Things To Do
in Ashton in Makerfield
Ashton in Makerfield is a historic town in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. It grew around coal mining and textile industries and today sits at the edge of the Lancashire countryside with a strong community feel. The town is connected by the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and modern transport links to nearby towns and cities, making short trips easy.
Visitors can enjoy green spaces, markets, and a calm, family-friendly atmosphere that serves as a convenient base for exploring the wider area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ashton-in-Makerfield and settle into your accommodation. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional English fare. Take a leisurely stroll through the town center to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and soak in the local atmosphere.
Visit the nearby Ashton Town Hall to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about the town's history. Enjoy a relaxing lunch in a nearby park, savoring the fresh air. Explore the quaint shops and boutiques that line the streets, searching for unique souvenirs.
Dine at a local restaurant, experiencing classic British cuisine. After dinner, take a walk through the lively streets, perhaps stopping by a local pub to enjoy a drink and the friendly ambiance. As the night settles in, retreat to your accommodation for a restful sleep.
Start your day with a morning walk at the nearby Lightshaw Meadows, where trails weave through beautiful landscapes. Observe local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you take in the fresh morning air. Stop at a quaint café nearby for a mid-morning refreshment.
Spend the afternoon at Kirkless Hall Park, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch on the grass. Engage in leisure activities such as frisbee or simply relax by the pond, observing ducks and swans. Explore the gardens filled with colorful flowers, making it a perfect spot for photos.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot at the park for some quiet reflection or introspection. Head back into town for dinner, choosing from a variety of cuisines available. Wind down the evening with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, reminiscing about the day’s adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍕Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| ☕Cappuccino or coffee | $3-4 |
| 🚇One-way local transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $900-1200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close-knit town with good access to Wigan and Manchester
- Historic streets, canal walks, and green spaces
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Some services and attractions cluster around nearby towns; can be quieter in off-peak times
Places to Visit in Ashton in Makerfield
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide canal-side path with moored boats and reflections, ideal for early morning or sunset shots.
Victorian and Edwardian brick facades along High Street provide strong architectural lines for urban photography.
A quiet green space with monuments and seasonal blooms, good for portraits and seasonal lighting.
Food in Ashton in Makerfield
Ashton in Makerfield Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting meat-and-potato stew slowly cooked until the potatoes melt and the flavors meld.
Must-Try!
A traditional ginger sponge cake enjoyed warm with a cup of tea, common in Lancashire cafés.
Crisp battered fish with chips, a staple takeaway and casual meal across Ashton.
Crispy fried potato cakes served as a side or snack in many local pubs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market stalls offering fresh produce, pies, baked goods, and seasonal treats.
Street-side counters and small vendors around the market area for quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People generally queue patiently and say please and thank you; maintain a courteous tone in public spaces.
A simple hello or nod is common; respect personal space and avoid loud conversations in quiet places like churches or libraries.
Let passengers alight before boarding; keep noise to a minimum on buses and trains.
Safety
Tipping in Ashton in Makerfield
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in pubs and cafés, but rounding up or 5-10% for table service at restaurants is appreciated. Restaurants may add a service charge, so check the bill.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common across shops and eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect relatively mild to warm days with occasional rain showers. This is ideal for canal walks, outdoor markets, and long evenings in pubs and cafés.
Leaves turn golden and days grow shorter with more frequent showers. It's great for moody landscape shots and autumnal park strolls.
Shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures; festive lights and cozy pubs are popular, but outdoor activities may be weather-dependent.
Longer days and budding gardens make for pleasant walks, park visits, and colorful photography opportunities.
Ashton in Makerfield at Night
Hiking in Ashton in Makerfield
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive woodland and lakeside trails suitable for all fitness levels.
Rolling farmland and gentle hills in the wider Lancashire countryside.
Airports
How to reach Ashton in Makerfield by plane.
Major international airport about 20-25 miles southeast; frequent train and road connections from Wigan and Ashton.
Around 25-30 miles west; accessible by road and occasional rail connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of long-term residents and new homeowners, many with school-age children.
Commuters and professionals who work in Wigan or travel to Manchester and surrounding areas.
Some residents attend higher education in larger nearby towns and cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local professional club with a strong community presence in nearby towns.
Popular regional sport with matches and events nearby.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ashton in Makerfield.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most pubs and cafés offer veggie pies, veggie curries, and salads; ask for meat-free options, and look for venues with clearly labeled vegetarian dishes.