Jimmy McIlroy Stand

The Jimmy McIlroy Stand sits at Spotland Stadium in Rochdale, a short drive from Rossendale - a proper tribute to one of English football's finest midfielders. McIlroy played for Burnley and Manchester United, and this stand bears his name at his hometown club's ground. It's not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, more a pilgrimage for football history types and anyone with a soft spot for 1950s talent.

You'll get the most from this if you're a serious football fan or happen to be in Rochdale on match day. Wandering around the stadium exterior gives you a sense of the place, though access to the stand itself depends on whether there's a game on - worth checking ahead. The real value is in the history: McIlroy was a genuine talent, capped 34 times for England, and his legacy at Spotland tells part of Lancashire's football story.

If you're based at one of the glamping sites nearby - Trawden Forest or Higher Grange are both cracking - Spotland is easily reachable for a half-day outing. Pair it with a proper walk around Rossendale's hills or a visit to the town itself. Don't expect lengthy queues or visitor facilities; this is football heritage, not a theme park. The stand is a quiet testament to a player worth remembering.