St Chad's Church occupies a commanding position on the hill above Rochdale town centre, a medieval parish church with a tall square tower that has been visible for miles across the Roch valley for six centuries. The current building dates largely from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, though a church has stood on this site since at least the twelfth century.
The interior holds several notable features: medieval stained glass, carved choir stalls, and a number of memorial tablets spanning several centuries of local history. The churchyard has fine views over the town, and the approach from the bottom of the hill via the 124 steps is one of the more atmospheric walks in Rochdale. The church is open to visitors during daylight hours.