Daisy Nook

Daisy Nook runs through the Medlock Valley and is actually called Waterhouses. The name Daisy Nook came from a book by Ben Brierley titled 'A day out' or 'A Summer Ramble'. Brierley asked his friend Charles Potter, an Oldham Artist,  to draw an imaginary place called Daisy Nook. Potter came to nearby Waterhouses to complete his drawing - and from then on the area was known as Daisy Nook.

Brierley's description of Daisy Nook was 'Two Banks seemed to have opened to receive a group of neat whitewashed cottages and after filling them with happiness, surrounded them with a curtain of trees, to shelter them from the outside world. Most of the cottages have gardens attached, growing flowers and vegetables, and there a small orchard displaying its ripening apples'.

Most of Daisy Nook now belongs to the National Trust after it was left to them by the late James Lublam, J.P. 'in order that the fields and woods be kept as a pleasure area'. The area is now maintained by Oldham Council.

Crime Lake

Crime Lake is half between Woodhouses and the Visitors' Centre and forms part of the Country Park. The Lake was made in 1794 in order to supply water to the soon to be opened Fairbottom Canal. Two cottages were submerged and in a dry summer the rooftops can be seen. The lake has always been a focal point and attracts visitors with its beautiful scenery and wildlife.

A popular past time is to feed the Geese and Ducks on the lake. They are so used to the public that their friendliness may surprise you!

Events

The Daisy Nook garden centre also attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year.

Daisy Nook hosts an annual Easter Fair along Stannybrook Road.

Daisy Nook Country Park Visitors' Centre

John Howarth Countryside Centre, Daisy Nook Country Park,
Off Stannybrook Road, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 9WJ
Telephone 0161 308 3909

A beautiful area offering people of all ages the chance to enjoy a peaceful walk looking at wildlife amidst varied countryside. The park includes beautiful woodland areas, a lake, a canal and flower filled meadows with bridleways and footpaths, which link to other countryside areas. At the John Howarth Countryside Centre there are activities for children and a souvenir shop. There is also a cafe and toilets with access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Suggestion: Check out Daisy Nook garden centre on the way back!