Oldham - Once the centre of the textile industry which flourished in the industrial revolution. The mill buildings which made Oldham one of the world's leading cotton spinning towns during the 19th and early 20th centuries are still evident. be sure to visit the Oldham Museum and the independent Saddleworth Museum, housed in an old mill building for more information on the towns past textile industry.

Much of Oldham's town centre architecture is Victorian. The original Town Hall, with its inpressive facade, was built in 1841. Sir Winston Churchill made his inaugural acceptance speech from the Town Hall steps when he was first elected as a Conservative MP in 1900.

Today the town has other cultural centres. The new Oldham Gallery opened in 2002. It is one of the most progressive galleries in the North West hosting workshops, special events and artists' residences to complement the exhibitions and the impressive collection which includes paintings by Constable, Turner, Lowry and the pre-Raphaelites and the Lee's Collection.