Tucked away between the big cities of Liverpool and Manchester, Wigan is a large town with a lot to shout about. Its proud population of ‘Wiganers’, which includes famous names such as Sir Ian McKellen and the late George Formby, have recently been declared the happiest people in Greater Manchester. It’s not just the people that are full of life, though. The town itself is positively buzzing with a vast array of attractions and entertainment spots, ensuring you’ll never be left wondering what to do in Wigan. If you are staying at any of our four Wigan hotels, then you will find this guide useful when picking out a place to eat or drink, choosing a day out or an evening's entertainment. With landmarks dotted around the town centre, as well as attractive suburbs such as Orrell and Standish, you will find something to do wherever you are in town.
Things to do in Wigan
Activities
Whether you enjoy leisurely strolls around the countryside, adrenaline-fuelled go-karting races, museum and brewery tours or a day at the races, you will find it all and more in Wigan. Check out our dedicated guide to the best activities in the town to plan what you’ll get up to during your stay.
Entertainment
Culture vultures and sports fanatics alike will find lots of entertainment in Wigan. With a great amateur theatre, multiple independent live music venues and a modern stadium hosting both Wigan Athletic F.C. and Wigan Warriors, our guide shows you where to find the town’s best entertainment spots.
Places to eat
Looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat in Wigan? With restaurants dishing up international cuisines such as Italian, Indian and Tex-Mex, as well as some top-notch cafés serving delicious sweet treats and artisan coffees, our guide will point you in the direction of Wigan’s finest eateries.
Shopping
There are plenty of places to enjoy some retail therapy in Wigan. One of the most popular spots for a shopping spree is Grand Arcade, a modern indoor complex in the town centre. Boasting over 45 high street favourites such as Debenhams, Topshop and Next, you are bound to find something you love here.
The Galleries is another centrally located indoor shopping centre, with over 60 stores, cafés and restaurants to choose from. This one is a particular favourite with those searching for a bargain, with stores such as Savers, Home Bargains and Designer Clearance.
Finally, we recommend a trip to Robin Park, a retail and leisure park next to the DW Stadium. Here you will find large stores such as TK Maxx, Matalan and Argos accompanied by restaurant chains like Frankie & Benny’s, Pizza Hut and KFC.
Getting Around
Wigan is served by a wide range of transport links. The town itself has two train stations. The largest is Wigan North Western Railway Station. The six platforms here allow passengers to travel to nearby places such as Manchester and Liverpool, as well as longer journeys to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Just across the street is Wigan Wallgate Railway Station, a three-platform station that serves two routes – Manchester-Southport and Manchester-Kirkby.
If you are travelling to Wigan by air, then it is pretty much equidistant between Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Once you arrive, you can get around by visiting Wigan Bus Station next to The Galleries Shopping Centre, where Transport for Greater Manchester run services to all the nearby towns and villages.
Shopping in Wigan
