Wigan, in the The Metropolitan Borough of the same name, lies to the extreme west of Manchester.
Wigan has long been known as a coal producing area. The first coal mine was established here in 1450 and at its peak there were 1000 pit shafts within 5 miles of Wigan town centre.
During the Industrial Revolution Wigan's excellent canal network resulted in a dramatic economic expansion in the area and a rapid rise in the population.
Wigan Pier, a major trading stop on the Leeds-Liverpool canal, was made famous by the writer George Orwell. In his book, 'The Road to Wigan Pier', Orwell highlighted the terrible working and living conditions of the local coal miners during the 1930s.
Today all the coal mines have gone and in the past few years the 2000 acres of dereliction they created has been cleared and redeveloped. The area's numerous slag heaps have been been replaced by landscaping and green developments and the ancient town of Wigan now has many attractions.
Wigan Pier can still be visited but the tourist attraction itself is closed.
Haydock Park Racecourse Newton-le-Willows, Wigan WA12 0HQ
Have a day out at the races. Haydock Park Racecourse information
Turnpike Gallery Civic Square, Leigh, Wigan WN7 1EB
The gallery specialises in contemporary art from all over the world, at Leigh, south-east of Wigan. Turnpike Gallery information
Trencherfield Mill Engine Pottery Road, Wigan WN1 1BA
See one of the largest steam engines ever to power a mill. Trencherfield Mill Engine information
Astley Green Colliery Museum Higher Green Lane, Astley Green, Tyldesley near, Wigan M29 7JB
Visit the last remaining colliery in the area. Astley Green Colliery Museum information
Haigh Hall Country Park Haigh, Wigan WN2 1PE
Explore the 250 acres of this Country Park located north of Wigan. Haigh Hall Country Park information
Pennington Flash Country Park Off St Helens Road, Leigh, Wigan WN7 3PA
A popular 1100 acre country park centred around a lake. Pennington Flash Country Park information
Three Sisters Recreation Area Three Sisters Road, Bryn, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 8DD
Enjoy country walks in a peaceful setting. Three Sisters Recreation Area information
Worthington Lakes Chorley Road, Standish, Wigan WN1 2XN
Waterside walks and a nature reserve to visit. Worthington Lakes information
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Chorley Road Standish Wigan WN1 2XN MAP Just 10 minutes from Wigan centre, Macdonald Kilhey Court Hotel offers a luxury spa, 2 award-winning restaurants and delicious breakfasts. With free parking, the hotel is 20 minutes from Bolton. More Information and Book ... |
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Moss Lane Wrightington near Wigan WN6 9PB MAP Amongst idyllic countryside and only 2 minutes' drive from the M6 motorway, Wrightington Hotel boasts a modern leisure club with 2 gyms, an 18-metre swimming pool, and a hot tub. More Information and Book ... |
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River Way Wigan WN1 3SS MAP This modern hotel is in the centre of Wigan, easily accessible from the A49 and M61/M6 motorway network, just 5 minutes from Wigan North Western Station. More Information and Book ... |
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Prescott Road East Pimbo, Upholland near Wigan WN8 9QD MAP Set in a 16th-century building, the recently refurbished Lancashire Manor Hotel features stylish rooms, a traditional restaurant and free Wi-Fi. With free parking, the hotel is just off the M6 at Skelmersdale. More Information and Book ... |
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