Search is on for borough’s hidden gems

Photo: Journeaux

Rochdale Town Hall Grand Staircase

The search is on for the borough’s hidden gems as part of a campaign to boost tourism.

Train operator Northern Rail is calling on residents to nominate their favourite attractions, including pubs, hotels and shops. The campaign aims to recognise the best kept secrets hidden along the company’s train network.

In Rochdale you could find yourself spoilt for choice, with so many ‘gems’ close to the rail route from the Town Hall to the Fire Service Museum and from Hollingworth Lake to Watergrove Reservoir.

Ian Bevan, managing director at Northern Rail, said the project is aimed at highlighting and driving tourism, customers and footfall to the region’s true hidden gems. This could be quality restaurants, shops with a personal touch, well-loved attractions and hidden beauty spots, as well as great journeys by foot, bike, car or rail which are often missed out or overlooked by tourists or people travelling through the area.

He said: “We all know of great shops, bars, restaurants and places to go on our own front door steps, but we want people to share these hidden gems and help them thrive,”

“The Northern Rail network covers a huge area and there are hundreds if not thousands of great pubs, restaurants, attractions, museums, walks, views and even journeys out in the countryside which are largely undiscovered but all within easy reach of many people.”

“We want to find out about the very best of what’s out there so we can shout about it and let people know. This will not only highlights the very best, but also helps to support communities and businesses.”

Network finalists will compete against six other regions for the chance to be named overall winners or highly commended, receiving a plaque commemorating their win and appearing on posters across the northern network.

Categories include: Best Attraction; Best Shop; Best Hotel/Guesthouse/ B&B; Best Restaurant/Cafe/Takeaway; Best Journey (bike, foot, rail or car); and Best Beauty Spot.
To nominate visit www.northernrail.org/hiddengems or email hiddengems@northernrail.org The deadline is midnight on September 9.