Heywood is an up-and-coming area that’s undergone a real transformation in recent years. With a £20 million regeneration boost and its role in the expanding Atom Valley business zone, public spaces have been modernised, new jobs have been created, and beautiful new homes such as those at our Whittle Brook Park have been built. Heywood’s becoming a residential and economic hub with a distinct community feel.
With its combination of green spaces, affordable housing, and strong commuter links, living in Heywood is a popular choice for families and young professionals alike.
Where is Heywood?
Heywood is located in the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale in Greater Manchester. It sits just 8 miles north of Manchester city centre, 4 miles southwest of Rochdale town centre, and 2 miles east of Bury.
Is Heywood a village?
No, Heywood is not a village. Due to its population, size, and services, it’s considered a thriving market town.
What’s Heywood weather like?
Heywood’s weather follows suit with other northern towns, reaching average highs of 20°C on summer months, and lows of around 6°C in colder ones, with a mix of sunshine and rainfall throughout the year.
However, the town’s mix of indoor cafes and activities with outdoor green spaces means that, regardless of the weather, there’s always something to do and enjoy.
What is Heywood famous for?
Heywood is famous for being a powerhouse of the Lancashire cotton industry during the Industrial Revolution. It transformed rapidly from a rural village into a densely populated mill town and quickly became renowned for its spinning and weaving mills.
One of these mills famously supplied the intricate cotton fabric used to make the Queen Mother’s 50th birthday dress!
Although the town is no longer a manufacturing hub, its rows of terraced homes and redeveloped 19th century mills are reminders of what once was.
What is Heywood really like, day to day?
Life in Heywood not only combines access to open green spaces with a wide range of amenities and things to do, but it’s also exceptionally well-connected and has several highly rated schools.
For commuters, like many of the young professionals who call the town home, it sits directly on the A58 road and offers great access to the M62, M66, and M60 motorways, making commutes to Manchester city centre, Leeds, Liverpool, and surrounding towns straightforward. The 471 bus service connects Heywood to Bury, Rochdale, and Bolton.
Rochdale Railway Station and Castleton Railway Station are the nearest regional train stations, both offering direct services to Manchester and Leeds.
For families, there are plenty of schools to choose from, too. Notably, All Souls Church of England Primary School is considered one of the best in the area. The top-performing local secondary is Holy Family Roman Catholic and Church of England College, which leads the area in top-tier GCSE performance. As for colleges, Rochdale Sixth Form College and Bury College are both just a short commute away and sit along the 471 bus route.
Things to do in Heywood
There are plenty of things to do in Heywood for people of all ages.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Queen’s Park is one of Heywood’s standout attractions. The award-winning Victorian park has a boating lake, children’s play areas, a café, and scenic walking routes, while the surrounding Roch Valley provides even more opportunities to explore the local countryside.
Alternatively, at the centre of the town’s cultural scene is Heywood Civic, which hosts a varied programme of comedy, theatre, live music, and community events throughout the year.
For history lovers, the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) and the FIREGROUND museum are two fun places to visit. Heywood Station is the easternmost point of the ELR and visitors can travel through the Irwell Valley aboard heritage steam and diesel trains. FIREGROUND, on the other hand, tells the story of firefighting and fire engineering across Greater Manchester, from the creation of England’s first municipal fire service to the development of early motorised fire engines.
Just a 15-minute drive away from Heywood is Slattery, a Whitefield-based pâtissier and chocolatier that’s considered by many as the best in the North West. This award-winning shop is filled with sweet treats and interesting creations, and upstairs is a café that serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.
Manchester centre is also less than 12 miles away and is bursting with tons of fun attractions, delicious restaurants and cafes, and plenty of entertainment venues, offering something for everyone.
Is Heywood expensive to live in?
Living in Heywood is a great option for anyone who wants to set up home in an up-and-coming location with easy reach to neighbouring towns and major transport links. It offers great value for money as houses are generously sized but tend to cost less than the UK average, making it highly appealing to people wanting more ‘bang for their buck’, like first-time buyers.
Additionally, the town’s Heywood Market is home to over 30 independent retailers selling fresh meats, produce, and essentials, meaning residents can side-step higher supermarket prices and spend less on their everyday basics.
The ongoing investment in Heywood and ever-increasing buyer demand may help support future property values, meaning you’ll potentially have a better return on your investment if you decide to sell your home in a few years’ time.
So, is Heywood a nice place to live?
Yes, Heywood is considered a nice place to live. One thing that makes it stand out is how well it balances commuter convenience with a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Commuters and young professionals can take advantage of exceptional transport links, with direct proximity to major motorways, while families enjoy excellent schools and fantastic recreational spaces.
This reputation is reinforced by Heywood's recent regional recognition, winning awards for Best Large Town and Best Large Park in the North West i Bloom Awards by the Royal Horticultural Society for several years in a row.
If you’re thinking of making the move to Heywood, Anwyl Homes’ Whittle Brook Park development offers sustainably designed three and four-bedroom homes.
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