Heywood is a popular suburb on the outskirts of Greater Manchester, which is close to Bury and Rochdale. It sits on the south bank of the River Roch, and is popular amongst house buyers thanks to its eclectic mix of properties, fantastic transport links and stunning park.
Things To Do
There’s plenty to do in Heywood. For time outdoors, head to Queens Park, a beautiful green park with tranquil gardens, a picturesque lake and regular events that take place over the summer. There are also some stunning walking routes around the Roach Valley.
For sport and swimming, there’s Heywood Sports Village, a modern leisure complex with a gym, swimming pool and football pitches that can be hired out.
If you want to entertain the kids, head to popular soft play centres, Sparks Gym or Planet Play.
Things You Didn't Know About Heywood
Singer Lisa Stansfield was born and brought up in Heywood.
Schools
Heywood has a fantastic selection of nurseries and schools, including:
- Harwood Park Primary School
- St. Luke's C.E. Primary School
- Woodland Primary School
- All Souls' Primary School
- St. Joseph's R.C. Primary School
- St. Margaret's Primary School
- Our Lady and St Paul's R.C. Primary School
Transport
Heywood sits right on the motorway network, with easy access to the M62, so it’s well connected to the rest of the UK. By car, it’s just 30 minutes to Manchester City Centre, and 10 minutes away from Bury and Rochdale. Regular bus routes also connect the suburb to all surrounding areas.
Heywood also has its own station on the East Lancashire Railway, a heritage railway that connects it with Rawtenstall station and makes for a great day out.
History
Heywood was first recorded as a hamlet in the 12th century. In the 18th century, it became a centre for industrial textile manufacture, and when cotton production was at its peak, it was home to 27 cotton mills.
Eating & Drinking
There’s plenty of places to grab great food in Heywood. Head to Bella Sera or II Vecchio for authentic Italian food, Venus Lounge for Indian cuisine, or Hoya’s for a fantastic Chinese.
If you’d prefer a takeaway, Heywood boasts lots of them. Try JDs Home Cooked Food for hearty breakfasts, delicious pies and sweet treats, or King’s Old English Chippy for some of best fish and chips around.
Heywood is also packed full of places to enjoy a drink. For cocktails, beers and fun, check out the Mood Lounge, or for al fresco drinks, go to The Gardener’s Arms, which boasts a huge beer garden. There’s also plenty of traditional pubs in Heywood, including The Brown Cow, The Summit, The Albany Hotel & Restaurant and The Kings Heywood
Shopping
There’s a wide range of shops in Heywood, including charity shops, independent clothing stores, a bridal boutique, several bargain stores, a large Morrisons and an Aldi.
Heywood also boasts its own indoor market where a range of independent stall holders sell everything from fresh produce and flowers to haberdashery and electronics.
