Wigan sits right in the heart of England’s North West, surrounded by towns synonymous with the industrial golden age: Warrington, St Helens, Bolton and Chorley, with Manchester and Liverpool just over the horizon. Wigan’s particular trades were pottery, clock making, mills and coal mining, and they in turn led to the canals coming, and eventually the railway. Most of that industry is gone now, but there’s still a huge Heinz food factory, and the bookmaker Tote has its headquarters here, among other thriving industries. There’s still a busy shopping area for the locals, too, and the town is well known for its nightlife.
The town is famed around the world for three things: pies (everyone here loves them); Wigan Warriors (easily England’s most successful rugby league club); and George Orwell's 1937 book The Road to Wigan Pier, which documented the lifestyles of the workers of this and other Northern towns. The West Coast Mainline runs straight through the middle of the town on the Bolton and Warrington branch, making it a perfect place to live for commuters to either town, plus Liverpool and Manchester.
Not content with being the birthplace of Northern Soul and legendary all-nighters, Wigan is also notorious for it’s Boxing Day fancy dress night where thousands of revellers take over the bars and streets.
It also has rich sporting heritage as home to one of the world’s greatest ever Rugby League teams Wigan Warriors. The town's football club, Wigan Athletic are also the 2013 FA Cup winners. Both play at the 25,000 capacity DW Stadium.
Why visit Wigan
It’s quite possible you’re visiting Wigan to watch a rugby match, in which case the DW Stadium is about 20 minutes’ walk, or 5 minutes’ taxi, from the station – have a read of the club’s game day experience for more details on where you need to go for a memorable day pitch side. One thing is guaranteed – there’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere in this rugby-obsessed town.
Just to the north east of the town, the houses give way to miles of rolling countryside, and the delightful Haigh Woodland Park. It’s a fine place to wander around, whether you’re alone or with friends and family, but if you fancy doing something fun, you can try out the high ropes, mini golf or perhaps a round of the full size golf course if you’ve got time on your hands.
A taste of Wigan’s cultural heritage is never far away, either. You can visit the Museum of Wigan Life, or be awe-struck by the Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine, a century-old powerhouse that is as thrilling as it is fascinating, especially when it’s fired up and going. At some point, you’ll have to try a pie, so drop into a pie shop, baker or chippy to have your fill. You won’t regret it.
Once you've had enough of pies, you can visit the local market town Ormskirk (just over 15 miles away) which has three Michelin star restaurants. Why not plan a trip out to Moor Hall - which has two Michelin stars - or its sister restaurant, the Barn - which was awarded its first Michelin star in 2022.
All we'd say is book your spot early to avoid disappointment.
And for dessert? It has to be a piece of Ormskirk's famous gingerbread.
