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 31 Oct 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Canoe at Scotman's Flash

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

Haigh Monster Mash 31 Oct 2026 -

Haigh Monster Mash

Get ready for a frightfully fun afternoon at Haigh Monster Mash, the ultimate family fancy dress…

Kayak at Scotman's Flash 31 Oct 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Kayak at Scotman's Flash

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

Make. Believe. 31 Oct 2026 - 18 Dec 2026

Make. Believe.

Opening the door to the magic of imagination within our communities Lead artist Sophie Mahon…

Paddleboarding at Scotman's Flash 31 Oct 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Paddleboarding at Scotman's Flash

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

Spark in the Park 01 Nov 2026 -

Spark in the Park

Wrap up warm and join Haigh Woodland Park for an evening of family fun at Spark in the Park! Enjoy a…

Light Up Leigh 14 Nov 2026 -

Light Up Leigh

Get ready to light up the streets for the return of Leigh's magical, annual lantern parade…

Haigh on Ice 15 Nov 2026 - 03 Jan 2027

Haigh on Ice

Ho Ho Haigh on Ice is bringing festive fun to Haigh with a magical outdoor ice skating experience…

Light Night Wigan 2026 20 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026

Light Night Wigan 2026

Light Night Wigan returns for its 6th year! And they are doing things a little bit differently this…

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