I come from sunny Rochdale (bye heck) and the Barton is the best option, about 15 mins by motorway.
Or if you are a cheap skate get a lift to the Trafford center and you can get a bus to Rochdale, might have to wait whilst he feeds the horse though
You could even arrange a hire car, but that might require too much planning for a southern softie
If you need directions just give me the address and I will give you directions from the motorway.
Oh yeh and watch the BUMPS at Barton, your guaranteed at least 3 landings