Widnes stands on the north bank of the Mersey Estuary, where it narrows to form the Runcorn Gap, opposite Runcorn.
Once in Lancashire, the area became part of Cheshire in 1974 following a reorganisation of local government.
Until the 19th century this was a rural area, consisting of just a few villages.
Development began in 1847 when a chemical factory, producing alkali, was opened at Spike Island. This was soon followed by several others and the town grew rapidly as social amenities and housing was built for the factory employees.
By 1862 the town was producing more alkali than any place in the world, as well as soap, borax and bleaching powder, and there was also an iron and copper works. In the 1890 the companies producing alkali combined to form the United Alkali Company.
Widnes became heavily polluted by smoke and the by-products of these industries.
The 1905 Widnes-Runcorn Transporter Bridge, spanning the river Mersey, gave the town access to Runcorn for the first time. In 1961 the Runcorn-Widnes Bridge (or Silver Jubilee Bridge), replaced it.
Spike Island in the Mersey Estuary, the birthplace of the British chemical industry, is now a reclaimed toxic waste site.
The island is at the centre of the Mersey Forest, one of the UK's Community Forests. A surviving warehouse on the island houses the Catalyst Museum.
Catalyst Museum Mersey Road, Widnes WA8 0DF
A science discovery centre with a chemistry theme. Shows how the products of chemistry are used in everday life. Illustates the contribution made by the chemical industry to the local area. 4 interactive galleries. Catalyst Museum information
Spike Island Mersey Road, off Waterloo Road, Widnes
Spkie Island has a network of paths and trails, Visitor Centre, woodlands, grasslands and watreside areas ready to explore. Spike Island information
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Derby Road, Widnes Widnes WA8 3UJ MAP Perfectly situated for visiting the many local attractions, the hotel is set in beautiful Cheshire countryside, within easy reach of the M62, junction 7, and the Mainline Runcorn Station. From the business traveller to family weekend breaks, the Best Wes... More Information and Book ... |
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Cronton Lane Widnes WA8 9AR MAP The Hillcrest Hotel is situated close to Chester, Manchester and within easy reach of Liverpool and Liverpool Airport. Our modern hotel is in a rural setting with easy access to the M6, M57 and M62. Nelsons bar, a traditional oak-beamed pub, serves a wid... More Information and Book ... |
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146-148 Mersey Road Widnes WA8 0DT MAP Overlooking the River Mersey, this hotel shows Sky Sports channels on the wide-screen TV in its on-site bar. Free private parking is possible and both Runcorn and Widnes town centres are within a 5-minute drive of the Mersey Hotel. There is also a beer ga... More Information and Book ... |
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Fiddlers Ferry Road A562 Widnes Widnes WA8 0HA MAP ... More Information and Book ... |
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1 Bargyloo Cottage, Warrington Road, Bold Heath Widnes WA8 3XW MAP With views over Cheshire’s countryside, The Robins Guest House is a 10-minute drive from Warrington. The charming house features landscaped gardens and elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi. The bright and stylish bedrooms each have a bathroom with fluffy bath... More Information and Book ... |
Towns Near Widnes To Visit - straight line distance:
Runcorn Tourist Information (1.83 miles) Daresbury Tourist Information (4.28 miles) Frodsham Tourist Information (5.24 miles) Prescot Tourist Information (5.30 miles)