The Balmoral

Transport

Birch Grange lies just 3 miles east of Rochdale, the most northerly town in Greater Manchester, and enjoys excellent commuter links. The M62 is just a short drive away through Rochdale, giving access to the extensive North West motorway network, including the M60 Manchester Ring Road, while the A58 links Rochdale to Halifax to the east, and Bury to the west.

There is a direct rail link to Manchester from nearby Smith Bridge, with a travel time of around 25 minutes to Manchester Victoria. The city will soon become even more accessible with the extension of the Manchester Metrolink tram system.

Shops and stores

Rochdale boasts two modern shopping centres, The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre and Rochdale Exchange, which includes two indoor market halls. For a more extensive shopping trip, the unrivalled shops and stores of Manchester city centre are under 15 miles away, while a short drive around the M60 will bring you to the famous Trafford Centre, with its hundreds of shops, stores and restaurants.

For your leisure time, Rochdale hosts a multi-screen Odeon cinema, plus the Gracie Fields Theatre, with the nearby Middleton Arena adding to the entertainment. Rochdale’s annual Feel Good Festival also attracts a top line up. Naturally, there’s much more top quality entertainment to be found in nearby Manchester, with three leading international concert venues, the magnificent Bridgewater Hall and the famous Opera House.

Out and about

The Pennines present unlimited opportunities for getting out and enjoying the countryside, with walks starting right from your door at Birch Grange. Head north and you’ll find the Yorkshire Dales National Park under an hour’s drive away.

More locally, Hollingworth Lake Activity Centre offers a huge choice of watersports for beginners and enthusiasts alike. There is also fishing at the lake, as well as at nearby Watergrove Reservoir. Rochdale also offers a dynamic programme of indoor health and fitness under the banner of Link4Life, including the multisport Heywood Sport Village, and Central Leisure Centre in Rochdale, which has no less than 3 pools plus Turkish and Russian baths available.

Schools and services

Birch Grange has a choice of five primary schools within walking distance and is close to the well regarded Wardle High School. The independent Rochdale Girls School is also within easy travelling distance.