What to do and see in Wigan, England: The Best Free Things to do

May 1, 2022 Stefan Strunk

Wigan (/ˈwɪɡən/ WIG-ən) is a town in Greater Manchester, England, on the River Douglas, 7.9 miles (13 km) south-west of Bolton, 10 miles (16 km) north of Warrington and 16 miles (25.7 km) west-northwest of Manchester. Wigan is the largest settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan and is its administrative centre. The town has a population of 103,608, whilst the wider borough has a population of 318,100.
Restaurants in Wigan

1. Haigh Woodland Park

Copperas Lane Haigh, Wigan WN2 1PB England +44 1942 828280 [email protected] http://Haighwoodlandpark.co.uk
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 753 reviews

Haigh Woodland Park

Haigh Woodland Park is the jewel in Wigan's crown of green spaces - and it's transforming into a one-of-a-kind attraction for families across the north west. Wigan Council and Inspiring healthy lifestyles are spending millions of pounds making this the most beautiful and activity-packed park in the region.

Reviewed By marilyna428 - Chorley, United Kingdom

We went to Haigh Hall today and we were surprised how much has been done to make this a great day for the family, there's loads for children to do, our Granddaughter really enjoyed the adventure golf with Grandad and there's a few places to eat or if you want to take your own picnic there's plenty of room to do that, Haigh Hall also has plenty of areas to walk, there's the walled garden and lots more, we will certainly go again and the parking isn't too expensive at £3 for the day, Do go and give it a try it's a Great Day out

2. Robin Hood Inn

117 Sandy Lane Orrell, Wigan WN5 7AZ England +44 1942 511859 [email protected] http://www.robinhoodorrell.co.uk/
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Robin Hood Inn

3. The Gerrard Arms Aspull

615 Bolton Road, Wigan WN2 1PZ England +44 1942 832346
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

The Gerrard Arms Aspull

4. Wigan Central

1 Queen Street Arch No. 1, Wigan WN3 4DY England +44 1942 246425 [email protected] http://www.wigancentral.bar
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 280 reviews

Wigan Central

Real ale and cider bar in Wigan town centre

Reviewed By brianmT9870HH - Birmingham, United Kingdom

Great bar in two railway arches so unsurprisingly very handy for both train stations. Departure boards also present to let you know your delayed train allows for more top quality real ales! Recommended.

5. Fairy Glen

Hall Ln, Appley Bridge, Wigan WN6 9EQ England +44 1695 622794 [email protected] https://www.westlancs.gov.uk/leisure-recreation/parks-and-countryside/parks-and-countryside-sites/fairy-glen-appley-bridge.aspx
Excellent
53%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 220 reviews

Fairy Glen

Serene forest area featuring tree-shaded hiking trails & a stream with picturesque cascades. However please do not drive to visit this site. There is no car park at Fairy Glen and on-street parking is very limited. Local police will penalise people who park illegally/irresponsibly on the surrounding roads. If you are looking for a more suitable family day out in the local area then the scenic Beacon Country Park has ample parking and a wide range of facilities catering for all ages.

Reviewed By NorthStar180219

It's just a little 20 minute walk, with a small waterfall and pleasant farmland nearby, lots of wild garlic in summer. I live nearby. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there otherwise unless you can combine with something else. There are no facilities or information boards.

6. Church of St Wilfrid

13 Rectory Lane, Standish, Wigan England
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Church of St Wilfrid

Reviewed By ian_dempster - Wigan, United Kingdom

Had the pleasure of a private tour and history lesson by an elderly gent and it was amazing. He told me the history and fables associated with the church. I was there for about an hour just this kind gent and myself. He pointed out the items and stories behind stained glass windows and an helmet from the civil war.

7. Mesnes Park

Mesnes Park Mesnes Park Terrace, Wigan WN1 1TU England http://www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/wigan/parks/mesnes
Excellent
46%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Mesnes Park

A jewel nestled on the edge of Wigan town centre, with a touch of Victorian glory. Formal gardens, a bandstand and waterfall, sit side by side a pavilion building which houses Frederick’s ice cream parlour, the listed Entrance Lodge and children’s play area. Mesnes Park hosts events in the park and the bandstand throughout the year.

Reviewed By anthonymS6370QT - Wigan, United Kingdom

Situated in the town centre of Wigan, this picturesque local landmark is well maintained, in terms of its grounds, flower beds, pond, cafe and numerous statues. Great for young families, dog walkers, and teenagers alike. It has great facilities and appeals to all. Ample car parking areas.

8. Borsdane Wood

Hindley, Wigan WN2 4BT England
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Borsdane Wood

Reviewed By Bikerdave117 - Wigan, United Kingdom

A beautiful place to walk the dog and take the family. Wigan's first Local Nature Reserve. A place of calm and tranquility. Semi natural ancient woodland with the Borsdane brook running through its length. Well managed by the Council and volunteers from Borsdane Friends Group. Lots of organised nature walks throughout the year. A popular Nature Trail with tree carvings to spot. Well recommended!

9. The Twisted Vine Ale House

15 Wigan Road, Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan WN4 9AR England [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/TwistedVineAleHouse/
Excellent
72%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

The Twisted Vine Ale House

We are a warm and friendly micropub offering seven changing hand pumps, six keg taps, three real ciders, craft cans and bottles, gins, wines and spirits. We also host regular tasting evenings including gin, wine and beers. Live music is available every Sunday afternoon, 4-6pm, at our Sunday Sessions; we also have live music on at other selected times. We are dog friendly. 18 + only.

Reviewed By 870870 - Ashton in Makerfield, United Kingdom

Sunday afternoon great vibe n atmosphere with a entertaining guitarist playing a variety of music. Quite busy & annoyingly people chatting in. groups whilst we were trying to listen to the words/ music. Bar staff very. welcoming & acknowledging as well. as educating us on their teal. ales & ciders- a nice display & lots to choose from-mngr was kind enough to personally swap my sweet cider for a berry one which was excellent. An impressive array of gins incl quality mixers too. Prices seem fair so we will return- thanks.

10. Hideout Wigan

Arch 3 Queen Street, Wigan WN3 4HX England [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/hideoutwigan/
Excellent
73%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Hideout Wigan

Reviewed By DaveMather49 - Ashton in Makerfield, United Kingdom

Passed a cracking couple of hours away Saturday night house rosé very good , fab weather this and all the other bars were buzzing . Fantastic staff will be back for certain Dave Mather

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