Top 5 Things to Do in Wigan This Summer (2025)
If you’re planning a summer trip to the North West, Wigan should be on your list. With a mix of heritage, green spaces, buzzing events, and laid-back charm, this town offers a surprising number of gems for both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers.
Whether you’re staying in the area for a weekend or passing through on a longer trip, this guide to the top 5 things to do in Wigan in summer 2025 will help you make the most of your visit.
As a short-term let management company operating across the UK,Eason Stayshas welcomed hundreds of guests to the Wigan area — and we’ve seen firsthand how much people fall in love with this underrated destination.
So let’s dive into the best of Wigan this summer!
1. Explore Haigh Woodland Park
A trip to Wigan wouldn’t be complete without spending a day at Haigh Woodland Park, one of the region’s most beautiful outdoor destinations. It’s perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
You can enjoy:
- Go Ape treetop adventures
- The mini railway
- Artisan markets and pop-up summer events
- Woodland walks and cycling trails
- A beer garden and courtyard cafés
And for summer 2025,Haigh Livewill be returning with music nights, family theatre, and outdoor cinema events — making it one of the season’s most exciting hotspots.
Top tip: Bring a picnic blanket and stay for the sunset over the woodlands. It’s free to enter, and parking is reasonable.
Haigh Woodland Park events page.
2. Wigan Pier Quarter Revival
Once the heart of Wigan’s industrial history, the Wigan Pier Quarter is undergoing a stunning transformation. In 2025, the area is buzzing with new cafés, bars, co-working spaces, and cultural pop-ups.
Check out:
- Independent street food vendors by the canal
- Live music performances and buskers
- Exhibitions inside the renovated Pier buildings
- Wigan’s craft beer and gin scene
Walking along the canal here on a warm summer evening, with live music in the background and the scent of street food in the air, is an experience you won’t forget.
Fun fact: George Orwell’s The Road to Wigan Pier immortalised this area — and now it’s having a well-deserved modern-day renaissance.
3.Catch a Game or Concert at the DW Stadium
Whether you’re into football, rugby league, or live music, the DW Stadium has something for everyone.
Home to:
- Wigan Athletic (football)
- Wigan Warriors (rugby league)
Summer 2025 is expected to bring a packed calendar of events, including international matches and music gigs that attract thousands from across the UK.
If you’re staying withEason Staysnearby, getting to and from the stadium is easy with taxi services or local buses. Plus, it’s a great place to soak up the energy of the town.
4.Spend a Sunny Afternoon at Mesnes Park
This stunning Victorian park is ideal for a relaxed summer afternoon. You’ll find:
- Beautiful floral displays
- A central pavilion café for light bites and drinks
- Playgrounds and tennis courts
- Winding paths for walks or jogs
It’s also one of the most photogenic places in Wigan — perfect for your summer photo diary.
Mesnes Park regularly hosts outdoor theatre, brass band concerts, and community events throughout July and August, making it a top local recommendation.
Pro tip: Try the artisan ice cream from Frederick’s Ice Cream van — a firm favourite with locals.
5.Indulge in Wigan’s Food & Drink Scene
Wigan’s culinary scene is thriving, with new restaurants, gastro pubs, and coffee spots opening up regularly. Summer is the best time to sample:
- The Courtyard at Haigh for brunch with a view
- Fat Olive for Mediterranean dishes
- Gallimores Fine Restaurant for classic British dining
- The Firepit for cocktails and grills
And don’t forget the famous Wigan pie! You haven’t really visited Wigan until you’ve had one in a fresh roll (yes — that’s called a “Wigan Kebab”).
You can also check out the monthly Wigan Food Festival, which brings together regional producers, food trucks, and craft drinks — perfect for warm evenings and live entertainment.
Bonus: Day Trips From Wigan
If you’ve ticked off all five, Wigan makes a great base to explore further:
- 30 mins to Manchester for museums, nightlife, and shopping
- 20 mins to Southport for a classic seaside day
- 25 mins to Rivington Pike for breathtaking hikes and views
With good train connections and central positioning, it’s no wonder many guests use Wigan as their North West summer hub.
Plan Your Summer Stay in Wigan
Whether you’re here for a weekend break, family holiday, or business trip with a bit of leisure, Wigan in summer 2025 won’t disappoint.
At Eason Stays, we offer comfortable and fully serviced short-term accommodation across the Wigan area. Our homes are designed for every kind of traveller — from solo guests to large families. Each property comes fully equipped with all the essentials to help you relax and enjoy your trip.
If you’re visiting Wigan this summer, we’d love to host you.
👉 Book your perfect summer stay directly with us here
Or if you’re a landlord wondering how your property could perform in the Wigan short-let market, get your Free Airbnb Valuation today.
Final Thoughts
Wigan might not always top the tourist trail, but that’s exactly what makes it special. With a growing arts scene, revitalised urban spaces, lush parks, and a rich working-class heritage, summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best times to visit.
Whatever your reason for travelling, don’t overlook this Lancashire gem — and if you’re looking for a trusted place to stay, Eason Staysis here to make your trip one to remember.