Wigan

Wigan is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It lies to the northwest of the city of Manchester and is historically part of Lancashire. The town is the administrative center of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan and sits on the River Douglas near the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The population of the town center is around 100,000, while the wider borough is larger in scale.

Historically, Wigan developed as an industrial town during the Industrial Revolution, with coal mining and textiles playing major roles in its growth. The canal and railway networks facilitated transport and trade. From the late 20th century onward, the area diversified its economy, with growth in service industries, distribution, and retail, alongside ongoing redevelopment of urban and cultural facilities.

Landmarks and culture in Wigan include the area surrounding the Wigan Pier on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which has become a symbol of the town’s industrial heritage. The town also features shopping and cultural facilities such as the Grand Arcade and regional churches and heritage sites. Wigan is known for its professional sports teams: Wigan Athletic Football Club, which plays at the DW Stadium, and the Wigan Warriors rugby league club, traditionally associated with Central Park and now based at the same stadium.

Transport in and around Wigan is served by two railway stations, Wigan North Western and Wigan Wallgate, with connections to regional services. The town is linked by major roads including the M6 vicinity, the M58, and the A580 East Lancashire Road. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal passes through the area, linking Wigan to other towns and cities in the region.