Wigan: Culture, Canals and Industrial History

Wigan combines parks, culture and an industrial past with a diverse network of waterways. Anyone planning a trip can bring together a range of interests here: a visit to the museum, music in the historic park, theatre, as well as active hours along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. This combination makes Wigan an interesting destination for families who do not want every day of their holiday to be the same.

Discover culture and history in Wigan

The Mesnes Park is a good starting point for cultural discoveries. It opened in 1878 and, with its bandstand, has another special connection to the events scene: music events take place there throughout the year. This makes it possible to combine time in the park with a specific cultural experience.

The Wigan Museum also tells the story of the area's history. It is housed in Wigan's first public library; the building was designed by Alfred Waterhouse. A literary connection makes the visit even more noteworthy: in 1936, George Orwell carried out research in the reference library of the Wigan Museum for his book “The Road to Wigan Pier”. Anyone interested in architecture, literature and local history will find several themes here that can be incorporated into their travel plans.

The Wigan Little Theatre is another part of the town's cultural diversity. It stages dramas, comedies, musicals and pantomimes. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house, it can therefore be important to consider whether you would prefer to spend your days visiting museums, attending events and going to the theatre, or taking walks and cycle rides.

Waterways, parkland and industrial heritage

The towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal through Wigan and Greenheart is a surfaced route suitable for walking, jogging, cycling and horse riding. This gives you various ways to experience the surrounding area actively. A branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal also runs from Wigan Town Centre through Haigh Plantations. In Wigan, the waterway connects a diverse mix of popular natural and industrial heritage sites.

A notable example of the industrial heritage is the steam engine at Trencherfield Mill. It was built more than 100 years ago, fully restored and is regarded as one of the largest and best-functioning examples of its kind. Together with the market that Wigan has had since 1246, it creates an image of the town that combines historic labour, trade, technology and contemporary culture.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When searching for holiday accommodation in Wigan, it is worth first deciding which experiences you want. Families interested in history and culture can make the museum, Mesnes Park, the theatre and the steam engine their main priorities. Those who prefer physical activity can plan their days around the surfaced towpath and the waterway through Haigh Plantations. A combination of active outings and cultural visits is also possible. In this way, choosing accommodation becomes part of a considered travel plan rather than simply a question of where to stay overnight.

If you would then like to compare other places, you can find Stretford, Bramhall, Hindley, Stalybridge, Mottram In Longdendale, Uppermill, Pemberton and Timperley here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Greater Manchester.