An exceptionally rare example of local history is the Air Raid Siren on Cecil Road in Hale: the Second World War air-raid siren has been preserved at its original location. It is listed as a Grade II building and still has its electrical control system as well as equipment from the General Post Office. Both its historic significance and the surviving technology make this structure distinctive.
Architecture from different eras
The Church of St Peter in Hale was built between 1890 and 1892 to designs by Tate and Popplewell of Manchester. Its style is eclectic Gothic Revival. The light yellow or pale pink brickwork is complemented by moulded bricks and terracotta elements; the roof is tiled. These details about its materials and style give a concrete picture of church architecture in the late 19th century.
Barrow Cottage dates from a much earlier period: the house was built in the late 17th century and was probably once a farmhouse. Its timber frame with brick infill is complemented by a projecting brick section and a thatched roof. On the right-hand side and at the rear are so-called eyebrow dormer windows—small roof windows with curved roofs. These surviving features contrast clearly with the brick and terracotta elements of the Church of St Peter.
Homes and local history
The Station Master's House was originally a mid-19th-century farmhouse before becoming the station master's residence. Before the railway opened in 1862, the building was known as Peel Causeway Farmhouse. Its historic name and later use belong to different stages of its history.
Midland Terrace also reflects 19th-century development: this row of terraced houses was built in two phases in the middle of the century. The St Peter's Assembly Rooms have their own history. They grew out of St Peter's School, which opened in 1904. Along with the former farmhouse and older homes, these examples offer different ways to explore Hale's architectural history without reducing it to a single era.
Riverside route and other activities
The Bollin Valley Way is a 25-mile (40 km) recreational trail along the River Bollin. Its landscapes include fields, woodlands, towns and villages. The western section follows the river past Hale. When planning, it is useful to distinguish between the trail's total length and the section passing Hale: the 25 miles refer to the entire recreational trail, not just the western section.
Hale is also included in Trafford's selection of self-guided historical walks. This adds a historical focus to the riverside trail. Another clearly named activity is the Hale Golf Club, which has a 9-hole golf course. When considering options for your stay, you can therefore treat historic buildings, a route along the River Bollin and golf as distinct themes rather than as a single combined route.
Finding your way around
Ashley Road is Hale's main shopping street and brings together historic and modern buildings. The former Lancashire & Yorkshire Bank building is also located on the street at number 150 and remains a prominent Hale landmark. The shopping street and former bank building add a sense of place to the architectural history, distinct from the churches, homes and riverside route.
Discover more destinations: Hindley, Pemberton, Eccles, Manchester, Marple, Middleton, Urmston, Bury.
For the broader travel overview: Greater Manchester.
