Rochdale: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Rochdale is a large town in Greater Manchester, England, positioned at the foothills of the South Pennines. The town grew significantly during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a major center for textile manufacturing, particularly wool, and was one of the first industrialized towns in the region. The Rochdale Canal, completed in 1804, played a crucial role in the town's development by connecting it to Manchester and other industrial centers.

The town is notably associated with the cooperative movement, as it is the birthplace of the modern cooperative movement with the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, established in 1844. This history is preserved and celebrated through various cultural institutions. The town center features Victorian and art deco architecture, including the impressive Gothic Revival Town Hall. In recent decades, Rochdale has undergone significant urban regeneration while maintaining connections to its industrial heritage through its museums and cultural venues.