A FORMER ghost town in the UK is now flourishing as a visitor hotspot, with fancy restaurants, a nature reserve and even go-karting.
As recently as 2019 the train station at Denton, near Manchester, was used by only 46 passengers throughout the whole year.
AlamyDenton has been described as “up and coming” by its residents[/caption]
But now the town has become a hive of activity for families and for evenings out.
Back in 2021 local restauranteur Yusuf Ceyhan, who owns several different eateries in Denton told the Manchester Evening News how quickly the town was developing.
He said: “When we first opened we saw the potential, people staying in town. Then we opened the tapas restaurant and more people came into town.
“Gradually we have seen a difference. Five years ago it was a ghost town.”
Yusuf opened three of his restaurants in the Tameside destination in the space of five years with his business partner Levent Guleryuz.
They include Istanbul Grill, Los Amigos Tapas and Log Bar, all of which are still up and running.
Other popular night spots include Crown Point Tavern, Fletcher’s Arms and The Little Chap.
One resident told the MEN: “I’ve lived here for 39 years, it’s quite a nice town. It’s up and coming now.”
Denton doesn’t only have drinking and eating on offer, with the Haughton Dale Nature Reserve a great place to work off some of the beer and food.
The site is described by the Woodland Trust as having “an extensive path network for walkers of all abilities, cyclists and horse riders”.
They continue: “It is an opportunity to enjoy the wildlife on your doorstep, or just take a gentle stroll in the countryside.”
Running through Haughton Dale is the Peak Forest Canal, which is described by the Canal & River Trust as one of Britain’s most scenic waterways.
It offers a waterway to the edge of the Peak District through countryside landscapes.
Back in Denton, there’s plenty more for families to enjoy, including the Fab Fun Kids Karting.
One five star TripAdvisor review reads: “Great place to bring the little ones go-karting.
“We did laps and lunch with Father Christmas and it was amazing!
“They also do lots of other ones such as laps and lunch with the Easter Bunny and kid’s favourite characters such as Peppa Pig, Chase, Postman Pat etc.”
Elsewhere, Saint Lawrence Church stands out as another sight worth seeing in the town, with its unusual black and white timber frame.
The grade II listed building is one of only 29 surviving timber framed chapels in the country and has been in place since 1531.
Trip.com describes the town as “home to an impressive selection of attractions and experiences, making it well worth a visit”.
Meanwhile, this small UK town was named one of the prettiest in the UK.
And this tiny UK village is like a 1940s film set.
St Lawrence Church is one of only 29 timber chapels in the country