Discover Hale: History, Walks and Distinctive Buildings

Hale combines an engaging local history with walking routes along the River Bollin, a distinctive shopping street and a 9-hole golf course. Anyone planning a trip can choose between historical discoveries, exercise in the countryside and a relaxed stroll around the town. This combination makes Hale an interesting base for a holiday apartment if you want to combine different interests during your trip.

Historical traces in Hale

One of the most unusual reminders of the town's history is the Air Raid Siren on Cecil Road. It is an extremely rare example of a Second World War air-raid siren preserved at its original location and is listed as a Grade II listed building. The electrical switchgear and the General Post Office equipment have also been preserved. For visitors interested in cultural history, this building provides a particularly tangible detail of Hale's past.

The Church of St Peter also provides an opportunity to focus on the architecture. The church was built in 1890–1892 to designs by Tate and Popplewell of Manchester. Its eclectic Gothic Revival style can be seen in the pale yellow or pale pink brickwork, pressed brick and terracotta elements, as well as the tiled roof. The historic appearance can be easily combined with a walk through the town, without having to commit to a single theme.

Other buildings tell of earlier uses and changes. Barrow Cottage dates from the late 17th century and was probably once a farmhouse. The timber construction with brick infill, the projecting brick section of the building and the thatched roof define its character. On the right-hand side and at the rear are so-called eyebrow dormer windows, small roof dormers with a curved roof shape.

The Station Master's House was known as Peel Causeway Farmhouse before the railway opened in 1862. It was a mid-19th-century farmhouse before becoming the station master's residence. Midland Terrace adds to this historic picture: the row of terraced houses was built in two phases in the mid-19th century. The St Peter's Assembly Rooms developed from St Peter's School, which opened in 1904. Ashley Road is also home to the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Bank building at number 150, which remains a distinctive landmark in Hale.

Walking routes and countryside along the River Bollin

Anyone who would rather explore Hale on foot can include the Bollin Valley Way in their travel plans. The recreational trail is 25 miles (40 km) long. Its western section follows the River Bollin past Hale. Overall, the route runs along the river through fields, woodland, towns and villages. This means that the focus is not only on the townscape, but on a varied succession of different landscapes and settlements.

Hale is also included in Trafford's selection of self-guided historical walks. This provides another way to discover the town's history independently. When choosing your accommodation, it may therefore be important to consider what you want to focus on during your days: historic buildings and town streets, longer routes along the river or a combination of both.

Planning Hale at your own pace

Ashley Road is Hale's main shopping street and combines historic and modern buildings. It complements the historic sights with a lively part of the town and works well as an activity in its own right if you want to switch between architecture, shopping and walks. For a more active change of pace, Hale Golf Club has a 9-hole golf course. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether your trip should be shaped primarily by local history, countryside walks, golf or a balanced mix.

If you are travelling with several generations or people with different interests, this selection can help with planning your days: some may want to learn about buildings and their former uses, while others may prefer the River Bollin or a round on the golf course. Hale offers several clearly distinct points of interest, without requiring you to commit to just one type of trip.

Compare other destinations

If you would also like to view other destinations from the same selection, you can find Horwich, Failsworth, Bramhall, Kearsley, Romiley, Cheadle, Prestwich and Salford here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Greater Manchester.