An amazing Art Gallery in the middle of a hidden gem of a place that is the Healey Dell Nature…read morereserve in Rochdale. The artist Phyllis Hargreaves, is available during the weekends and is more than happy to give a tour around her Gallery. Lots of spaces in Healey Dell for the kids to explore and burn off some steam, a Cafe next door to sit and relax, all in all, a really good way to spend the day

Number 10 is a really nice little shop/art gallery in Rochdale that sells a wide variety of arty…read morethings,from hand made cards to sculptures to paintings to jewlery and many more things in between,most although not everything is made by local artists.. They also have regular galleries where for a small fee you can show off your wares and maybe make a few quid in the process. Because Ange was showing a couple of her piccies we were invited to the open evening where members of the public could rub shoulders with the artists and spotty little herberts like me. A really nice spread was also put on,which was a nice touch. It is a real gem in a town centre that is seriously lacking in other little indie gems...

This Edwardian building, which houses the Public Library also (entrance round the corner) is simply…read morestunning. And I wouldn't be surprised if many residents of Bury and the surrounding areas had never set foot in here even once. The Art Gallery and Museum has both permanent collections and a changing schedule of exhibitions plus Archives of family histories that people travel considerable distances to consult. It's all free admission of course and they even have a service which advises you on how to look after valuables, paintings and antiques, although they do not provide valuations. Go on Antiques Road Show for that. The Wrigley Collection is very impressive: Turner and Constable amongst 20th century art as well as prints and ceramics showing that you don't necessarily have to travel far to see some greats.

I know that for many people Bury sounds anything but exciting. If you live in a big city there is…read morealways a danger to start believing that all truly great things are located, planted, and happening in your vicinity. Bury is being scorned so often, it is almost hard to imagine that it is also inhabited by people. If you read this and feel for Bury, then you will be pleased to know that there is a lovely art gallery there. Admittedly, it is small. It is located in a quiet street, in an 18th c. building, and when you enter it you will be impressed by the staircase. Once you are on the staircase, however, you should be even more impressed by one of the 19th c. representations of Dante's story of Paolo and Francesca; the painting hangs just above the stairs. Venture further into the collection, and you will find one of Turner's seascapes, a selection of works by local painters, as well as a massive Chinese chimney. How good is that for a local art gallery that lies forgotten somewhere in the north of Greater Manchester? Bury Art Gallery has strong links with the MET, and 2009 has seen the gallery hosting exhibitions by contemporary artists who work to fuse words and images, as part of Text Festival. So, if you are wondering about what to do this coming weekend, take a tram to Bury and see the art gallery for yourself. You will love it.

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.