About Hollingworth Lake
Hollingworth Lake Country Park in Littleborough is an award-winning tourist destination. This much-loved beauty spot offers a wide range of facilities for all ages, making it the ideal place for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors.
Soak in the stunning scenery; have a picnic; do watersports; discover wildlife in the nature reserve or just enjoy a relaxing walk around the picturesque lake.
Address
Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, Rochdale OL15 0AQ.
Opening times
The lake is always open. However, facilities at the lake, such as cafés or the Water Activity Centre, have their own individual opening times.
Getting to Hollingworth Lake
We manage car parks across the whole of the borough, including some at Hollingworth Lake. There are also some public transport options.
History of Hollingworth Lake
Built originally as the main water source for the Rochdale Canal during the 19th century, Hollingworth Lake was later developed as a tourist resort in the 1860s. It's a man-made lake that spans 118 acres.
The lake soon became an attraction for those living nearby and in Victorian times it was known as "The Weighvers' Seaport".
Sensory garden
Wide pathways make the garden accessible.
Our sensory garden opened in July 2024 and is free to visit.
Work began in 2023 thanks to initial funding from the Pennines Township of £27,500 to kick off the vision created by DK Garden Designs.
The garden, adjacent to the café at the former visitor centre site, includes many elements to stimulate and engage all 5 senses, allowing visitors to experience nature in a unique and immersive way.
The multipurpose all-season site can be used for educational purposes, and a living willow structure meeting dome is available to hold events and classes in horticulture.