rock climbing, mountain biking and archery are also available. A full programme of lessons, group courses and qualifications is on offer for all ages and abilities, making it an excellent choice for both first-timers and those looking to develop existing skills. 

Fishing

The lake is a well-established fishing destination, with a variety of species available. Fishing is available around the lake and subject to the relevant permit requirements. Visit the Rochdale Council website for current information on permits and access.

Walking and the sensory garden

A lakeside circuit provides an easy and picturesque walk for visitors of all abilities, while the wider country park connects to a broader network of routes ranging from gentle strolls to sturdier Pennine hill walks. Detailed walking routes are available via GM Walking. The park's sensory garden, which opened in July 2024 and is free to visit, sits next to the café at the former visitor centre site. Designed by DK Garden Designs and funded in part by the Pennines Township, the garden incorporates elements to stimulate all five senses and includes a living willow structure meeting dome for events and outdoor horticulture classes.

Important information

• Opening times: The lake is open at all times. Individual facilities including the café, Water Activity Centre and car parks have their own opening times — check directly before visiting
• Address: Hollingworth Lake Country Park, Littleborough, Rochdale, OL15 0AQ
• Admission: Free to visit the lake, walking routes and sensory garden. Charges apply for watersports, outdoor activities and car parking
• Parking: Several car parks across the site — visit rochdale.gov.uk for details and charges
• Transport: Public transport options available — plan your journey at rochdale.gov.uk/plan-journey

Find out more: Hollingworth Lake

Photo credit: https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/sports-leisure/hollingworth-lake