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

Canoe at Scotman's Flash 02 May 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Canoe at Scotman's Flash

Discover Wigan's Watersports Activity Centre at the heart of a genuine national treasure, the…

Kayak at Scotman's Flash 02 May 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Kayak at Scotman's Flash

Discover Wigan's Watersports Activity Centre at the heart of a genuine national treasure, the…

Ladies Who Lunch 02 May 2026 - 09 May 2026

Ladies Who Lunch

A clever comedy with twists and turns! This amateur production is presented by special arrangement…

Paddleboarding at Scotman's Flash 02 May 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Paddleboarding at Scotman's Flash

Discover Wigan's Watersports Activity Centre at the heart of a genuine national treasure, the…

Wigan's Voice 02 May 2026 - 25 Jul 2026

Wigan's Voice

Opening on Saturday the 21st of February, this temporary exhibition aims to represent Wigan's…

Women's Super League Match Days 03 May 2026 -

Women's Super League Match Days

Join Leigh Sports Village for an unmissable year of Super League fixtures! Here's…

Nature Walks with Discover The Wild: Spring Foraging 09 May 2026 -

Nature Walks with Discover The Wild: Spring Foraging

Explore the wild and cultivated plants around Haigh and the fascinating stories, mythology and…

Haigh Picnic Brass 2026 10 May 2026 - 13 Sep 2026

Haigh Picnic Brass 2026

Supported by the Friends of Haigh Woodland Park (external link), this summer favourite returns with…

Haigh Artisan Markets 17 May 2026 - 18 Oct 2026

Haigh Artisan Markets

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

Everywhere's a Beach 23 May 2026 -

Everywhere's a Beach

Join Haigh Woodland Park for a day at the beach unlike any other in this high-energy circus theatre…

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Where is Wigan