A quick rundown of the top things to do in Wigan. We also have a page just for Free activities in the town centre here.
Haigh Woodland Park
With over 200 acres of land and woods, as well as the Georgian stately home itself – you can spend a full day there wandering around.
The north west’s favourite natural attraction boasts high ropes, adventure golf, walled gardens and the miniature railway, as well as a number of one off food and drink events and activities.
In the Kitchen courtyard there is also plenty to eat and drink.
There’s also a great view of Wigan from the Haigh Hall itself – see if you can spot your house!
Haigh, Wigan, Lancashire WN2 1PE
Live Music and Gigs
Go to a gig! Wigan is full of live music and there are many venues with regular gigs to attend right in the centre of town.
At the moment the 2 main gig venues are primarily The Old Courts and The Boulevard.
They both have live music gigs and djs on at least once a week, and a wide range of styles from Rock, to folk, blues, jazz, punk and way more.
But there are many more live music venues in town Wigan Central and Tap N Barrel to name a few.
And we have some fantastic festivals during the Spring and Summer, including Wigan Jazz Festival, Proms in the Parkt, Wigan Live Festival and The Wigan Diggers, (just to name a few!) so keep looking out for announcements!
The Old Courts, Crawford St, Wigan, WN1 1NA
The Boulevard, 17A Wallgate, Wigan WN1 1LD
For all our gig listings on Wigan events Guide head to the live music page
Wigan Little Theatre
There’s plenty of culture in Wigan – and in particular theatre! Founded in 1943, Wigan Little Theatre is in a beautifully historic building close to the centre of town – where they host a number of plays each year.
They offer a wide selection of plays, some of which are new to the amateur stage, and some which we know are already firm favourites with audiences.
44 Crompton St, Wigan WN1 3SL
Museum of Wigan Life
Museum of Wigan Life have been consistently putting on great exhibitions for years. They have a permanent display on everything from sport and world war to music and festivals in Wigan, Leigh and across the borough.
The Ancient Egypt exhibition is also permanent display. Get up close and personal with ancient coffins, grave goods and a spectacular gold mask.
Their special exhibitions explore aspects of local history from Northern Soul to the mysterious sport of clog fighting.
They also hold a number of small events and activities throughout the year, which is great for kids (and some interesting ones for adults too) – particularly at half term!
Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU
The Old Courts
As a cultural hub of Wigan, The Old Courts definitely deserves its own mention.
The Old Courts is a not for profit multi-arts centre which aims to bring innovative art, theatre, music, comedy, dance and spoken word events to Wigan and the surrounding areas.
All year round they have a packed calendar of live music gigs, various children’s shows and interactive activities, visual art exhibitions, touring and local theatre events, comedy and a whole lot more
Gerrard Winstanley House, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA
Parks & Walks
Wigan is home to some beautiful green spaces – perfect for a walk or a picnic. Including Mesnes Park, Worthington Lashes, Wigan Flashes, The Leeds Liverpool Canal.
Mesnes Park is located in the heart of the town centre, its great for relaxing with friends and family, and there’s a large play park and a cafe in the centre.
Worthington Lakes, in Standish is a great place to walk around the beauty of the water and the woodland around. There are a number of walks available.
For more info on Walks in Wigan go to:
Independent Shops
If you never have before, browse around the Victorian Quarter (and beyond) and visit the independent shops.
Everyone knows about the Grand Arcade, and it is good! – but for me, it’s the independent shops in Wigan Town Centre that I love.
If you walk around the historic areas of Jaxons Court, Makinsons Arcade and Hallgate here’s where you’ll find the most independent shops.
From vinyl records, to bespoke clothing, handmade jewellery and specialist foods including cheeses, wine, thai food, and giant burgers! – there’s really a great variety and it’s great to support small businesses.
Hallgate, Wigan WN1 1LR
Wigan Roller Rink
The North West’s Premier Indoor Roller Skating Destination
Skating is a great family activity to get involved in! At Wigan Roller rink, which is huge, they hold a variety of weekly and fornightly special events for both families, juniors and adults only.
It’s an especially popular choice for birthday parties, and even if you can’t skate well it’s a good laugh!
Unit 2, Swan Meadow Industrial Estate, Swan Meadow Rd, Wigan WN3 5BD
Trencherfield Mill
Please NOTE: Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine is temporarily closed to the public. They are planning to reopen the steam engine to the public from 2020.
Trencherfield Mill is one of the oldest and largest working mills in all of the UK.
It’s open every Sunday for visits and tours – but on Steaming Sundays throughout the year (which is fairly frequent), you can go and see it in working action – it’s a real sight to see such an immense machine! They do a good group discount too.
Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine, Wigan Pier Quarter, Heritage Way, Wigan WN3 4EF
Escape Room Wigan
They have three immersive escape room experiences that will test your logic, problem solving and teamwork skills, whilst having fun within a safe and interactive environment – the clock is ticking… #CANYOUESCAPE
Adrenaline Escape,
34-36 Marketgate, The Galleries Shopping Centre,
Wigan WN1 1JS
Wigan Youth Zone
This is just for the under 21s, but it’s a brilliant place.
In its just a few years being open, thousands and thousands of youths have enjoyed their facilities.
With only £5 membership for a year, and 50p per entry there are tons of things to do – including a climbing wall, art sessions, a top class gym, a range of sports, dance, a skate park and way way more.
They also have a number of holiday clubs, which is great for half term and the summer, and which includes activities all day and special outings all over the UK.
Parson’s Walk, Wigan WN1 1RU
