Enable Location

We need your location to show you interesting places around you

Discover nearby places

Find interesting locations and hidden gems around you

Precise directions

Get accurate directions and distances to places

Your location is never shared with other users. It's only used when you tap the location button.

Wigan

Log in to your account

Start exploring — it's free

Trusted by 61,445 travelers worldwide

Continue with Google
Continue with Apple
or

We will send you a code to connect

By continuing, you accept our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy

Check your inbox

We've sent a pincode in your inbox. Please enter the code below.

Wigan, Metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England

Description

Wigan is an administrative division in Greater Manchester that includes several towns such as Atherton, Leigh, Tyldesley, and Ashton-in-Makerfield. The area mixes older residential neighborhoods with modern shopping centers and blends green spaces with built-up areas.

History

The area was long a major coal mining center that shaped its rise and the growth of its communities during the 1800s. Its restructuring into a modern administrative borough in the 1970s marked a shift toward a more diverse local economy.

Culture

The area bears the marks of its coal mining past, which shows up in museums and old industrial sites across the towns. Local people maintain strong ties to their communities and actively support traditional sports clubs and neighborhood events.

Practical

The area is served by two main railway stations - Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western - that connect to regional and national train services. Visitors can easily explore its different towns using public transportation from these hubs.

Did you know?

Several nature reserves such as Wigan Flashes offer quiet spots for birdwatchers and nature lovers within the otherwise urban setting. These wetlands play a role in bird migration and sometimes attract rare species that catch visitors off guard.

Inception
April 1, 1974
Capital city
Wigan
Shares border with
Warrington, Bolton, Salford, West Lancashire, Chorley, St Helens
GPS coordinates
53.53333,-2.61667
Latest update
December 20, 2025 11:36

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Greater Manchester).

Administrative divisions
« Wigan - Metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!

From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.

Around Us App Screenshot

A unique approach to discovering new places

Le Figaro

All the places worth exploring

France Info

A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks

20 Minutes

Around Us
Travel Guide & Maps
Download

Send to your phone

QR Code
1

Open the camera app on your mobile.

2

Point at the QR code with your camera. A notification will appear.

3

Tap the notification to open the link.