Visit Oldham’s new interactive trail for families

MCRJourno

A free, family-friendly adventure is coming to Oldham town centre on Saturday 14th June offering residents a new way to explore the borough’s rich history.

The Oldham Time Trek is an interactive augmented reality trail featuring 12 stops where visitors can meet hidden characters, read stories, and solve puzzles.

The trail invites families to step back in time, take selfies with historical figures, and uncover fascinating facts about Oldham’s past.

Highlights include stepping into the shoes of local hero Annie Kenney and spotting unique architectural details like elephant head carvings.

All that is needed is a smartphone or tablet that can scan QR codes, with no apps to download or registration required.

Participants can view the map at Oldham Time Trek Trail, visit the stops in any order, and take as long as they like to complete the experience.

It typically takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete the trail in one go, and at each stop visitors scan the QR code to collect letters that solve a word puzzle.

Completing the puzzle unlocks a free digital prize and a small treat from Waterstones inside The Spindles.

The trail, created by Oldham Council, High Street Safari, and Dare to Know Theatre, will be available until June 2026.

To mark the launch, guided tours led by Jeremy Sutcliffe of the Oldham Area Civic Society will depart from the Annie Kenney statue at 10am and 1pm.

Councillor Peter Dean called the trail "a fun and interactive way to get out, get walking, and see Oldham in a new light."

Families are encouraged to share their photos using #LoveOldham and for more information you can visit the Oldham Time Trek Trail website.