Explore the Alexandra Park trail

Explore this family-friendly trail around historic Alexandra Park. As you follow the trail you will meet some fascinating people from Oldham’s past.

In the early 1860s, Oldham was an important cotton spinning town. Disruption to the supply of cotton caused by the American Civil War, caused high unemployment and hardship in the area. One solution was to provide jobs by employing cotton workers to build a new park. Work began towards the end of 1863 and the park was opened on 28 August 1865. Over the years the park has been a site for relaxation and for carnivals, brass bands and picnics.

The park has evolved over time and was completely refurbished in 2004 using grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Today Alexandra Park is Grade II* listed and a much-loved local treasure that is used and enjoyed by thousands of people each year.

Start here

Or go straight to any of the locations:

• Map
• Emma the Flower Girl
• The John Platt Statue
• The Lions Den
• Robert Ascroft Statue
• Bandstand
• Conservatory
• Joseph Howarth Statue
• Observatory
• Rebecca at the Well
• The Boy and the Dolphin Fountain
• Glacial Boulders
• Ornamental Lake

For more information about Oldham's history, visit Gallery Oldham and Oldham Local Studies and Archives. Their collections contain fascinating objects, paintings, photographs and maps of the town.

• Gallery Oldham (external website)
• Local Studies and Archives