Summary
As a town positioned above the Lancashire Coalfield, Wigan was significantly impacted by the Industrial Revolution and evolved into a central hub for coal mining and cotton spinning.
The collieries and mills were supported by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, an astonishing feat of Georgian engineering connecting major manufacturing districts across the North West.
Remnants of Wigan’s industrial era are prominently displayed at Wigan Pier, a partially derelict wharf, while the Trencherfield Mill and Astley Green Colliery house remarkable steam engines from this period.
There are patches of ancient woodland scattered throughout the borough, untouched for centuries, while Haigh Woodland Park is a highly regarded destination for families situated on a historic estate.
Let’s explore the top attractions in Wigan:
1. Haigh Woodland Park
Haigh Woodland Park is one of the North West’s most cherished outdoor attractions, situated a short distance north of Wigan town.
This park is part of the medieval grounds of Haigh Hall, a country house that was last rebuilt in 1840 and currently operates as a hotel.
Among the beeches, oaks, sycamores, and horse chestnuts, the sprawling 500-acre park offers diverse activities for all visitors.
Children can enjoy the high ropes course and an adventure play park, alongside options for crazy golf, adventure golf, and a miniature railway.
Adults can participate in a round of golf at Haigh Hall Golf Club, located within the estate’s former stable block.
A highlight is the Kitchen Courtyard, featuring a tearoom, a brewery, craft studios, and shops that specialize in artisan bread, ice cream, and chocolate.
During the summer months, numerous child-friendly activities, such as archery, bushcraft, pond dipping, and storytelling, are available.
2. Museum of Wigan Life
The distinguished Elizabethan Revival structure that hosts this museum was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, who was also the architect for Manchester Town Hall and London’s renowned Natural History Museum.
Initially completed as Wigan Public Library in 1878, George Orwell visited in 1936 for research regarding his work, Road to Wigan Pier.
The Museum of Wigan Life commenced operations in 2010 and comprises a collection of over 30,000 artifacts.
The museum’s collections encompass areas such as archaeology, natural history, fine arts, industrial history, social history, and applied arts.
Items of interest include a German helmet from World War I, local 16th-century pewter, Roman pottery, and Victorian holiday souvenirs from Blackpool.
Notable mentions include a 1902 turnstile from the former stadium of the Wigan Warriors, a pocket watch manufactured in Wigan at the turn of the 19th century, and an 18th-century shotgun crafted by Barker of Wigan.
3. Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green
An insightful half-day visit can be made to the Astley Green Colliery, located a few miles east of Wigan.
This site encompasses the last remaining pit headgear and engine house on the extensive Lancashire Coalfield.
The mine was in operation from 1912 to 1970, and it offers a unique opportunity to understand a way of life that has vanished within a single generation.
The notable 30-meter headgear constructed in 1912 is one of the primary attractions, along with the substantial twin tandem compound steam engine housed within the winding room, powered by 16 Lancashire boilers.
Visitors can also inspect a collection of 28 narrow-gauge colliery locomotives, the most extensive of its type in the UK. Due to its remarkable industrial architecture, Astley Green is frequently chosen as a filming location and was featured in the BBC2 series Peaky Blinders in 2018.
4. Mesnes Park
Mesnes Park encompasses thirty acres of lawns, paths, and flowerbeds located northwest of Wigan town center. This Victorian park, which opened in 1878, features in its center a beautifully designed pavilion crowned with an expansive glass lantern.
Much like the rest of the park, this pavilion has undergone revitalization in recent years, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Inside the pavilion, there is a café that is particularly popular during summer for its delicious real dairy ice cream.
The park also features a charming Arts and Crafts-style entrance lodge, which is available for functions, such as weddings.
While strolling through the park, visitors will encounter a nostalgic bandstand as well as a statue of local politician Sir Francis Sharp (d. 1911). The bronze on his foot is shiny due to people rubbing it for good luck.
5. Leeds and Liverpool Canal
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the longest continuous canal in the UK, traversing through Wigan on its 127-mile path between its namesake cities.
This waterway was constructed at the turn of the 19th century for the transportation of coal, limestone, and textiles across the industrial North West, providing access to the Port of Liverpool.
While freight transport has long since been supplanted by narrowboats for leisure, the well-maintained towpaths accommodate a steady flow of walkers and cyclists.
The canal offers access to various attractions on this list, including the DW Stadium, Wigan Flashes, Trencherfield Mill, and the upcoming Wigan Pier.
6. Wigan Pier
There is no doubt that this historic wharf along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal currently exhibits signs of neglect.
However, for those interested in industrial architecture, it is an essential site to visit.
The towpath retains cobblestones and contains the remnants of an older narrow-gauge railway, along with rows of warehouses dating back to the Georgian period.
Additionally, there is a literary association as George Orwell documented the challenging living and working conditions of this region in his book, Road to Wigan Pier.
A redevelopment initiative in the early 2000s ignited significant hope for the wharf, but plans were derailed by the Great Recession in 2008. As of 2018, the site remains in decay, yet its potential is unmistakable.
7. Trencherfield Mill
One of the revitalized industrial giants located along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the cotton-spinning Trencherfield Mill, which was established in 1907. Up until its closure in 1968, the mill’s machinery was powered by an enormous 2,500 horsepower triple-expansion four-cylinder engine.
The four-story structure was transformed as part of the Wigan Pier regeneration, with that colossal engine now back to pristine condition.
The mill and its engine are open for viewing every Sunday. However, for an immersive experience, consider attending a “Steaming Day,” which typically occurs twice a month from March to December, where this 110-year-old titan is set into motion.
8. Church of St Wilfrid
The parish church located in the nearby village of Standish holds a Grade I designation and has been described in the 20th century as “one of the most intriguing churches in Lancashire.” This church is first documented in the early 13th century, although it is believed to have been established much earlier.
The current architecture derives from a Tudor reconstruction dating back to the 1580s, which incorporates elements from both Gothic and Renaissance styles.
This transitional style is evident in the nave, characterized by semi-circular arches with a slight point, supported by Tuscan columns.
When observing the nave and chancel, one can admire the intricately molded beams of the Tudor-era ceiling.
The chancel contains a pair of chest tombs from the 16th and 17th centuries, one of which (dedicated to Richard Moodie) includes an effigy originally carved in the 14th century, later reused.
9. The Old Courts
The striking Victorian courthouse located on Crawford Street has been transformed into a multi-faceted arts center operating on a non-profit basis.
The Old Courts is a complex with various performance spaces integrated within its structure.
The largest space is the Grand Vault, accommodating up to 300 spectators for gigs, complemented by the ceremonial Courtroom and the more intimate Bailiff Bar.
A brief visit to their website will reveal an array of activities at this center: craft workshops, theatrical performances, live music events (including many tribute acts), parties, poetry readings, educational lectures, comedic performances, and discussions featuring cultural figures and sports personalities.
10. DW Stadium
Wigan features a bold, modern arena that serves its two sports teams, Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors.
The DW Stadium was constructed in 1999 at a cost of £30 million and has a capacity of over 25,000 spectators.
As of 2018, Wigan Athletic competes in the Championship, the second tier of English football, although they previously enjoyed a prolonged presence in the Premier League during the 2000s and secured the FA Cup in 2013. The Wigan Warriors, the rugby league team sharing the stadium, competes during the summer months.
The Warriors are notably more successful, having claimed the Super League championship (formerly known as the RFL Championship) 21 times, with three victories in the years following 2010. Don’t forget to capture a photograph of the statue honoring Dave Whelan, the former owner of Wigan Athletic, who played a key role in achieving the FA Cup triumph.
11. Wigan Flashes Local Nature Reserve
Flashes are a geographical feature typical in coal-mining regions.
Here, depressions created by mining subsidence have become inundated with water.
A favorable outcome of this unintended alteration to the landscape is the adaptation of local wildlife.
At Wigan Flashes, mere minutes from Wigan Town Center, there exists a variety of habitats across eight flashes, including scrublands, swamps, reed beds, and woodlands.
Visitors can explore over six miles of walking paths within the reserve, which include six bird hides.
The banks serve as breeding grounds for the willow tit, while spring visitors may be fortunate enough to spot a bittern, a rare wading bird listed on the RSPB’s Amber List.
12. Wigan Little Theatre
Wigan Little Theatre is a cherished producing venue that has played a prominent role in the local arts scene since 1943. This establishment is particularly notable for the substantial contribution made by volunteers both on stage and in backstage operations.
The repertoire primarily encompasses musicals and interpretations of classic plays.
For an example, the 2018 program included the acclaimed History Boys by Alan Bennett and an adaptation of Peter James’s crime novella, A Perfect Murder.
In 2016, the venue introduced the Next Door bar, which has enhanced accessibility for visitors.
13. Three Sisters Circuit
Promoted as the North West’s most demanding race circuit, Three Sisters offers a thrilling experience for motorsport enthusiasts of all ages.
For young enthusiasts, outdoor karting is available, which can be arranged in groups or on “Arrive ‘n’ Drive” days during specified weekends and school holidays, allowing children aged 8-15 to simply arrive, put on safety gear, and begin racing.
Separate “Arrive ‘n’ Drive” days are also organized for adults, in addition to pre-bookable “Karting Blasts,” where novice drivers can get acquainted with the karts.
Three Sisters also features a full-sized racing circuit, hosting Road Car Track Days that allow visitors to bring their own vehicles to test their performance.
During Drift Days, participants can take a high-speed ride in a rear-wheel-drive car, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
14. Borsdane Wood
Located to the east of the borough lies a significant area of semi-natural ancient woodland that has thrived since the 17th century.
This 85-acre wood includes virgin birch, ash, oak, hazel, cherry, hawthorn, dog rose, and blackthorn trees.
This area was previously part of the Hindley Hall Estate, where the magnificent Georgian mansion now serves as the clubhouse for the Hindley Hall Golf Club.
Borsdane Wood is particularly scenic along the banks of the Borsdane Brook, which flows into the nearby Pennington Flash, enveloped by a sprawling 500-acre country park.
15. Fairy Glen
Further to the northwest of Wigan lies a tranquil segment of West Lancashire countryside nestled against the slope of Parbold Hill.
There, the Sprodley Brook has carved out sandstone rock formations, creating walls, waterfalls, and cascades.
This picturesque landscape is set in the shade of mature broadleaf forests, featuring centuries-old oaks and ashes alongside younger birches and alders.
A single trail follows the brook, encompassing benches where visitors can admire the cascading waters.
Visiting in April or May is recommended, as the bluebells and red campions bring vibrant color to the forest floor.
