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 19 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 19 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…

Paddleboarding at Scotman's Flash 19 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 19 May 2026 - 25 Jul 2026

Wigan's Voice

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

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…

Haigh Woodland Spa Day 24 May 2026 - 20 Sep 2026

Haigh Woodland Spa Day

Mindful Events aim to provide an enjoyable and non-judgmental environment for anyone wishing to ease…

Billy Ocean with Marti Pellow 29 May 2026 -

Billy Ocean with Marti Pellow

The chart-topping legend behind classic hits as Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run), and When…

Haigh Foodie Friday 29 May 2026 - 30 Oct 2026

Haigh Foodie Friday

The now legendary Foodie Friday nights are back - bigger and better than ever before! There will be…

Lottery Winners 30 May 2026 -

Lottery Winners

This landmark event marks a full-circle moment for the unstoppable Leigh band, who over the past…

Haigh Picnic Brass 2026 14 Jun 2026 - 13 Sep 2026

Haigh Picnic Brass 2026

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

Where to stay in Wigan Borough

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

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

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

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

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