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Sunfield Accommodation
Sunfield, Diglea, Diggle, Saddleworth, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL3 5LATelephone: 01457 874030
| Sunfield Accommodation Sunfield Accommodation Saddleworth in the Northwest UK overlooks magnificent views of the Saddleworth Moor on the edge of the Pennines and offers high quality en suite bed and breakfast accommodation. There is ample secure private parking and a village pub a short stroll down the lane offering excellent fayre. We are within 30 minutes from Manchester and 10 minutes from the M62 motorway. Sunfield is situated in Diglea which is an old weaving hamlet that lies at the end of the Standedge canal tunnel. The standedge canal tunnel is the longest and highest canal tunnel in the country. Diglea is reputed to be the first settlement in Saddleworth. Grazing facilities are available for horse riders wising to travel the old pack horsetrails or explore the scenery and heritage of the Pennines. The Pennines Bridleway is a short distance away. The area is very popular with families coming at lambing time and bottle feeding the lambs, or autumn when the calves are born. |
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| All rooms are ground level with superb views. Pets are welcome, with facilities for horses at the premises. |
| Breathtaking views, rich local history and a warm welcome are guaranteed when you visit this delightful area deep in the heart of the Pennines. |
| Within ½ hour of Manchester and 10 minutes from the motorway system you are drinking in the pure, sweet air and magnificent moods of the Pennines. Whether challenging its rugged moorland heights, or strolling gently through picturesque hamlets or along the canal towpaths, you'll love Saddleworth - a place which time has barely touched. |
| Local History Saddleworth comprises of a number of villages a brief tour of which gives a fascinating glimpse into its rich and colourful past. One popular myth is that of Alderman and Alphin, two giants who, in vying for the love of a brook nymph called Rimmon, hurled rocks at each other from their opposite hills, Alderman won - to this day, large boulders lay scattered over Chew Valley as evidence of his triumph. Pots and pans has its legends too, with a name owing to its unusual shape the site was thought to have been a Druids sacrificial alter. More recently, Edwardian grouse shooters may have passed there for some liquid refreshment, the deep holes in the millstone grit (caused by the weather) being ideal for storing wine bottles. Today its the home of a war memorial erected in 1923. Northwards high on a hill above Delph, is the site where Castleshaw Roman Fort used to stand, one of the series built on the Roman military road from Chester to York. The original fort stretched over 3 acres and accommadoted some 40 infantry under the command of General Agricola. Perhaps due to the bleak surroundings, it was abandoned until the early 2nd century A.D. when a small fortlet took its place. Probably the oldest building is Saddleworth Parish Church, originally built by the Stapletons as a family chapel in 1200 A.D. it was later extended and by 272 A.D. had a nave, chancel and bell tower. Other features include the nearby hearse house, stocks, sundial, and a gravestone to commemorate the Bill-o-Jacks murders. In 1832, people were stunned by the Bill-o-Jacks murders at the now demolished Moorcock Inn when the landlord and his son were blugeoned to death 10,000 mourners attended the funeral, the case was never solved. Denshaw whose scandinavian name suggest a long history for the site of this charming 18th century village, many of the listed stone cottages have taken the place of homes first built in the 16th century.Being the junction of several turnpike routes, and before that, of ancient packhorse routes, Denshaw must have been popular with travellers 200 years ago, especially as they could stop off at the junction Inn Coaching House which still serves refreshments today. Delph takes its name from the English word for quarry and, not surprisingly characterises the old bakestone quarries nearby. Dobcross is a picturesque village, once the commercial heart of the district, and has remained virtually unchanged for 200 years. With its weavers cottages, clothiers and merchants houses and cobbled square, it is a perfect monument to old Yorkshire. It was also used as a location for the film Yanks. For heritage enthusiasts, a visit to Diglea Conservation Area in Diggle is a must. This offers a remarkable insight into a pre-industrial weaving community and preserves the traditional skills of that age. Unfortunately the old Diggle Mill no longer exists but it used to operate the second largest waterwheel in the UK until removed in 1924. Diglea is also reputed to be the first settlement in Saddleworth. In Diggle you will find the entrance to Standedge Canal Tunnel - the longest 3 miles, 406 yards and highest canal tunnel, 645 feet above sea level, in Britain. Due to the areas topography, this was extremely difficult and expensive to construct, taking 17 years before its completion in 1811.Between 1849 and 1894 three railway tunnels were built parallel to the canal which started to decline as a result. The last cargo boat passed through in 1921. Although closed for many years, the tunnel re-opened for the millennium along with the rest of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal which flows through Saddleworth. |
| Activities Walking You cannot fail to be awed by the wild, windswept moors and craggy hillsides with spectacular views. This is territory for the truly adventurous and has a majesty which even the remains of abandoned quarries do nothing to dispel. If you like a challenge special walks with experienced guides can be arranged. If however, you prefer a gentler pace, there are many delightful walks following preprinted routes and maps, varying in length from 2-6 miles. These walks are circular and take in one or two villages. Efforts have been made to accommodate wheelchairs too. The Dovestone area, Greenfield, for example has a suitably surfaced level path along the northern side of the reservoir which is easily reached from the car park at the dam. Heritage enthusiasts will also find a series of local interest trails devised by the Saddleworth historical society. Other Walking is by no means the only way to travel, Saddleworth has a good network of bridleways and cycle paths, as well as quiet unsurfaced roads where you can ride in relative peace and safety. Also scenic canal towpaths. Keen sailors head for Dovestone Reservoir while those who like to cruise go by narrow boat along the Huddersfield Canal - perhaps taking in the famous Wade Lock in the centre of Uppermill. Still dry, then you can always take a dip at the Uppermill Swimming Pool. If you want to you can scale the heights of Dean Rocks near Dovestone which reach up to 1500 feet and are a regular haunt for climbers. Meanwhile railway enthusiasts may wish to admire the impressive Saddleworth Viaduct which crosses the Tame Valley. This dates back to 1949 when it was opened as part of the Huddersfield and Manchester railway. If you prefer less strenuous activities you will enjoy visiting the garden centre at Dobcross which has a lovely tea room serving wonderful home made cakes, or brownhill countryside centre near uppermill which provides exhibitions,information and leaflets on local wildlife, history and surrounding countryside, it also serves as a base for projects such as map reading, plant and tree identification, stone walling and hedging. Other places of interest include the Saddleworth Museum and art gallery which gives a delightful insight into local history with its authentic weavers cottage, woollen mill and Victorian rooms. The museum is in Upper Mill, the commercial and cultural heart of Saddleworth today.This thriving village combines all the comforts of the 20th century with the charm of bygone days. The wade lock for example, is a particularly interesting feature with its triangle basin where two wharfs were used to accommodate 70 feet narrow boats, allowing them plenty of room to turn around. Nor is there a lack of entertainment at the Millgate Theatre in Delph, the Saddleworth Players produce several top class production every year, and it is also the venue for a wide range of films and concerts. Most of the villages have their own brass band who regularly put on concerts. |
| Local events May: Saddleworth Canal Festival June: Vintage Car Rally Whit Friday: Brass Band Concerts. Whitsuntide Saturday: Beer Walk. Whitsuntide (every 4 years): Saddleworth Festival. July: Saddleworth Show July: Folk Festival August: Rushcart. August: Yanks Weekend (They filmed it here) For information on special events contact Tic on: - 01457 870336/874093 Places to visit within a short distance Saddleworth museum and art gallery Dobcross garden centre Holmfirth (last of the summer wine) Portland basin museum The Lowry at Salford Quays Manchester museum and art gallery The museum of science and industry Hollingworth lake Eureka at Halifax Halifax Piece Hall Manchester United Football club and museum Shibden Hall and estate Ellenroad engine house Spindles shopping centre Tommyfield outdoor market Other places of interest Trafford centre National coal mining museum East Lancs steam Railway Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Rail National Railway museum at York National Tramway Museum British commercial vehicle museum Irwell sculpture trail Tatton Hall Stately Home (Far from the Maddening Crowd) Lyme Park (seen as Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice) Royal Armouries in Leeds Blackpool Pleasure beach Sealife centre Blackpool Martin Mere Widlife and wetland trail Blue planet Aquarium Bronte Parsonage museum Keighley worth valley railway Oakwell hall and country park Chester zoo Camelot theme park |
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