Newton-le-Willows Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do and places to visit in Newton-le-Willows, including hiking and biking routes, local culture, safety, and more.


Introduction to Newton-le-Willows

Newton-le-Willows, a small market town in Merseyside, North West England, lies midway between Manchester and Liverpool. Its history is tied to mining and railways, but it has since evolved into a bustling town with a thriving cultural scene and stunning natural surroundings.

Visitors to Newton-le-Willows can expect warm hospitality, mouthwatering local cuisine, and a plethora of outdoor activities, making it a great destination for families and solo travelers alike.

List of Places to Visit in Newton-le-Willows

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sankey Canal: A peaceful canal that once served as a major transport route for coal and other goods and now a popular spot recreational activities like fishing, cycling, and walking.
  • St. Peter’s Church: A Grade II listed building with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The church has numerous Victorian stained-glass windows, and its architecture is a testament to times gone by.
  • The World of Glass: An exciting museum that showcases the history of glass art and its production techniques. The museum boasts a hands-on glassblowing workshop, a Victorian town street and a range of exhibitions throughout the year.
  • Moss Bank Park: The complete package - a petting zoo, formal gardens, children’s play areas and a woodland area. This park is perfect for walks, picnics and watching the swans and playing in the paddling pool on a hot summer day.

Natural Attractions of Newton-le-Willows: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mesnes Park: This Victorian park in the heart of the town is perfect for walks and picnics, it features a lake and has a children’s play area.
  • Haydock Park Racecourse: A renowned horse racing venue (home to the prestigious St. Leger Stakes), that also features a golf course, restaurants, and entertainment events throughout the year.
  • St. Helens’ Canal & Mammoth Sculpture Trail: A beautiful 5.5-mile trail that visitors can walk or cycle with the town’s famous mammoth sculptures featured along the route. Enjoy scenic views of the canal and surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Newton-le-Willows

  • Newton-le-Willows Circular Walk: A gentle 7-mile circular walk that takes you around the town, through local parks and along the canal.
  • The Trans Pennine Trail: A stunning 200-mile trail that runs through several cities in the UK, including Manchester and Liverpool, and offers fantastic views of the countryside.

Best Things to Do in Newton-le-Willows: Activities and Tours

  • Paintballing at Skirmish Paintball: An excellent activity for thrill-seekers, featuring paintballing, laser tag, archery and other fun outdoor activities.
  • The Great Escape Game: An interactive game that puts players in a team challenged to escape a themed room using strategies, puzzles and clues.
  • Newton-le-Willows Golf Club: A top-rated golf club that offers beautiful scenery, challenging courses and excellent facilities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Newton-le-Willows

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Sankey Canal, take a walk and have a picnic in Mesnes Park
Day 2 Explore The World of Glass and St. Peter’s Church
Day 3 Have a day out at Moss Bank Park and visit the petting zoo
Day 4 Scenic walk in St. Helens’ Canal & Mammoth Sculpture Trail
Day 5 Visit Haydock Park Racecourse and have dinner at the on-site restaurant
Day 6 Have an adventure at Skirmish Paintball or take on The Great Escape Game
Day 7 Play golf or relax at Newton-le-Willows Golf Club

Food and Drink Scene of Newton-le-Willows

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lancashire Hotpot: A local classic made with lamb, onions and topped with sliced potatoes that will warm you up on a cold day.
  • Scouse: A hearty stew made with meat and vegetables that is a Merseyside staple.
  • Liverpool Scampi: Fried prawns that are coated in breadcrumbs and served with tartare sauce – delicious with a pint of local beer!

Local Beverages

  • Cains Brewery: Founded in Liverpool in 1858, this brewery offers a range of beers that are brewed with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Liverpool Gin: A fantastic gin made with ingredients sourced from the area, including the famous Liverpool medjool dates and handpicked botanicals.

Where to Stay in Newton-le-Willows: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Holiday Inn Express: A budget-friendly option with modern amenities and excellent customer service in the center of town.
  • Premier Inn St. Helens North: A family-friendly hotel that features spacious rooms, on-site restaurant and is situated only 15-minutes’ drive from the town center.
  • Mercure Haydock Hotel: A four-star hotel with beautifully appointed rooms, a spa and wellness center on-site and only 3 miles from Newton- le-Willows.

What to Buy in Newton-le-Willows: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Glass-blown products: The World of Glass has a fantastic shop where you can buy blown-glass jewelry, ornaments and other gifts.
  • Local produce: The farmer’s market (held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month) is the perfect place to buy local fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy products.
  • St. Helens R.L.F.C Merchandise: Supporters of Rugby League Football Club will want to stop by the team’s shop and pick up a team jersey.

Local Culture and Customs of Newton-le-Willows

In Newton-le-Willows, visitors can expect a warm welcome from the locals, who are friendly and hospitable. The town is known for its mining and railway history, and many cultural celebrations take place throughout the year. Visitors should respect the town’s heritage and its people.

Best Time to Visit Newton-le-Willows

The best time to visit Newton-le-Willows is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny, and the outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Newton-le-Willows

Do:

  • Respect the town’s history and its people.
  • Try local dishes like Lancashire Hotpot and Scouse.
  • Visit the local breweries and taste the locally produced beer and gin.

Don’t:

  • Litter - use the trash bins provided.
  • Disrespect the locals or their customs.
  • Miss the chance to explore the great outdoors - there’s so much to see!

Safety and Health

Safety in Newton-le-Willows

Newton-le-Willows is a safe town, but visitors should take standard precautions like avoiding dark, deserted streets at night and keeping valuables secure.

Health in Newton-le-Willows

The town has a few medical centers and a hospital for emergencies, but visitors should make sure they have sufficient health insurance and medication before traveling.

Getting to Newton-le-Willows: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Newton-le-Willows

The nearest airports are Manchester Airport (19 miles away) and Liverpool John Lennon Airport (13 miles away).

Bus Stations Near Newton-le-Willows

Newton-le-Willows has a central bus station with connections to neighboring cities like Liverpool and Manchester.

Other Options

The town is well-served by trains, with regular connections to neighboring towns and cities like Warrington and Manchester.

How to Get Around in Newton-le-Willows

The town is small enough to explore on foot, but travelers can also take the bus or taxi if they prefer.

Where to Go Next from Newton-le-Willows: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Liverpool: A UNESCO world heritage city and the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool is just a 30-minute train ride away.
  • Manchester: A vibrant city known for its music scene and historical landmarks, just a 40-minute train ride from Newton-le-Willows.

Conclusion

Newton-le-Willows is a charming town with something for everyone. Its rich history, fantastic outdoor activities, and welcoming locals make it a must-visit destination in Merseyside. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can explore the town’s cultural and natural attractions, try local cuisine, and make the most of their trip.