Wigan travel guide

Wigan, United Kingdom

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Wigan

Introduction

Located in Greater Manchester, you will find Wigan situated between the cities of Manchester to the south-east and Liverpool to the south-west. This town serves as the administrative centre for the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan and sits within the area that was once part of the historic county of Lancashire.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding the industrial history that shaped this town. Once a small market town, Wigan transformed into a major center for cotton-milling and mining after the arrival of steam-driven mills and its connection to the Leeds-Liverpool canal. You can trace the local culture back to the 19th century, where the name "Wigan Pier" originated from a joke about a coal-carrying viaduct that was later demolished but remained in the cultural consciousness through comedy and literature.

While exploring the town center, you should exercise caution as it is well-policed but can have late-night drunks. You should avoid the rough outlying estates where there is no reason for a visitor to go.

Getting there

You can reach Wigan by road via the M61 or the M6 motorway. If you are traveling by air, Manchester Airport offers a direct train to Wigan North Western, while Liverpool John Lennon Airport requires a bus to central Liverpool followed by a connecting train.

Rail travel provides several options depending on your starting point:

Alternatively, you can travel by coach; a national service runs from London Victoria through Milton Keynes and Birmingham. Local bus routes also provide connections from Bolton, St Helens, Chorley, Preston, and Warrington.

Getting around

You can easily explore the compact town center on foot, allowing you to walk between the canalside, the museum, and the football ground. While the surrounding borough is large and includes various satellite towns, the central area remains highly accessible for pedestrians.

If you need to travel further afield, several bus routes connect you to nearby locations:

Where to stay

You can find comfortable accommodations within the town centre, including a modern chain hotel on Orchard Street and a pub with rooms located on Upper Dicconson Street. For those preferring to stay in surrounding areas, options are available south of town near Marus Bridge or further north toward Standish.

If you prefer a location outside the immediate city centre, you can choose a comfortable business hotel situated in a sports village several miles southeast of Wigan.

Food & drink

You can sample local delicacies such as Uncle Joe's Mint Balls, which are widely available in the area. While many outlets serve meat pies, you might find more excitement in the history of the local competition scene rather than the standard high street offerings. For a drink, you can visit traditional pubs like John Bull Chop House, located in an ancient building, or explore other central options such as The Moon Under Water, The Anvil, and the Royal Oak. If you prefer a pub with a specific theme, Wigan Central offers real ales under the railway arches.

For late-night socializing, several clubs and venues are available in the area, including The Boulevard, Jaks, Ibiza, Bentley's, Revolution Wigan, and Indiependence. You can also visit The Berkeley, which functions as a regular pub during the day but stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights.

What to see and do

Explore the local history and heritage by visiting the Museum of Wigan Life, which depicts life in the area from its Roman origins to its modern status. You can also visit All Saints' Church, a site dating back to the 13th century, or see the monument marking the Battle of Wigan Lane. For those interested in industrial history, Wigan Pier sits on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, where you can walk or cycle along the towpath that connects the Irish Sea to the Mersey.

If you prefer active pursuits, you can experience the local sports scene by attending a match at DW Stadium or visiting the multi-purpose Leigh Sports Village. For a different pace, explore the grounds of Haigh Woodland Park or visit the Three Sisters Circuit for outdoor track racing. You might also enjoy skating to music at the Wigan Roller Rink or catching a film at the Empire Cinema.

Three days in Wigan

Day one, you can explore the local area and visit Wigan Pier. You can also travel to nearby locations such as St Helens or Leigh.

Day two, you can take a train to see neighboring towns like Bolton, Chorley, or Preston. Alternatively, you can head toward Southport.

Day three, you can travel further afield via rail to reach destinations such as Warrington or Blackpool.

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