What a lifesaver the Witzend Gallery on Trinity Street in Stalybridge has been. This small gallery…read moredisplays a fair number of paintings and offers a respected picture framing service but what I'm talking about is their amazing Book Search service. Whilst I was at university, they managed to find me various books for cheap including the weighty tomes of an Oxford Classical Dictionary and a Classical Atlas. Fair enough it wasn't as easy (for them) as a click on Amazon but, let's face it, with the ridiculous standard 10 days to allow for delivery on websites like that, I got them in the same amount of time if not quicker. I thankyou Witzend for your contribution to my esteemed education.

Millyard Gallery in Uppermill is quite extraordinary. They show all different kinds of artwork such…read moreas oil paintings and sketches. There is a vast array of different artwork here and it really is lovely to go and have a look at what local artists have produced as well as artists old and new. I love walking around admiring peoples' work and wondering how they came up with some ideas as their work really is something! They also do workshops here for budding artists such as watercolour landscapes and oil techniques as well as outdoor painting in oil. Take a look at their website for more information.

The independent organisation and registered charity has a lot to offer visitors. Personally I think…read moreit is one of the best museums around and has been going for years. This museum has a lot to offer in history, It has a beautiful setting right next to the Huddersfield Canal and is part of an old Victorian Mill. This is a great place for adults and kids and stuff to take part in. The museum looks at all areas of Saddleworth such as textile industry and family names. It really is good fun learning about the past of this town. Take a look at their website for more information,

Gallery Oldham is a relatively new building and is very architecturally interesting, with strong…read moreemphasis on the aesthetics and some superb 'mad scientist' style lighting features in the reception entrance, giant bubbling test tubes of colour and light, suspended in mid air. The exhibitions here vary seasonally and often have a strong local influence, so there's often lost of information about the history of Oldham as a working town, and insight into the lives of past generations. While there is a heavy focus on the past, this is balanced out by some more modern pieces and the overall modern feel of the building. It's very welcoming with good access and a good quality library. Parking in Oldham is rather expensive though, with restrictions heavily enforced.