It lies on undulating land by the River Medlock, on Oldham's southern boundary with Ashton-under-Lyne in the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside.

[1] Lying within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire from a very early time, Bardsley anciently formed a hamlet within the township and parish of Ashton-under-Lyne.

First Greater Manchester's frequent 409 service runs to Rochdale via Oldham and Royton.

Bluebird's 396 service runs to Newton Heath via Fitton Hill, Hollinwood and Failsworth.

The nearest railway station is Ashton-under-Lyne which provides links to Manchester, Southport and Huddersfield.