Wigan, United Kingdom
Region: Greater Manchester
Geographic Coordinates: 53.544800, -2.631800
Temperature Range: -5.0°C to 30.0°C (23°F to 86°F)
Population: 103608
Language: English
Wigan is a town located in Greater Manchester, England. It is well-known for its rich history and industrial heritage. However, It has now transformed into a modern and vibrant town that offers visitors plenty of attractions to explore. One of the most popular tourist spots in Wigan is the Wigan Pier Quarter. This area gained fame after George Orwell’s book, The Road to Wigan Pier was published. The quarter has now been transformed into a cultural hub with museums, Art galleries, And shops.
Visitors can take a stroll along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal or explore the Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine Museum. Haigh Woodland Park is another must-visit attraction in Wigan. This 350-acre park features woodlands, Gardens, Lakes as well as play areas for children. Visitors can also indulge in activities such as golfing or horse riding at Haigh Hall Country Park. For sports enthusiasts visiting Wigan, DW Stadium should be on their list of places to visit as it’s home to both Wigan Athletic Football Club and Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club.
The stadium hosts regular matches throughout the year that attract fans from all over the country. Wigan also boasts an impressive selection of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world – from traditional British pubs to Asian fusion restaurants; there’s something for every taste bud in this town. In addition to its tourist attractions and culinary scene, Wigan also has a thriving arts community with events like live music performances at The Old Courts venue or exhibitions at The Turnpike Gallery.
Overall whether one’s interest lies within history or modern culture; sports or nature; food or art – there’s something for everyone in this lively town located in northern England.’
- The Wigan Pier: This historic landmark was once the center of the town’s industrial activity.
- Haigh Woodland Park: A beautiful park with walking trails, playgrounds, and an adventure golf course.
- DW Stadium: Home to Wigan Athletic Football Club and also hosts concerts and events.
- Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine: A restored steam engine that is now a museum showcasing Wigan’s industrial heritage.
- Mesnes Park: A Victorian-era park with ornamental gardens, fountains, and a boating lake.
- The Museum of Wigan Life: A museum showcasing the town’s history from prehistoric times to present day.
- Three Sisters Racing Circuit: A motorsports venue that hosts car and motorcycle races throughout the year.
- Worthington Lakes Country Park: An area of natural beauty with lakes for fishing and water sports activities such as kayaking and canoeing.
- The Galleries Shopping Centre: A modern shopping centre featuring high-street brands like Debenhams & River Island.
- Western Approaches Museum: A WWII bunker turned museum which showcases exhibits related to war history.
- Manufacturing – Wigan has a long history of manufacturing, particularly in textiles, engineering, and food production.
- Retail – The town center of Wigan is home to a number of retail stores including high street brands like Marks & Spencer and Debenhams.
- Health care – There are several hospitals and healthcare facilities in the area, including the Wrightington Hospital and the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary.
- Education – Wigan is home to several schools, colleges, and universities such as Winstanley College.
- Service industry – There are many service-based businesses in the area including restaurants, hotels, bars etc.
- Construction Industry – Many construction companies operate from this town due to its location between Liverpool and Manchester.
- The Wigan Coal Strike of 1926 was a significant event in the UK’s history, with coal miners striking for better working conditions and wages.
- George Orwell spent time in Wigan during the 1930s while researching for his book The Road to Wigan Pier, which documented the living conditions of working-class people in industrial towns.
- Sir Ian McKellen, a renowned stage and film performer, was born and raised in Wigan and attended local schools before pursuing his career.
- Billy Boston is considered one of rugby league’s greatest players; he played for both Wales and England during his career.
- Dave Whelan owned Wigan Athletic Football Club from 1995 until 2018 after a successful career as a footballer himself.
- During World War II, German bombing raids targeted Wigan’s industrial infrastructure, resulting in significant damage to the town.
- Haigh Hall is a historic country house located just outside of town that has been associated with notable figures throughout its history, including King James II and Queen Victoria.
- Like many other towns throughout northern England, Wigan experienced significant economic decline due to the shrinking coal mining industry during the latter half of the 20th century.
- The Museum of Wigan Life
- Haigh Woodland Park
- Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine
- Wigan Pier Quarter
- Three Sisters Recreation Area
- Mesnes Park
- The Old Courts Arts Centre
- Wigan Parish Church of All Saints
- Wigan Little Theatre
- Haigh Hall and Country Park
- Wigan Athletic Football Club was founded in 1932 and is a professional football club that has been playing in the English Football League since 1978. The team has won numerous trophies, including the FA Cup in 2013.
- Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club was established in 1872 and is a professional rugby league club that plays in the Super League. The team has won multiple championships and is considered one of the most successful clubs in British rugby league history.
- Hindley ARLFC was founded in 1889 as an amateur rugby league club based near Wigan, producing several notable players over the years.
- Ashton Bears RLFC formed in 1905 as an amateur rugby league club based near Wigan, playing at various levels of competition with a strong local following.
- Shevington Sharks RLFC established in 1989, is an amateur rugby league club competing at various levels throughout Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
- Wigan International Jazz Festival
- Wigan Food and Drink Festival
- Wigan Arts Festival
- Wigan Pride
- Haigh Woodland Park Christmas Markets
- The Great Northern Soul Food Festival
- Standish Christmas Market
- The World Pie Eating Championship at Harry’s Bar in Wallgate, Wigan
- Winter Wonderland at Mesnes Park
- The Old Courts – a cultural center with a restaurant serving traditional British dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and steak pie.
- The Fat Olive – a Mediterranean restaurant offering dishes such as grilled lamb chops, moussaka, and seafood paella.
- The Cherry Gardens – a pub serving classic pub food like burgers, sandwiches, and roast dinners.
- The Anvil – a gastropub with an extensive menu including dishes like pan-fried sea bass, slow-cooked beef brisket, and wild mushroom risotto.
- Gathurst Station Tea Rooms – a charming tea room located in an old railway station serving homemade cakes and scones along with light lunches like soup or quiche.
- Spicy Grillz – an Indian restaurant offering traditional curries like chicken tikka masala or lamb rogan josh alongside biryanis and kebabs.
- La Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant – a Spanish-themed eatery with tapas plates such as patatas bravas or gambas al ajillo alongside larger mains of paella or grilled meats.
- Pesto at the Dicconson Arms – an Italian-inspired restaurant specializing in pasta dishes like linguine alla carbonara or penne arrabbiata alongside pizzas cooked in their wood-fired oven.
Parks and Recreational Activities in Wigan City
- Mesnes Park is a picturesque Victorian park that boasts a serene lake, stunning ornamental gardens, and fun-filled play areas for children to enjoy.
- Haigh Woodland Park is a sprawling parkland that offers visitors an opportunity to explore the woodlands through walking trails, indulge in adventurous playgrounds, and play mini-golf.
- Pennington Flash Country Park is an idyllic nature reserve that features multiple lakes for fishing and water sports enthusiasts to enjoy, bird watching hides for nature lovers, and scenic walking trails.
- Three Sisters Recreation Area serves as the perfect destination for outdoor motor racing enthusiasts with its exhilarating motor racing circuit while also providing ample opportunities for fishing and cycling activities.
- Wigan Roller Rink provides a fun indoor skating experience with public skating sessions as well as private party options available.
- Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust manages various leisure centers across the region where visitors can access swimming pools, fitness classes, sports facilities along with other amenities.
In addition to these parks mentioned above in Wigan City offer recreational activities like football pitches or tennis courts alongside children’s play areas or picnic spots.
