Explore Wigan Borough

Wigan Borough encompasses the two main towns of Wigan and Leigh, which are among a number of smaller towns and villages each with their own unique personality in the former Lancashire coalfield.

With 70 percent 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 is steeped in musical history and has a growing cultural offer. The award-winning Museum of Wigan Life is a popular attraction, along with the exhibition spaces at Leigh Turnpike Gallery and Archives: Wigan and Leigh.

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 Borough

Things to do in Wigan Borough

What's on in Wigan Borough

Drumcroon Collection 18 Jul 2025 - 21 Mar 2026

Drumcroon Collection

Drumcroon Education Arts Centre opened in 1980 in an old doctor’s surgery building on…

The Addams Family, A Musical Comedy at Wigan Little Theatre 18 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025

The Addams Family, A Musical Comedy at Wigan Little Theatre

Wednesday Addams, known for her love of darkness, has fallen in love with a sweet man from a…

What's In Store 2025 Exhibition 19 Jul 2025 - 01 Nov 2025

What's In Store 2025 Exhibition

The What's in Store interactive exhibition has been revamped for 2025 and has been packed with…

Haigh Artisan Markets 20 Jul 2025 - 19 Oct 2025

Haigh Artisan Markets

The Artisan Traders are again bringing their amazing products and produce to Haigh. From Cakes to…

Picnic Brass at Haigh Woodland Park 20 Jul 2025 - 07 Sep 2025

Picnic Brass at Haigh Woodland Park

In association with the Friends of Haigh Woodland Park, this summer favourite is returning for the…

Museum Summer Crafts 23 Jul 2025 - 27 Aug 2025

Museum Summer Crafts

Join Wigan Museum for family friendly crafty summer fun every Wednesday with a different theme every…

Haigh Foodie Friday 25 Jul 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

Haigh Foodie Friday

Haigh Foodie Friday is a fantastic family event with live music & DJ's. They have…

Pride in Leigh 26 Jul 2025 -

Pride in Leigh

Pride in Leigh is back again on Saturday, July 26th at Pennington Hall Park! Join for a fabulous day…

Summer of Print 30 Jul 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

Summer of Print

As part of the Make.Believe. Project (2025-2026) and to coincide with the Drumcroon Print Exhibition…

Digital Holiday Club at The Archives 31 Jul 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

Digital Holiday Club at The Archives

Calling all children aged 7 - 11 years. Are you ready for an exciting adventure this school holiday?…

Where to stay in Wigan Borough

The Wrightington Hotel & Country Club

The Wrightington Hotel & Country Club

For those seeking a reprieve from everyday life and an excuse to enjoy some rest and relaxation, look no further than our state of the art spa, health club and hotel, The Wrightington. This luxurious sanctuary transcends the ordinary, transporting you to a world of tranquillity and indulgence, far…

Where to eat and drink in Wigan Borough

Boar's Head

Boar's Head

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

Juniper

Juniper

A decade ago, a young local Chef with a dream opened his first restaurant in Burscough, with the aim…

Wigan Borough blogs

Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Events in Greater Manchester

Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Events in Greater Manchester

Summer's here - and so is a packed calendar of events across Greater Manchester's ten boroughs. From food festivals and free family fun to live gigs and cultural celebrations, there's something going on in every corner of the city-region. Whether you're planning a weekend visit, a day out with the…

Read More
Guide to Arts and Culture in Greater Manchester

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…

Read More
Walking Routes in Greater Manchester

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…

Read More
Top 5 things to do in Wigan

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…

Read More

Search for something...

Continue your Manchester story by exploring further.

Where is Wigan