Why not Wigan?

Nestled halfway between the bustling cities of Liverpool and Manchester, the Lancashire town of Wigan is easily overlooked. If people from outside the area associate it with anything, it’s probably rugby. Wigan is one of a string of towns across the north of England where the game of choice is rugby league. In fact, Wigan Warriors are the most successful club in the history of the sport. They’ve won 22 League Championships, including five Super League Grand Finals.

More than just rugby

So Wigan is definitely the place to be for rugby league fans. And maybe other sports fans looking to try something new. But what about everyone else? Well, for one thing, Wigan’s proximity to the big cities of the northwest makes it a great base for a visit to the region. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, Wigan is a natural regional hub. But the town also has charms of its own. Despite what you may have heard.

Let’s start with the elephant in the room. Wigan was once a byword for industrial grime. George Orwell even wrote a book about the tough conditions of working class life in the north of England and called it The Road to Wigan Pier. Now, geography fans will know the town is nowhere near the seaside. ‘Wigan Pier’ was a coal jetty on one of its muddy canals. And it had been demolished by the time Orwell wrote his book. The name only stuck because local comedians thought it was funny. (That’ll be the famous northern sense of humour!)

Heritage and regeneration

Wigan has never been without its assets and attractions, however. Music? Wigan is the birthplace of George Formby! And if the ukelele is not your thing, it also gave us alternative rock band, The Verve. Art and culture? There’s the Turnpike Gallery, the Wigan Little Theatre and multi-use venues The Old Courts and the Edge Arena. And, of course, there’s plenty to discover about the town’s industrial and other heritage, from the Lancashire Mining Museum to the Museum of Wigan Life.

In fact, Wigan is just catching up with other former industrial towns in making the most of its heritage. Plans are afoot to transform three landmark industrial buildings into a hub of commerce and cultural activity. The multi-million-pound redevelopment project will include events spaces for everything from conferences to weddings. As well as offices, an educational facility and pop-up space. So you can also expect live music, artisan crafts and food and drink.

And what is this exciting new visitor destination to be called. The Wigan Pier Quarter. Maybe Wigan and its people are having the last laugh! So why not see for yourself? Guestz have a number of short term lets available in Wigan. From one-bed flats to apartments sleeping up to six. Check out the options and get on the road to Wigan Pier!