Widnes is an industrial town in Northwest England located close to well-known cities such as Warrington and Liverpool. It is not as popular as the other well-known cities in the United Kingdom but features a laid-back vibe and beautiful tourist destinations that are worth a visit. A great spot to explore is the estuary of the famous River Mersey which flows through this small town. Other notable attractions include Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Victoria Park, Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, and Pickering’s Pasture. If you have plans to visit the United Kingdom and are thinking of including Widnes in your itinerary, keep reading this article for a list of the top things to do in Widnes, UK.
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1. Walk along Pex Hill Nature Reserve for excellent nature views
Take in the stunning views of North Wales mountains while exploring Pex Hill Nature Reserve. This place consists of oak woodlands, reservoirs, an old quarry and an observatory. Popular among dog walkers, this region also boasts views of Mersey Estuary as well as Widnes-Runcorn bridge. If you’re lucky, you might witness Tyfan and Snowdown as well. The walking trails present here are safe and serene, with plenty of wildflowers and greenery to marvel at.
Pex Hill Nature Reserve
Address: Widnes, UK
Website: Pex Hill Nature Reserve
2. Take a peek at the stars at Leighton Observatory (Liverpool Astronomical Society)
Take your kids to Leighton Observatory for an awe-inspiring view of the solar system. The observatory is situated a short drive away from Liverpool, just outside Widnes. On a clear night, you will be rewarded with spectacular night sky views and be able to gaze at planets, star clusters, and other magical sights. It is best to visit the observatory on dark nights to see the celestial bodies more clearly. You may carry your telescope along for a better view of the wonderful night sky.
In case the sky is not as dark and clear, you will be able to enjoy an educational but informal discussion on space.
Leighton Observatory (Liverpool Astronomical Society)
Address: Liverpool Astronomical Society, Pex Hill, Leighton Observatory, Widnes WA8 5QW, United Kingdom
Website: Leighton Observatory/Liverpool Astronomical Society
Opening hours: Wed: 7pm - 9pm (closed from Thu - Tue)
3. Enjoy a train ride at Widnes Train Station
Dive into Widnes’s rich history at its oldest train station. Opened in 1873, Widnes Train Station was formerly known as Farnworth. It connects the town of Widnes to Liverpool and crosses Manchester to reach the cities of Sheffield, Nottingham, and Norwich. The station has its name recorded in the National Heritage List for England. It is the place where Paul Simon from Simon & Garfunkel composed the song ‘Homeward Bound’ in 1965.
Book a ticket to a destination of your choice after exploring the station and admiring the surroundings.
Widnes Train Station
Address: Widnes station, Victoria Avenue, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7TJ
Website: Widnes Train Station
4. Try out fun activities at the Mill Brow Snooker and Social Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Derby day has started.
Posted by Mill Brow Snooker & Social Club - Free House on Sunday, December 10, 2017
Enjoy live sports screenings and entertainment at the popular Mill Brow Snooker and Social Club. The club boasts multiple screens, with one being a huge 150-inch, for a great viewing experience. While here, challenge your friends and family to a game of billiards, snooker, pool, darts or dominoes to make the most of your time. You can also savour refreshments and meals at the club’s first-class cafe, The Artisan Mill. Aside from that, WiFi and parking are available for customers.
Mill Brow Snooker and Social Club
Address: Mill Brow, Widnes WA8 6RT, United Kingdom
Website: Mill Brow Snooker and Social Club
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 12am; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 12am
5. Have fun with your family time at Victoria Park
Visit this brilliant park boasting open green spaces. Situated close to the heart of the town, it is a historic park that was opened in 1900 in honour of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The park has been selected for the prestigious Green Flag Award and features a war memorial and a butterfly house. You will also find a fountain, an ice cream parlour, a skate park, a tennis court, and a safe children’s playground - making it the perfect destination for little ones.
Additionally, there is an artificial climbing boulder that both adults and children are free to try out to test their adventurous spirits.
Victoria Park
Address: Birchfield Rd, Widnes WA8 7SU, United Kingdom
Website: Victoria Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8:30pm (daily)
6. Sample the finest retail shops at Widnes Shopping Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Albert Square Shopping Centre on Thursday, March 5, 2020
A day spent shopping never goes wrong, even if you end up not buying anything. Explore Widnes Shopping Park with loved ones to find out more about the retail shops committed to bringing the best range of products and services to Widnes.
Situated close to Widnes Town Centre, the park offers plenty of shopping opportunities and lots of parking spaces. The place includes sports goods retailers, children’s garment retailers, shops selling home furnishings, as well as those selling gaming merchandise. You will also find a cafe where you can taste some delicacies and hydrate after an hour of shopping.
Widnes Shopping Park
Address: Gerrard St, Widnes WA8 7TN, United Kingdom
Website: Widnes Shopping Park
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
7. Experience an exciting afternoon at The Hive Leisure Park
The Hive Leisure Park is a fun amusement centre tucked in Widnes Waterfront. It comes with a range of entertainment facilities for all ages, such as an ice-skating rink, a theatre, an arcade and a bowling alley. The place also comes with a car park, toilets and a number of restaurants to choose from, including Nando’s and Brewers Fayre Pub & Restaurant. Wheelchair access and accessible toilets have also been provided for visitors with disabilities.
The Hive Leisure Park
Address: The Hive, Widnes WA8 0ZB, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
8. Tee off at Widnes Golf Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Widnes Golf Club on Sunday, May 27, 2012
If you are looking to spend your weekend relaxing in a scenic park close to the town centre, Widnes Golf Club is the place to be. It features a serene ambience with lush greenery and tree-lined fairways, an amazing space for golfers of all levels to show off their skills. To unwind in between rounds, you will find an excellent bar at the clubhouse along with a kitchen that comes with full catering service. Those who don’t want to play can rest on the lovely patio overlooking the beautiful surroundings.
Widnes Golf Club
Address: Highfield Rd, Widnes WA8 7DT, United Kingdom
Website: Widnes Golf Club
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
9. Shop for souvenirs at Widnes Market
A great thing to do during your free time at Widnes is to visit local markets. You can check out Widnes Market offers a warm ambience that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. While here, you can shop for groceries, flowers, clothing, furnishings, toys, gift items, and even jewellery. The market is strategically located next to the bus station.
The place also features an outdoor market on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays and a flea market where only second-hand products are sold.
Widnes Market
Address: Bradley Way, Widnes WA8 6UE, United Kingdom
Website: Widnes Market
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Tue & Sun)
10. Learn some scientific facts at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre is dedicated to ensuring that people learn about the role of science in day-to-day life. Inside the museum, you will be able to embark on the journey to discover the evolution of the chemical industry through various films, quizzes, and reconstructed scenes. It also introduces children to the various discoveries of the past that are worth commemorating.
Aside from that, you may also stop by the rooftop observatory to enjoy sweeping views.
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Address: Mersey Rd, Widnes WA8 0DF, United Kingdom
Website: Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Have fun exploring Widnes
Widnes is packed with scenic views, restaurants, parks, museums, and more to keep you and your family occupied and entertained. It is almost impossible to list all the attractions here, but the mentions above are definitely the best things to do in Widnes, UK, to experience a splendid holiday.
History
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