Premier Inn Runcorn

Runcorn is best known for its location on the banks of the River Mersey and for its iconic bridges connecting Cheshire with Merseyside. The Silver Jubilee Bridge and the newer Mersey Gateway Bridge are two of its most recognisable landmarks. Runcorn also has an industrial history linked to chemicals and shipbuilding, while nearby attractions like Norton Priory Museum & Gardens and the scenic Bridgewater Canal draw visitors interested in both history and nature.

Yes, Runcorn is worth visiting, especially if you’re exploring the wider Cheshire and Liverpool area. The town has peaceful canal walks, historical sites like Norton Priory and easy access to the Mersey Gateway Bridge for great river views. It’s also a handy base for trips to Liverpool, Chester and the Cheshire countryside.

Runcorn has roots that stretch back to Viking times. Its name is thought to come from the Old Norse words for “a secluded nook where seals are found.” The area was strategically important because of its position on the River Mersey, which made it a useful landing point for Viking settlers and traders. Today, while much of that early history has been built over, the Viking connection is still a part of the town’s story.

Runcorn is a town, not a city. It is part of the Borough of Halton in Cheshire and has grown into a large residential and industrial area, but it doesn’t have city status.

Yes, you can walk across the Silver Jubilee Bridge, it has a pedestrian walkway allowing for some fantastic views of the River Mersey and the surrounding area. The Mersey Gateway Bridge, which is a toll bridge mainly for vehicles, does not have a pedestrian walkway. For walkers, the Silver Jubilee Bridge is the scenic choice.

Runcorn is a town with a mix of history, nature and many activities to explore. One of the highlights is the Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, where you can wander through the remains of a medieval priory, visit the museum, and explore maintained gardens. The Bridgewater Canal offers peaceful walking and cycling routes along the water, perfect for soaking up some fresh air and local scenery. The town is also known for its Silver Jubilee Bridge, which provides great views of the River Mersey and connects Runcorn with Widnes. Nature lovers can spend time at Wigg Island Community Park, a riverside reserve that’s popular for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. Families might enjoy the Brindley Theatre, which hosts live performances or the Halton Miniature Railway. Runcorn is also close to several other attractions worth visiting, including Spike Island, a heritage site nearby, and Runcorn Hill Park and Local Nature Reserve, which is great for hiking, picnics and spotting wildflowers. For a bit of industrial history, you can explore the Sankey Canal Trail, which links up with the Mersey and offers a glimpse into the town’s industrial past.

Yes, Runcorn has a town centre with a mix of shops, cafes and restaurants. While it’s not as large as nearby Liverpool or Warrington, it’s a practical spot for a bit of shopping or a bite to eat before exploring the town’s attractions or heading out on a day trip.

Yes, Runcorn has a main train station, which is on the West Coast Main Line. This makes it easy to reach places like Liverpool, London and Birmingham. There’s also Runcorn East Station, which connects to more local routes across Cheshire and North Wales.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.