cafe
Rapha Clubhouse Manchester
Manchester's cycling culture hub offering specialty coffee, kit, and a community space for riding enthusiasts.
18 km · about 20 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Atherton is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Little Hulton, 42km from Snake Pass.
Atherton is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 22,000, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Atherton sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Atherton to your route.
Atherton () is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, historically part of Lancashire. It is 5 miles (8 km) south of Bolton, 7 miles (11 km) east of Wigan, and 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Manchester. During the Industrial Revolution, the town was a key part of the ManchesterRead more
Coalfield.
Atherton was associated with coal mining and nail manufacture from the 14th century, encouraged by outcropping coal seams. At the beginning of the 20th century, the town was described as "the centre of a district of collieries, cotton mills and iron-works, which cover the surface of the country with their inartistic buildings and surroundings, and are linked together by the equally unlovely dwellings of the people". Atherton's last deep coal mine closed in 1966, and the last cotton mill closed in 1999. Today the town is the third-largest retail centre in the Borough of Wigan; almost 20% of those employed in the area work in the wholesale and retail trades, although there is still some significant manufacturing industry in the town.
Evidence has been discovered of a Roman road passing through the area, on the ancient route between Coccium (Wigan) and Mamucium (Manchester). Following the Anglo-Saxon invasion of England, Atherton, which is built on and around seven brooks, became part of the manor of Warrington until the Norman Conquest, when it became a township or vill in the ancient parish of Leigh. Since 1974 the town has been part of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, a local government district of the Metropolitan County of Greater Manchester and since 2024 it has been part of the Leigh and Atherton parliamentary constituency.
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Atherton offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Atherton is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 53.5237 latitude, -2.4935 longitude.
Atherton has a population of approximately 22,000 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
cafe
Manchester's cycling culture hub offering specialty coffee, kit, and a community space for riding enthusiasts.
18 km · about 20 min drive
racetrack
Historic circuit inside Aintree Racecourse that hosted five British Grands Prix in the 1950s-60s, where Stirling Moss took his first home GP win. Club sprints still run on the old track.
30 km · about 35 min drive
racetrack
A picturesque Cheshire circuit winding through parkland with dramatic elevation changes, a favourite of British club and national racing.
39 km · about 45 min drive
famous road
A twisting road through the Peak District connecting Sheffield and Manchester, beloved by motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts.
42 km · about 50 min drive
landmark
The UK's most-visited zoo housing over 35,000 animals across 128 acres with award-winning conservation programs.
42 km · about 50 min drive
scenic viewpoint
The highest point on the A57 crossing the Pennines, with moorland views stretching across the Dark Peak landscape.
43 km · about 50 min drive
cafe
A historic pub near the summit of the A537 Cat and Fiddle Road between Buxton and Macclesfield, once named Britain's most dangerous road and a famous biking destination.
45 km · about 50 min drive
famous road
A thrilling moorland road between Macclesfield and Buxton in the Peak District, one of the UK's most famous driving roads.
45 km · about 50 min drive
April to October
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