England, United Kingdom · Europe
Wigan is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Hindley, 48km from Trough of Bowland.
Wigan is a city located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 175,405, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Wigan 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 Wigan to your route.
Wigan ( WIG-ən) is a town in Greater Manchester, England. The town lies midway between the cities of Manchester, 16 miles (25.7 km) to the south-east, and Liverpool, 17 miles (27 km) to the south-west. It is the largest settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan and is its administrative centre. The town has aRead more
population of 107,732 and the wider borough of 330,714. Wigan was part of the historic county of Lancashire.
The town was in the territory of the Brigantes, an ancient Celtic tribe that ruled much of what is now Northern England. The Brigantes were subjugated in the Roman conquest of Britain and the Roman settlement of Coccium was established where Wigan lies. Wigan was incorporated as a borough in 1246, following the issue of a charter by King Henry III of England. At the end of the Middle Ages, it was one of four boroughs in Lancashire established by royal charter. The Industrial Revolution saw a dramatic economic expansion and rapid rise in population. Wigan became a major mill town within a large coal mining district; there were estimated to be 1,000 pit shafts in total within 5 miles (8 km) of Wigan town centre. Coal mining ceased in the later 20th century.
Wigan Pier, a wharf on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, was made famous by the writer George Orwell. In his book The Road to Wigan Pier (1937), Orwell highlighted the poor working and living conditions of inhabitants in the 1930s. Following the decline of heavy industry, Wigan Pier's warehouses and wharves became a local heritage centre and cultural quarter. The Brick Community Stadium, formerly known as DW Stadium, is home to Wigan Athletic F.C. and Wigan Warriors RLFC.
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Wigan 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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Wigan is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 53.5430 latitude, -2.6371 longitude.
Wigan has a population of approximately 175,405 people, making it a city 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.
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.
21 km · about 25 min drive
cafe
Manchester's cycling culture hub offering specialty coffee, kit, and a community space for riding enthusiasts.
27 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Iconic seaside amusement park on England's northwest coast operating since 1896 with historic and modern coasters.
39 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
The UK's most-visited zoo housing over 35,000 animals across 128 acres with award-winning conservation programs.
39 km · about 45 min drive
racetrack
A picturesque Cheshire circuit winding through parkland with dramatic elevation changes, a favourite of British club and national racing.
41 km · about 45 min drive
famous road
Remote moorland pass through the Forest of Bowland linking Lancaster and Dunsop Bridge, following the route the Pendle witches were marched to trial in 1612. Sweeping single-carriageway bends with barely a building in sight.
48 km · about 55 min drive
famous road
A twisting road through the Peak District connecting Sheffield and Manchester, beloved by motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts.
52 km · about 60 min drive
landmark
Exclusive guided tours of Bentley's Crewe factory where master craftspeople build the world's finest luxury cars.
52 km · about 60 min drive
April to October
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