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Roman Lakes Leisure Park

Over the past century the Roman Lakes has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors. The Roman Lakes and surrounding valley were once central to the great enterprise that was Samuel Oldknow's Mellor Mill. Built in 1792, Mellor Mill was once the largest water mill in Europe and in 1804 five hundred and fifty people worked there.

The Lakes provided water for the mill that was located within the grounds of what is now known as the Roman Lakes. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1892, after which the Roman Lakes was transformed into a pleasure resort. Hoards of visitors came from the surrounding towns to go boating on the lakes, play little penny slot machines, visit the Tea Rooms and take part in quite genteel Tea Dances.

The Roman Lakes Tea Rooms and surrounding space can be booked for group visits or private functions and events. Special public open days and events are planned throughout the year but please do note outside these dates the site is closed to the general public.

In recent times the Roman Lakes has been open to the public on the last Sunday of each month but please check before going. They also host popular Tea Dances on the last Saturday of each month, for which pre-booking is essential as they always sell-out.