Sadness as long-standing Birch Hotel near Heywood closes after 55 years

Friday, 29 August 2025 07:53

By David Murphy

A popular Heywood hotel with a long history of weddings, events, and local hospitality has closed its doors for good following the sale of its building.

A well-known hotel on the border of Rochdale and Heywood has shut down permanently after more than half a century of service.

The Birch Hotel, originally built as a mill owner’s home in 1874 and converted into a six-bedroom guesthouse in 1970, officially closed yesterday, Thursday, 28 August 2025. The 30-bedroom venue had grown into a local staple for weddings, celebrations, and countryside stays, but staff have now confirmed the hotel has ceased trading after the premises were sold.

A heartfelt farewell message was shared by the team on the hotel’s Facebook page, where they thanked staff, customers, and local suppliers for decades of support. They also reassured guests that all future bookings have been cancelled and any deposits paid will be fully refunded.

"It is with the deepest sadness that we announce The Birch Hotel has closed its doors," the post read. "The premises has now been sold, however to confirm it will not be repurposed for alternative housing arrangements."

The hotel’s team paid tribute to its loyal staff and customers, describing the venue as “a welcoming space filled with warmth, laughter, dining, celebrations, and memories”.

Originally offering just six rooms, The Birch had expanded into a 30-bedroom country hotel, set in three acres of scenic surroundings. Despite continued interest and bookings, the sale of the building brought operations to an end.

The hotel’s statement concluded with: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. It has been our greatest pleasure to serve you. With love and gratitude, The Birch Hotel Team.”

It is not yet known what the new owner’s plans are for the building, but the hotel confirmed it will not be converted into housing.