Explore Wigan

Wigan Borough encompasses the two main towns of Wigan and Leigh, which are among a number of smaller towns and villages in the former Lancashire coalfield.

With 70 per cent green space, the borough boasts a beautiful Greenheart stretching from Leigh through to Haigh Woodland Park and includes beautiful parks, woodlands, wetlands, canals and green spaces for visitors to enjoy. 

The borough also has a growing cultural offer, with the region’s artists and creatives showcasing their work in The Fire Within exhibition in Wigan town centre. The award winning Museum of Wigan Life is also a popular attraction, along with Leigh Turnpike Gallery.

Sitting comfortably between Manchester and Liverpool, Wigan Borough prides itself on a healthy mix of character and heritage with a vibrant mixture of amenities including great shopping facilities and an array of eateries, pubs and bars. 

Visit Wigan

Nestled in a central location within the North West region, with excellent transport links to neighbouring major cities, there’s a whole lot on offer to visitors that you may not have associated with Wigan Borough before.

Things to do in Wigan

Check out our highlights

Borsdane Wood

Borsdane Wood was Wigan’s first Local Nature Reserve. Get away from it all; surrounded by birdsong…

DW Stadium

Wigan Athletic are members of the Barclays Premier League, one of the best leagues in world…

Haigh Golf

Encompassing championship standard courses and first-class facilities, Haigh Golf Complex is a…

Mesnes Park

Mesnes Park is an outstanding example of a Victorian urban park. With manicured lawns, a small lake…

Top Lock

The Top Lock stands about 70 metres above the town and is the highest point of the canal in the…

Wigan Flashes

There are eight shallow wetlands or ‘Flashes’ in the area which were formed as a result of mining…

Wigan Pondway

Wigan contains the "Wigan Pondway", the highest concentration of ponds in the northwest known. Wigan…

Where to eat and drink in Wigan

Boar's Head

Sample fresh food that has been prepared using only local produce, in a warm and friendly…

Where to stay in Wigan

Wigan blogs

Guide to Arts and Culture in Greater Manchester

Galleries, theatres and museums are a big reason to visit Manchester. Permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, famous names, well-loved plays and local or global artefacts offer a window to the world. But wouldn’t it be nice to do more than just look out of a window? Even Da Vinci needed…

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Walking Routes in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is fit to burst with walking routes and trails, so we've put together a round-up of some of the best, with easy-to-use downloadable trail maps. Whether it's an easy family walk, a strenuous 5k or a picturesque dog walk you're looking for, these walks near Manchester mean you have…

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Top 5 things to do in Wigan

Wigan is a surprisingly diverse destination. There's heritage, miles of countryside, sporting glory, shopping, vibrant nightlife, popular festivals, and the best in northern character and hospitality. Haigh Hall and Country Park 250 acres of wonderful and historic woodlands and plantation wrap…

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Where is Wigan