Widnes Travel Guide

Plan an amazing trip to Widnes with this comprehensive travel guide, covering places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations for excursions.


Introduction to Widnes

Widnes is a beautiful town located in Cheshire, in North West England. It is nestled between the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal, offering picturesque views of the surrounding natural landscape. The town is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and vibrant food and drink scene. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know to plan an amazing trip to Widnes.

List of Places to Visit in Widnes

There are several places to visit in Widnes, ranging from culturally significant sites to natural attractions and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the must-visit places in Widnes:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Norton Priory Museum and Gardens: A museum of history and horticulture, Norton Priory Museum and Gardens is housed in a medieval priory and offers a fascinating insight into the area’s rich history, stretching back over 900 years.
  • Widnes War Memorial: Located in Victoria Park, the Widnes War Memorial is a poignant and moving tribute to the town’s fallen soldiers.
  • St. Luke’s Church: Built in the late 19th century, St. Luke’s Church is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture with stunning stained-glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Widnes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Spike Island Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is home to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, and is a great place for walking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
  • Mersey Gateway Bridge: The Mersey Gateway Bridge offers stunning views of the River Mersey and is a popular spot for cycling and walking.
  • Town Park: Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, the Town Park is a beautifully landscaped park with plenty of green spaces and a tranquil pond.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Widnes

Widnes is a great place for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Widnes:

  • Sankey Valley Park Trail: This trail offers a scenic route through Sankey Valley Park, passing through woodland, meadows, and riverside paths.
  • Trans Pennine Trail: This trail runs from Southport in Merseyside to Hornsea in East Yorkshire, passing through Widnes and offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Widnes Waterfront: This route takes you along the River Mersey and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Widnes: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to keep you entertained during your visit to Widnes. Here are some of the best things to do in Widnes:

  • Go-karting: Widnes is home to one of the largest indoor go-karting tracks in the UK, offering an exhilarating and adrenaline-fueled experience.
  • Theatre Royal: The Theatre Royal is a historic theatre located in nearby St. Helens, offering a range of shows and performances throughout the year.
  • Manchester City Centre Tour: Take a trip to nearby Manchester and explore the vibrant city, from iconic landmarks like the Manchester Cathedral to bustling shopping areas like the Northern Quarter.

Week-Long Itinerary for Widnes

If you are planning a week-long trip to Widnes, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
Day 2 Go hiking along Sankey Valley Park Trail
Day 3 Visit Widnes War Memorial and St. Luke’s Church
Day 4 Take a trip to Manchester for a city centre tour
Day 5 Visit Spike Island Nature Reserve
Day 6 Enjoy a day of go-karting at a nearby track
Day 7 Relax and unwind at Town Park

Food and Drink Scene of Widnes

Widnes has a vibrant food and drink scene, with a range of local and international cuisines on offer. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Scouse: A traditional dish of stew, made with beef or lamb, root vegetables, and potatoes, often served with crusty bread.
  • Hotpot: A hearty meat and vegetable stew traditionally cooked in a clay pot, topped with sliced potatoes.
  • Canteen Fry Up: A classic breakfast dish, featuring bacon, sausages, hash browns, and fried eggs.

Local Beverages

  • Real Ale: Widnes has a thriving real ale scene, with many local breweries producing traditional and unique brews.
  • Gin and Tonic: Gin is a popular spirit in the UK, and Widnes has a range of local and international gins to choose from.
  • Tea: A cup of tea is a quintessentially British drink, and Widnes has plenty of charming tea rooms serving a range of teas and traditional treats.

Where to Stay in Widnes: Hotels, Hostels and Guesthouses

There are several options for accommodation in Widnes, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and guesthouses. Here are some top picks for each category:

  • Budget: The Main Top Hotel is a basic, no-frills hotel with clean rooms and an on-site bar.
  • Mid-Range: The Premier Inn Widnes is a comfortable and convenient hotel with spacious rooms and an on-site restaurant.
  • Luxury: The Hillcrest Hotel is a luxurious hotel with elegant rooms, a spa, and an Italian restaurant.

What to Buy in Widnes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Widnes is famous for its local products and souvenirs, including:

  • Pies: Widnes is renowned for its delicious pies, with some of the best pies available at the Windmill Bakery.
  • Real Ale: Widnes has a range of local breweries producing unique and traditional real ale.
  • Liverpool FC Merchandise: Widnes is just a short drive from Liverpool, the home of the world-famous Liverpool FC football club, and is a great place to pick up some Liverpool FC merchandise.

Local Culture and Customs of Widnes

Widnes has a rich and diverse culture, with a strong community spirit and a love for music and the arts. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as:

  • Punctuality: Time is valued in Widnes, and being punctual is considered a sign of respect.
  • Friendliness: Widnesians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, so visitors should embrace this and be open to making new friends.
  • Music: Widnes has a thriving music scene, with many local bands and musicians performing at pubs and venues throughout the town.

Best Time to Visit Widnes

The best time to visit Widnes is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny and there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional showers, as this is the UK after all!

Do’s and Don’ts of Widnes

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Widnes:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: Widnes is famous for its delicious pies and other traditional dishes, so be sure to sample some of the local cuisine.
  • Explore the natural scenery: Widnes has plenty of scenic routes and natural attractions, so take the time to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Be friendly: Widnesians are known for their friendly nature, so embrace this and be open to making new friends.

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful: Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, and avoid being loud or disruptive.
  • Leave litter: Widnes is a beautiful town, and visitors should do their part to keep it clean and tidy.
  • Forget to pack an umbrella: The UK is known for its frequent showers, so visitors should be prepared and pack an umbrella and waterproof jacket.

Safety and Health

Widnes is a relatively safe town, with low levels of crime. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and healthy trip to Widnes:

Safety in Widnes

  • Be aware of traffic: Widnes has busy roads, so visitors should take care when crossing and be aware of traffic at all times.
  • Stay in well-lit areas: Visitors should avoid walking in poorly-lit areas, especially at night.
  • Take care when hiking/cycling: Visitors should take care when hiking or cycling and be aware of potential hazards such as uneven terrain and traffic.

Health in Widnes

  • Be prepared for occasional showers: Visitors should pack waterproof clothing and an umbrella to protect against the UK’s frequent showers.
  • Stay hydrated: In warmer weather, visitors should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Pack any necessary medication: Visitors should ensure they have any necessary medication with them, and bring a copy of their prescription if applicable.

Getting to Widnes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Widnes is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the UK. Here are some transportation options:

  • Train: Widnes has its own train station, with regular connections to Liverpool, Manchester, and other major UK cities.
  • Car: Widnes is located just off the M6 motorway, making it easily accessible by car.
  • Plane: The closest airports to Widnes are Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, both of which offer regular connections to major UK cities and international destinations.

How to Get Around in Widnes

Widnes is a small town, and most attractions are within walking or cycling distance. Taxis and buses are also available for short journeys or travelling further afield.

Where to Go Next from Widnes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Widnes is located in a beautiful part of the UK, with plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to explore. Here are some suggestions:

  • Liverpool: Located just a short drive from Widnes, Liverpool is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, and is home to iconic landmarks such as the Beatles Story and the Liver Building.
  • Chester: Chester is a historic city with Roman remains and medieval architecture, and is a great destination for a day trip.
  • Lake District: The Lake District is a stunning national park located in the North West of England, offering scenic walks, breathtaking landscapes, and a range of outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Widnes is a hidden gem in the North West of England, offering stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant food and drink scene. Whether you are a hiker, culture buff, or foodie, there is something for everyone in Widnes. Use this comprehensive guide to plan an unforgettable trip to this beautiful town and explore all it has to offer.