Activities in Wigan

Wigan and its surrounding area is prime location for taking in some of Lancashire’s beautiful countryside. One of the best scenic spots is Haigh Woodland Park. Spread over 250 acres, there really is something for everyone here. Kids can enjoy the adventure play area, crazy golf or footgolf. Adults can ramble around the walking trails, explore the walker garden or discover the kitchen courtyard full of foodie attractions.

Another good place to spend some time in the countryside is Worthington Lakes in Standish, just two and a half miles from our Wigan (M6, J27) hotel. Whether you want to walk, fish or picnic, the three reservoirs that make up Worthington Lakes are the perfect place to do it, with picturesque views and well-maintained paths and facilities.

Adrenaline seekers may not be sold on a quiet walk – that’s okay, Wigan still has you covered. Three Sisters Race Circuit in Ashton-in-Makerfield is said to be ‘the north-west’s most challenging go-karting circuit’. If you have a need for speed, this 1.5km outdoor track is the perfect place to challenge family and friends to a race in safe conditions.

Just a short drive from Three Sisters, and next door to our Wigan (M6, J25) hotel, is Velocity Trampoline Park. This is one of the largest trampoline parks in Europe, complete with giant slides, climbing frames, a gladiator arena and more. There is also a soft play section for children under four years old, as well as a café area for parents.

If museums are more your scene, then you should have a gander around The Museum of Wigan Life on Library Street, close to Wigan Wallgate station. Housed within a 19th-century listed building, the 30,000 artefacts here tell the story of Wigan people throughout the years, from Roman pottery to WWI relics. 

If you have ever wondered how craft beer is made, an Allgates Brewery Tour would be the perfect activity in Wigan for you. This forward-thinking brewery has been creating some of the north’s best craft beers since 2006. Unlike some breweries that shroud their processes in mystery, Allgates love to show beer fans exactly how they do it.

Tours cost around £12 and allow you to see the full process of how beer is made, as well as tasting a few samples as you go around. In typical Wigan fashion, the tour ends with a pie and pea supper.

Our final recommendation for activities near Wigan is Haydock Park Racecourse. Around six miles south of our Wigan (M6, J25) hotel, this famous racecourse has been entertaining punters since 1899 and is one of the most active in the country, with 32 race days per year. If you happen to be visiting during a race day, or are staying in Wigan specifically for the races, you will be delighted with the restaurants, bars and excellent views that help to make this one of the most popular courses in the north.