Rochdale is home to some spectacular scenery, and the ever popular Hollingworth Lake is well worth a visit. Situated in the heart of the Pennines in the east of Rochdale Hollingworth Lake is a bustling country park that offers walkers some truly scenic routes.
Rochdale is the birthplace of the co-operative movement and the nation's very first Co-op still exists on Toad Lane. A visit here is a must.
Notable buildings in Rochdale include the attractive Victorian gothic revival town hall and at the end of a pleasant but moderately steep walk behind the town hall the medieval church of St Chads.
sport
Rochdale is home to Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Hornets. Rochdale AFC is the town's Football League club. It currently plays in League 1 of the Football League structure. It is perhaps most famous for its prolonged stay in the basement division of the Football League. However it did become the first basement club to appear in a major cup final when it reached the League Cup final in 1962. The play at the modern Spotland Stadium which is regarded as one of the best in the lower divisions.
Rochdale Hornets also play at Spotland Stadium and is the town's Rugby League Club. It currently plays its rugby in the National League 1 which is only one division lower than the Super League. Hornets have been relatively successful in recent times reaching the divisional playoffs on several occasions.