Discover Hale

Hale offers a range of themes to choose from when planning your trip: historic architecture, self-guided walking routes, the Bollin Valley Way and golf. Its architectural history spans from Barrow Cottage, dating from the late 17th century, to buildings that opened in the 20th century. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hale, you can consider whether you’d rather combine your stay with historic buildings, a walk or a longer riverside route.

Historic Buildings in Hale

The Air Raid Siren is located on Cecil Road and is listed as a Grade II building. Historic England cites the Air Raid Siren’s exceptional rarity, its preservation at its original location and its connection to the Second World War as reasons for its designation. Its electrical switchgear and General Post Office equipment have also been preserved. Its listed status, location and technology give this building a clearly defined historical profile.

The Church of St Peter in Hale was built from 1890 to 1892 to designs by Tate and Popplewell of Manchester. Its style is eclectic Gothic Revival. The masonry is pale yellow or pale pink; pressed bricks and terracotta elements complement the design, and the roof is tiled. The dates and range of materials give architecture enthusiasts specific points of reference for assessing the building in terms of both period and style and construction.

Barrow Cottage is a house dating from the late 17th century and was probably once a farmhouse. Its features include a timber frame with brick infill, a projecting brick section and a thatched roof. On the right-hand side and at the rear are so-called eyebrow dormer windows: small dormer windows with curved roofs. Unlike the Gothic Revival church, the timber framing, brick and thatch shape the architectural impression here.

The Station Master's House also tells a story of changing uses. The building was a farmhouse dating from the mid-19th century before becoming the station master's residence. Before the railway opened in 1862, it was known as Peel Causeway Farmhouse. Midland Terrace, in turn, consists of a row of terraced houses built in two phases in the mid-19th century. St Peter's Assembly Rooms originated as St Peter's School, which opened in 1904. Together, these examples show different building types and historical contexts rather than representing a single period.

Ashley Road and Local History

Ashley Road is Hale’s main shopping street and combines historic and modern buildings. At number 150 stands the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Bank building, which remains a prominent Hale landmark. The street thus brings together two aspects of the local townscape: the shopping street and buildings whose history extends beyond their current function. Those interested in architecture will find a different perspective here than at the freestanding historic buildings.

Walking Routes, the River Route and Golf

The Bollin Valley Way is a 25-mile (40 km) recreational route. It follows the River Bollin through fields, woods, towns and villages. Its western section follows the river past Hale. The length refers to the entire route, not just the section near Hale—a useful distinction when considering the route as part of your travel plans.

Hale is also included in Trafford’s range of self-guided historic walks. This makes historic routes a separate option alongside the longer riverside route. Another activity is offered by Hale Golf Club, with its 9-hole golf course. Architecture, walks and golf offer different ways to shape a stay; you can decide which suits your trip based on your interests.

Discover more destinations: Timperley, Hazel Grove, Littleborough, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Worsley, Cheadle Hulme, Salford, Marple.

For the overarching travel guide: Greater Manchester.