Discover Wigan's Stories and Places
Your guide to the best walks, pubs, food, and history across Wigan, Standish, Leigh, Hindley and more.
Wigan’s not polished, but it’s proud. It’s got stories in its bricks, soul in its music, and a stubborn kind of charm that doesn’t need gloss to feel good. Whether you’re planning a day out, a weekend wander, or a visit to discover Wigan’s best pubs, nature walks or historical sites — here’s where to start.
Wigan at a Glance
-
Top picks for: canal walks, live music, Northern Soul history, real ale, parks, and proper pubs
-
Easy access from: Manchester, Liverpool, Preston — with direct trains to Wigan North Western & Wigan Wallgate
-
Local legends: Pies, rugby league, Wigan Casino, The Verve, George Orwell
-
Underrated gem: Crooke Village — a peaceful spot along the Leeds–Liverpool Canal
Must-Visit Places in Wigan
Explore the Towns of Wigan
Standish
Old mining town turned pub hotspot. Don’t miss Worthington Lakes or a pub crawl along High Street.
Crooke
Quiet, canal-side village with charm and heritage. Ideal for walkers and photographers.
Leigh
A rugby league town with a growing indie scene, good cafés and the brilliant Leigh Spinners Mill.
Hindley
Home to Borsdane Wood, one of Wigan’s best woodland walks.
Tyldesley & Atherton
Linked by an old railway line turned walking trail. Tyldesley’s The Snug is a real ale classic.
Ashton-in-Makerfield
Known for motorsport, old markets and new independents.
Where to Eat in Wigan & Beyond
Juniper
7 Church Ln, Shevington, Wigan WN6 8BD
Juniper is a relaxing restaurant to socialize with family, friends, or colleagues. Whether you are looking for a light lunch, somewhere to enjoy a fabulous meal in the evening.
La Mama
19-21 High St, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HA
La Mama serve a wide range of authentic Italian and traditional cuisine that is sure to appeal to all tastes.
Summat To Ate
48-50 Market St, Hindley, Wigan WN2 3AN
Steakhouse with a twist — you cook it yourself on a sizzling hot stone. Popular for a reason, and properly filling.
Casa Carlos
29 Hallgate, Wigan WN1 1LR
A family-run, authentic Spanish tapas restaurant serving typical Spanish and Canarian dishes cooked by owner and head chef Carlos himself.
Hideout
Arch 3 Queen St, Wigan WN3 4HX
A continental style cafe bar offering something for everyone in a stylish and relaxed environment.
Franco’s
5 Rodney St, Wigan WN1 1DG
Set in a grade 2 listed building dating back to 1896 and located in the centre of Wigan Franco’s is the perfect place to enjoy the finest Italian cuisine complemented with a world wide choice of fine wines.
Where to Drink in Wigan & Beyond
The John Bull Chophouse
1 Coopers Row, Wigan WN1 1PQ
John Bull Chophouse is a 500-year-old iconic listed building. Situated on one of Wigan’s conservation areas on a cobbled street, we are a historic building with a lot of character.
The White Lion
117 Mossy Lea Rd, Wrightington, Wigan WN6 9RE
Cosy country pub with stone floors, Real ales, a garden and lots of events keep this traditional pub at the heart of the community.
Horse parking with complimentary hay (with enough notice)
The Albion Ale House
12 High St, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HL
The first micropub in Standish, located in a former shop right on the High Street, now very well-established with a loyal clientele and voted local Community Pub of the Year 2025.
Wigan Central
Arch 1 Queen St, Wigan WN3 4DY
Train-themed craft ale bar built into a railway arch. Massive selection of rotating beers, helpful staff, and a real hub for local beer lovers.
The Swan & Railway
80 Wallgate, Wigan WN1 1BA
Built in 1898, this gorgeous Victorian pub retains so much of its original charm, featuring a majestic bar, tiled drinking corridor and classic Oxblood red leather seating.
The Crooke Hall Inn
92 Crooke Rd, Shevington, Wigan WN6 8LR
Canal side pub with real ales and good food, tucked away in Crooke Village, Wigan. lovely beer garden in a lovely quiet building
Wigan’s Music & Soul Legacy
From Soul Circles to Warehouse Walls
Wigan helped shape the sound of Northern Soul. From 1973 to 1981, Wigan Casino was one of the most iconic all-nighter venues anywhere in the world. Dancers queued round the block, chasing rare records and rare moments. It wasn’t just a club, it was a movement. These days, the Grand Arcade stands in its place, but there’s a blue plaque on the wall to remind people what once stood there. Go take a look. It’s worth it.
But the music didn’t stop when the Casino closed. Just down the canal, Wigan Pier became a full-on clubbing destination in the 90s and early 2000s. Known across the country for its hard house nights and dance events, it kept Wigan’s name at the heart of British nightlife. The buildings might have gone quiet, but the energy’s still there in local venues, underground nights, and the reunion parties that pop up now and again.
Today, The Old Courts keeps that spirit alive. It’s where bands get their start, poets find their voice, and DJs test their sets in front of real crowds. And if you’re into vinyl, Static Records in the town centre is one of the best places in the North West to dig through the crates.
Wigan doesn’t always shout about its music. It doesn’t have to. It’s in the floorboards.
Recommended Walk: Town to Countryside
Start at Wigan North Western, stroll through Mesnes Park. Continue to Crooke Village via the canal and stop for a pint. A perfect half-day route, mixing green space, pubs and history.
Insider Tips
-
Pies are sacred. Don’t mock them.
-
Bee Network buses make it easy to get between towns.
-
Expect to see fancy dress on a Friday night — it’s not unusual.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re into walking, ale trails, heritage, food or music — Wigan Borough has more to offer than most give it credit for. It’s honest, affordable and full of stories.
Looking beyond Manchester city centre? Wigan's got grit, soul, and a proper welcome — without the crowds.
Community Question
Is there a hidden gem near you more people should know about?