Welcome to Warrington

A Guide to Warrington: History, Culture, and Hidden Gems

Warrington is where the north-west connects – a Mersey crossing for the Romans, a canal for the Georgians, a railway for the Victorians, and an airbase for the Americans. 

It’s a place that doesn’t stand still and over the last 40 years it has evolved from a town with a population of around 70,000 to one of over 210,000 today.

This boom has been matched by a thriving leisure and cultural scene – Warrington is a place with both firm family favourites and best-kept secrets.

Nestled between Manchester and Liverpool, Warrington offers a unique alternative for families and groups who want to shop, explore and unwind.

Non-stop shopping

The busy town centre has great shopping on offer. With an excellent selection of 135 stores, Golden Square Warrington is the destination for busy shoppers looking for a variety of retail stores or somewhere to dine with family and friends.

Time Square is the newest addition to the town centre, providing a unique family friendly shopping, restaurant and leisure experience, including a modern, contemporary home for the multi-award-winning Warrington Market.

You can put your feet up and enjoy mouth-watering food at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant regional flagship restaurant, catch a film at Cineworld Cinema – complete with Superscreen – take the kids for a fun-filled day at Gravity Trampoline Park, or visit the range of eateries and bars on offer.

Out-of-town retail parks feature megastores galore, including the first IKEA in the UK, and cosmopolitan areas like Stockton Heath – a village with a country feel, yet with urban benefits, which features independent outlets, where fabulous boutiques flourish, a buzzing café culture and high quality restaurants.

A cultural melting pot

A place steeped in history, Warrington is building a bright cultural future. Home to the first publicly funded library in 1848 and one of the oldest museums in the country – Warrington Museum and Art Gallery Welcome to Warrington Museum & Art Gallery – the town has a long and proud history of enabling access to arts and culture.

Recognised with an award for inclusivity as part of Marketing Cheshire Awards 2023, Warrington was commended for commitment to inclusion across a thriving visitor economy.

As part of a town that hosts more than 100 events every year, Warrington brings its communities together with life and colour. A packed programme of activity features dance, music, theatre, spectacular street puppetry and art. Highlights of our cultural calendar include Disability Awareness Day, Warrington Music Festival, Mela and Warrington Pride.

You can watch a show or go to a gig at the Pyramid and Parr Hall, cheer on the Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, take the kids out for a day of fun at Gulliver’s World Resort, or visit Warrington’s best kept secret – the beautiful Walton Hall and Gardens.

Don't forget to book your tickets for the world famous Creamfields, an electronic dance festival, takes place on our doorstep, attracting thousands of revellers every year.

Acres of space

Warrington has an urban heart, surrounded by strong village communities and acres of parks and green spaces, many of which have earned national recognition with Keep Britain Tidy’s green flag award.

Get away from the hustle and bustle by visiting Risley Moss nature reserve, where you can spot protected birds and insects along a woodland walk, or take your dog for a stroll around Lymm Dam and enjoy its outstanding water features – and a trip to Warrington wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its jewel in the crown, Walton Hall and Gardens.

Parks, recreation grounds and play areas

Warrington is full of beautiful green spaces and nature spots for you to enjoy. Visit one of many parks and open spaces, from the historic Walton Hall and Gardens, and the magnificent Trans Pennine Trail to the sports-focused Victoria Park.

Find out more about Warrington’s parks, recreation grounds and play areas.

Leisure

If you fancy a swim, game of tennis, or trip to the gym, LiveWire Warrington has a range of facilities to choose from at six venues across the borough.

Sites feature state-of-the-art fitness suites, swimming pools, sauna and steam rooms, a range of fitness classes, personal training, squash, badminton, tennis, all weather pitches, and on-site libraries.

Get information about locations, opening times, on-site facilities, and how to get there here.