8 Best Things To Do And See In Wigan, England

1. The Trencherfield Mill and Steam Engine

Standing beside the Leeds to Liverpool canal, this impressive old cotton mill has been beautifully restored and now has a variety of uses, with living apartments, art displays, and a bar and restaurant. A section of the building has been given over to a museum, showcasing the history of the mill and if you visit on a ‘Steaming Sunday’, you will find a behemoth of industrial design, powering away. Possibly the largest working steam engine in the world and capable of producing 2500 horsepower, the massive engine was once the driving force behind all the machinery that made the mill function.

The museum is run by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers, who will happily answer all your questions. Although the museum is open every Sunday for guided tours, not every Sunday is a ‘Steaming Sunday’, so make sure you check the website if you are keen to see the engine in action.

The Trencherfield Mill and Steam Engine

Address: Wallgate, Wigan WN3 4BF, UK

Website: The Trencherfield Mill and Engine

2. The Museum of Wigan Life

Once the Wigan Library, this 19th-century building is now home to the Museum of Wigan Life. Dedicated to the history of working life in Wigan, it has displays moving through time, from Ancient Roman pottery found in the area, to 600 years of coal mining, to the industrial revolution, and the age of cotton milling. Move on to more modern times and learn about the sporting history of the town and its role in the world wars.

The building itself has its own claim to fame - designed by Alfred Waterhouse (who also designed the London Natural History Museum), it was the first public building in Wigan to have electric lighting, and in 1936, George Orwell used the reference section to research his book, ‘The Road to Wigan Pier’. This proudly preserved history is well worth your time, but keep in mind that it is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Museum of Wigan Life

Address: 41 Library St, Wigan WN1 1NU, UK

Website: Museum of Wigan Life

3. Take a canal boat down the Leeds-Liverpool Canal

A canal boat is a perfect way to explore the waterways of the north, whether you want a short one-hour ride through town, or your own boat for a weekend of exploring the network of canals that branch off from the main Leeds to Liverpool line. Many of Wigans more famous attractions are linked by this 250-year-old canal and it can be far more enjoyable navigating the waterway than battling through the street traffic!

Kittywake Canal Cruises

Address: Wallgate, Wigan WN3 4EU, UK

Website: Kittywake Canal Cruises

4. Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This beautiful wetlands nature reserve covers an area of more than 240 hectares (593 acres) and is home to hundreds of species of animal and plant life. Once predominantly coal mines, this piece of land bore the scars of industrialization that made Wigan a successful town, but over time mining subsidence created the ‘flashes’ or lakes, and when the last mine was demolished in 1989, the area underwent extensive rehabilitation to create the amazing wetland reserve you can visit today.

A paradise for bird watching enthusiasts, there are 10 km (6.2 miles) of walking trails around the 8 flashes and over 200 species of birds to spot! A short drive from the Wigan town center, this nature reserve is an easy way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve

Address: Poolstock Ln, Wigan WN3 5HL, UK

Website: Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve

5. Take a Segway Tour of Haigh Country Park

Blending cultural history with modern fun, a Segway tour is a fantastic way to see Wigan’s Haigh Country Park, without wearing your legs out! Your guide will teach you how to ride your Segway on the flat, even ground, in front of the hall, and then take you on a 40-50 minute guided exploration of the estate, including some of the woodland paths. Whether you visit in winter or summer, this tour will definitely be a memorable experience.

Ride Segway

Address: Haigh Country Park, WIGAN

Website: Ride Segway

6. Haigh Hall Miniature Railway

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Haigh Country Park should definitely be on your list of places to visit if you are in Wigan, and while you are here don’t pass up the opportunity to take a ride on the Haigh Hall Miniature Railway. First opened in 1986, the one-mile (1.6 km) long circuit winds through the woodlands of the estate.

Shuttling between two stations at the north and south ends of the park, the train runs on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays between 11 am and 4 pm. Tickets are just 1 GBP (1.29 USD), making it a very affordable family treat.

Haigh Hall Miniature Railway

Address: Haigh, Greater Manchester, England

Facebook: Haigh Hall Miniature Railway

7. The Old Courts

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Once a country court, this impulsive brick building is now a visual and performing arts venue. The heritage of this building has been carefully maintained, making it an unusual venue, with several galleries and performance spaces, including the cozy Bailiff’s Bar. A community interest company, the Old Courts always has something on, and if you are looking for a unique evening out, this is the very place!

With art, live music, open mic nights, poetry nights, and unsigned talent nights, whatever your style, you are sure to have an evening to remember. Check their website to find out what is on, when you are visiting.

The Old Courts

Address: Gerrard Winstanley House, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA

Website: The Old Courts

8. The Astley Green Colliery Museum

Home to Lancashire’s only remaining coal mining engine house and headgear (now a protected Grade II scheduled monument), the Astley Green Colliery Museum is a celebration of the area’s long history of coal mining. On display is the largest collection of colliery locomotives in the world, a gargantuan steam winding engine that has been lovingly restored, a simulation mine tunnel to crawl through and various other coal mining artifacts. The museum staff occasionally run the giant steam engine and it is capable of producing 3300 horsepower.

Although you are unlikely to spend more than an hour or two here, it is so important to the history of the Wigan, and the exhibits are so unique, that it is well worth your time. As this museum is run by volunteers, opening days vary - so check the website for updates before you go. Entry is free, but donations are very welcome.

The Astley Green Colliery Museum

Address: Astley Green Colliery Museum, Higher Green Lane Astley Green, Tyldesley, Wigan M29 7JB, England

Website: The Astley Green Colliery Museum

A different break

Wigan has many quirky and unusual things to do and places to visit, and if you are looking for somewhere that is a little different to spend a few days in, this town in Greater Manchester will more than fit the bill.