Warrington factfile

How to get to Warrington
Warrington is a large town in Cheshire, 15 km (10 mi) east of Liverpool on the north bank of the River Mersey. Well served by bus and rail, it lies next to the West Coast Mainline and close to the M6, M56 and M62 motorways.

Warrington through the ages
Warrington was a Saxon settlement in the eighth century, but by the 12th century had become a small market town. A stone bridge built over the River Mersey in 1495 made it strategically important and secured its future.

In the 18th and 19th centuries it grew, thanks to its metalworking, sacking and particularly its famed sailcloth industries, for which the growth of nearby Liverpool was responsible.

In 1968, Warrington was declared a New Town and grew rapidly again, with new suburbs and industrial estates.

Shopping in Warrington
Warrington town centre continues to develop into a haven for fans of retail therapy. It has three large shopping centres in Birchwood, Cockhedge and the newly refurbished Golden Square, which offer a wide range of major and independent retailers.

Eating and drinking in Warrington
With a diverse range of restaurants, pubs, inns and cafés offering both regional and international cuisine, Warrington has something to suit every pocket and palate.

Famous people from Warrington
Ian Brown, singer and ex-frontman for The Stone Roses, was born in Warrington, as were actor and star of cult movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show Tim Curry and radio and TV presenter Chris Evans. Much-loved film comic and ukulele player George Formby lived in Warrington for many years and is buried in the town's main cemetery.

Things to see and do around Warrington
Walton Hall is an Elizabethan-style mansion built in 1834 for Gilbert Greenall, a Warrington brewer. Famed for its magnificent Gothic frontage, it sits in 30 acres of beautiful parkland and is said to have been frequented by Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll.

Bewsey Old Hall is a medieval manor house which dates back to the 13th century and was home to the early lords of Warrington. Still visible is the old-style moat which surrounded it and a delightful yew maze.

Sport and leisure in Warrington
Warrington has a range of leisure and recreation centres offering a plethora of facilities. There's also tenpin bowling and indoor karting, as well as a variety of hi-tech gyms and fitness studios. Rugby, athletics and cricket are well catered for and Walton Hall Golf Course is one of the best municipal courses in the north.

Arts and culture in Warrington
The Pyramid is the town's first purpose-built centre for the arts and offers dance, drama, comedy and regular art exhibitions. Next door is Parr Hall, a popular concert venue. The town also has a 10-screen cinema, a museum and an art gallery.