Living in Heywood

Community and local life in Heywood are characterised by longstanding social networks and a welcoming attitude to newcomers. Local events, such as the Heywood 1940s Day and the annual Heywood Charities Fete, bring residents together and celebrate the town’s heritage. Active community groups, local churches, and sports clubs create opportunities for people of all ages to engage and socialise.

The town boasts several parks and recreational grounds, most notably Queen’s Park, which is a popular spot for family outings and outdoor exercise. Weekly markets, local societies, and regular volunteering events underpin a strong sense of local pride. Heywood Civic Centre serves as a hub for cultural activities, from dance classes to live performances, further enhancing the area’s sense of connection and identity.

Crime rates in Heywood are comparable to other urban areas in Greater Manchester, with certain neighbourhoods experiencing higher levels of anti-social behaviour and petty crime. The local police force works collaboratively with community safety partnerships and council teams to address these concerns, with neighbourhood policing teams visible in the town centre and residential areas.

Regeneration projects in parts of Heywood have aimed to tackle deprivation and improve quality of life. Community initiatives—such as youth clubs, street watch groups, and targeted campaigns—help to foster a safer environment. Overall, many residents regard Heywood as a reasonably safe place to live, particularly in quieter suburban streets to the north and west of the town. Active neighbourhood engagement remains key to sustaining and improving safety in the area.

Parking in Heywood is generally manageable, with on-street parking widely available in most residential areas. The town centre offers a mix of free and pay-and-display car parks, as well as spaces near local shops and leisure facilities. Resident parking permits are not typically required, but certain areas close to the town centre may be subject to time restrictions during peak hours.

Congestion is usually moderate, though traffic can build up around key routes during rush hour, especially near the M62 junction and surrounding industrial estates. Road access is one of Heywood’s strengths, with the A58, M62, and M66 all providing straightforward routes to nearby towns and cities.

• Manchester – approx. 25 minutes via M62/M60 (13 miles)
• Rochdale – approx. 10 minutes via A58 (3 miles)
• Bury – approx. 10 minutes via B6222 (4 miles)
• Oldham – approx. 20 minutes via A627(M) (9 miles)
• Bolton – approx. 30 minutes via A58/M61 (15 miles)

Heywood has a selection of traditional pubs, modern gastropubs, and family-friendly restaurants. The area offers a mix of local takeaways, curry houses, Italian and Chinese eateries, with many independent café options in and around Market Place and the main streets. Popular venues include The Crown Inn, Reform Restaurant, and The Flying Horse Hotel in nearby Rochdale, which draws visitors from across the borough.

The social scene in Heywood is generally relaxed, focusing on pubs, occasional live music events, and social clubs. While nightlife is more low-key compared to larger towns, the proximity to Rochdale and Bury offers additional options for cinemas, theatres, and late-night bars. The town hosts a weekly market and occasional food events, making it easy to enjoy locally-sourced produce and home-cooked meals.

School Quality: Schools in Heywood offer generally good educational provision, with several primary and secondary schools rated as 'Good' by Ofsted. This makes Heywood an attractive choice for families with school-age children.

Parks and Green Space: Families have access to a range of parks and play areas, including Queen’s Park and the towpath walks along the Rochdale Canal. These spaces are well-maintained and popular for weekend recreation.

Childcare: There are numerous nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs across the area, providing support for working parents and a head start for young children.

Safety: Many residential areas are regarded as safe, with active community policing and neighbourhood watch schemes in place to further bolster security for families.

Family Activities: Families enjoy easy access to swimming pools, sports clubs, and organised events, including seasonal fairs and social activities at the local library and community centre.

Heywood is a pet-friendly town with ample green space and walking routes, such as the scenic Queen’s Park, Darnhill woods, and canal towpaths. These areas are well-suited for dog owners, with plenty of opportunity for exercise and safe socialisation with other pets.

Several local veterinary practices and pet shops cater to residents’ needs, while many pubs and cafes in and around Heywood are known for welcoming dogs in their outdoor spaces. The overall attitude towards pets is positive, and finding pet-friendly accommodation is generally achievable in most housing types across the town.

Heywood is well-connected to Greater Manchester and the North West by road and public transport. Although the town does not have its own railway station, nearby stations and frequent bus services ensure good connectivity for commuters and residents alike. The M62 motorway passes just south of Heywood, making it a convenient location for those travelling by car.

Public transport options include regular bus routes connecting Heywood with Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, and Manchester city centre. The East Lancashire Railway also provides a heritage rail route from Heywood to Bury and Rawtenstall, which is particularly popular for leisure journeys.

Key commute times:

• Manchester: Approx. 35 minutes by car (13 miles) via the M62 and M60 or 40-50 minutes by bus
• Rochdale: Approx. 10 minutes by car (3 miles), regular direct bus services
• Bury: Approx. 15 minutes by car (4 miles), direct bus connections
• Leeds: Approx. 1 hour via the M62 (40 miles)

Manchester Airport is around 30 to 40 minutes away by car, providing domestic and international connections. The Metrolink tram system is accessible in nearby Rochdale and Bury, offering convenient travel across Greater Manchester.

Schools in Heywood are diverse, with options for primary, secondary, and further education. The town is served by a range of state and independent schools, many of which have longstanding reputations in the local area. In addition to primary and secondary education, Heywood has convenient access to colleges in nearby towns and is within commuting distance of several universities in Greater Manchester.

Primary Schools:

- St Michael’s Church of England Primary School: A well-respected primary school in the centre of Heywood, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019, known for its inclusive ethos and active engagement in local activities.
- Harwood Park Primary School: Located in the south of Heywood, offering a range of extracurricular opportunities, with a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2020).
- Our Lady and St Paul’s RC Primary School: A Roman Catholic primary with a strong community focus, rated 'Good' in 2021.
- Woodland Community Primary School: Serving the north of Heywood, with modern facilities and a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2018).

Secondary Schools:

- Siddal Moor Sports College: The main secondary school in Heywood, it provides a broad curriculum along with a specialism in sports, rated 'Requires Improvement' by Ofsted in 2021 but noted for its inclusive environment.
- Holy Family Roman Catholic and Church of England College (in nearby Rochdale): Popular with Heywood families, rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2019).
- Matthew Moss High School (Rochdale): Another accessible option, rated 'Good' (2019).

Independent and Special Schools:

- All Souls Church of England Primary School: A small, inclusive school in nearby Rochdale.
- Newhouse Academy (previously Siddal Moor): Academy status, offering enhanced facilities and a broad extra-curricular programme.

Colleges:

- Hopwood Hall College: Located in Middleton, within a short drive, offering vocational courses and apprenticeships.
- Bury College: Also easily accessible, providing A-levels and professional qualifications.

Universities:

- The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University are both within commuting distance, making higher education easily accessible for Heywood residents.