The Boarshurst Centre, Saddleworth - Registered
Charity No. 702185
Free Guest Wi-Fi is now available at the centre,
Read MoreMany thanks to Saddleworth Community Hydro Ltd for providing grants to install energy efficient lighting (November 2020), loft insulation (September 2022), Energy Audit Report of the building (May 2024) and boiler control upgrades (October 2024). For more information about the Saddleworth Hydro project please follow the link: https://sites.google.com/site/saddleworthcommunityhydro/home
Read MoreWe are really pleased to announce that in February 2024 the centre has been awarded a grant by Action Together to replace all of its tables and chairs within the centre. Our project is to replace the tables and chairs with modern equivalents. We are in the process of purchasing stacking chairs that are comfortable and are easily cleaned, but are of good quality and of robust construction. Tables would be foldable. It will be possible to clear the main hall of furniture and used for other activities such as exercise classes, meetings and gatherings.
Read MoreOur wildlife garden looked good - we can't wait to see how it develops next year.
Read MoreDuring a routine inspection of the centre signs of damp had become noticeable in the kitchen and after closer inspection all of the floor joists had rotted and rainwater water was coming in, causing major structural problems. Jon Cousins, Director of Rivergate Developments Ltd, based in Mossley offered to get involved and came to SOPAs rescue. Jon’s family had stayed at the centre many years ago and shared happy memories. Over a period of weeks Jon and his team repaired the floor and solved the damp problem at a heavily discounted price. The team fitted in repairing the centre around their busy building business. SOPA is eternally grateful to Jon and his team as without his help and support the centre would not be open and its future uncertain.
Read More105 native trees and hedgerow plants have been planted within and wildlife garden. Our hard working gardening gang has managed to plant them all out and we now look forward to seeing them grow.
Read MoreWe are so grateful to Craig Hannah for donating ten of his fantastic photographs to the Centre as part of our ongoing upgrading process. Craig's photographs can be purchased via - https://www.facebook.com/CraigHannahPhotography
Read MoreRobert Scotts of Greenfield have kindly donated the centre much needed cleaning products to make our centre ready for the season ahead.
Read MoreAdult £500 per night
Family Groups: £450 per night
Child/Youth £400 per night
and University Groups
(including Leaders)
For groups based in Oldham we offer a 10% discount - please let us know when you book.
*All groups/families must have appropriate insurance to cover the group/family during their stay.*
Our Communal Hall - Dining Area with optional table tennis table
One of our Dormitories - 12 beds
One of our Leaders' Rooms - 4 beds
Our Large Kitchen
Our facilities include:
We welcome all affiliated child, youth and adult groups from registered organisations as well as families who wish to use the centre as a base to enjoy the Saddleworth countryside and to practice outdoor pursuits. Groups who have used the Centre include: - Scouting Association such as Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Scout and Cubs. - Walking Clubs. - Morris dance groups. - Overseas educational groups. - College groups. - Drama groups. - Students of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. - Running Clubs. - University groups. - Cycle Groups. - Families. - Post University meet-ups. - Church groups. - Operation Raleigh Reunion Groups. - Independent travel groups(Travel Squad).
Saddleworth is ideal for people who enjoy outdoor activities.
It is a fantastic walking area with stunning scenery with footpath routes across the Moors as well as leisurely walks along the canal or river into one of the beautiful Saddleworth Villages. It is also a great cycling area with many challenging hills to climb along the Isle of Skye Road to Holmfirth. There are rock climbing and bouldering areas. Sailing is also an option. There are plenty of horse riding stables nearby and even a local clay pigeon club.
Here are just a few links that might be of interest:
Saddleworth Discovery Walks - Each walk is led by Chris Maylor, an experienced guide and author of the locally acclaimed Saddleworth Discovery Walks and Oldham Discovery Walks guidebooks.
Dovestone Sailing Club http://www.dovestonesc.org.uk/
Horse riding - Trans Pennine Trail - https://www.transpenninetrail.org.uk/horse-riders/
Saddleworth Runners - http://www.saddleworth-runners.co.uk/
Saddleworth and District Angling Society - https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/fishing/fishery-list/462-saddleworth-and-district-angling-society
We encourage all families and groups to stay at our centre. In particular, the centre is perfect for University Groups who wish to explore the amazing Saddleworth Moor or just wanting to be close to Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and Sheffield. Our centre can accommodate up to 32 guests at any one time in bunkhouse accommodation.
Recently we have had students from Loughborough University, Sheffield University and the Central School of Speech and Drama staying at the centre with fantastic reviews.
We do offer a discounted student rate of £400 per night and we are very flexible about arrival and departure times. These are some of the comments we have recently received:
“It's a very nice bunkhouse, good large dormitories and kitchen, with a massive variety of cooking implements.” Loughborough Student Union Hiking Club
“We have had a brilliant week, and the centre has been a perfect base for our group. You have been welcoming, accommodating and friendly. We hugely appreciate it, and hope to come back!” Central School of Speech and Drama
A short Walk from the Centre to Uppermill
Read MoreTitle | Date | Day | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Saddleworth Santa Dash | 07 Dec 2024 | Saturday | Uppermill, Oldham, UK |
The Whit Friday Brass Band Contest | 13 Jun 2025 | Friday | Saddleworth, UK |
Saddleworth Rushcart 2023 | 23 Aug 2025 | Saturday | Uppermill, Oldham, UK |
Title | Date | Day | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Saddleworth Show 2024 | 30 Jun 2024 | Sunday | Well-i-Hole Road, Greenfield, Oldham, UK |
Wellifest | 29 Jun 2024 | Saturday | Well-i-Hole Road, Greenfield, Oldham, UK |
Saddleworth Steam Fes | 09 Jun 2024 | Sunday | Saddleworth Museum Car Park |
We would like to thank the following organisations who support the work of our centre:
Tesco Community Grant - https://tescobagsofhelp.org.uk/
Saddleworth Hydro Sustainability Grants - https://www.saddleworthhydro.co.uk/
Saddleworth Historical Society - https://www.saddleworth-historical-society.org.uk/
Saddleworth Museum - https://www.saddleworthmuseum.co.uk/
Craig Hannah Photography - https://www.facebook.com/CraigHannahPhotography
Robert Scotts - https://www.robert-scott.co.uk/
Alphin Pans - https://alphin.co.uk