Haigh Hall, November 2009

Tourism

Wigan is a surprising mixture of character, history, heritage and transition. The town has a vibrant mixture of fantastic amenities including great shopping facilities, a vast array of pubs and clubs plus tranquil countryside and lakes and award winning attractions.

Haigh Country Park is widely recognised as one of the region’s finest. The estate covers 250 acres of park and woodland and offers superb views of Douglas Valley and even the Welsh Hills. At the heart of the estate is Haigh Hall, a striking Georgian mansion formerly the ancestral home to the Lindsays, Earls of Crawford and Balcarres. Numerous nature trails, picnic areas and secluded walks can be found within the extensive park along with walled gardens, a miniature railway, café and information centre.

In acknowledgement of the Borough’s mining heritage, the site of the former Astley Green Colliery has been restored and developed as a tourist and educational attraction. This unique museum centres around the headgear and engine house, which were rescued from demolition by Lancashire County Council in the 1970’s along with two other buildings.

Since the heyday of Wigan Casino and Northern Soul in the 1960s and 1970s the Borough has enjoyed a reputation for a good night out. Today the centre of night time entertainment can be found in King Street, Wigan. This area of Wigan Town Centre has benefited enormously from private sector investment and now forms an integral part of the night time economy. For those who may prefer a quieter night out there are a number of more traditional and established pubs located in and around the town centre.