Ashton-In-Makerfield brings together a range of things to discover: a park with a remarkable history, historic churches and a wetland with wildlife and walking routes. The Three Sisters Circuit adds motor racing to the mix. If you are planning a stay, you can consider whether nature experiences, architectural heritage or a racing event are of particular interest to you.
Nature and trails at Three Sisters Nature Reserve
Three Sisters Nature Reserve is a wetland nature reserve with abundant wildlife, and provides access to the larger Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve. Birds found on the lake include goosanders, mute swans, grey herons and kingfishers. Those interested in birdlife will find a specific nature-related attraction here; the extensive trails also cater to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This means you can explore the area through both its wildlife and the different ways to enjoy its trails.
The reserve can be reached from Ashton or Wigan by bus routes 600/602. From the Bryn Cross stop on the A49, a short walk via Bryn Road and Lockett Road leads to Three Sisters Road. As route details may change as services are updated, it is worth checking the timetables before travelling. The Three Sisters Recreation Area on Lockett Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield also has extensive parking.
Churches and architectural heritage
The Roman Catholic Church of St Oswald and St Edmund Arrowsmith was built between 1925 and 1930 in the French Romanesque style and is considered a masterpiece by J Sydney Brocklesby. Its distinctive heritage includes an unusually extensive collection of stained glass by Dublin-born artist Harry Clarke and a shrine to the Holy Hand of Saint Edmund Arrowsmith. Architecture, craftsmanship and religious history come together in this building.
An earlier building is the Church of St Thomas on Warrington Road. The Grade II listed church was built in 1891–1893. The Carnegie Library is also Grade II listed: J B & W Thornley designed the building, which was constructed in 1905–1906. Despite modernisations, the library retains numerous original features and an interior layout that has changed little. The construction dates of the church and library mark different stages in local architectural history, while the library’s preserved details draw attention to its interiors.
Jubilee Park and its history
Jubilee Park comprises two separate areas on either side of Wigan Road (A49). Together, they cover 8.5 acres. The division and total area give the park a distinctive layout; it also has a history dating back to the 19th century. At its official opening in 1897, Lord Gerard renamed the park to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Those interested in local history will find not just a green space here, but also a specific historical occasion.
Motor racing at Three Sisters Circuit
Three Sisters Circuit adds regular sprint and endurance races to the area’s nature and heritage experiences. Races are offered in different formats and durations, and cater to participants ranging from beginners to experienced racers. This is a different kind of activity from the trails in the nature reserve: here, motor racing takes centre stage. If you would like to include an event in your travel plans, check the current racing schedule in advance.
Discover more destinations: Stalybridge, Whitefield, Egerton, Dobcross, Salford, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Urmston, Blackrod.
Return to the regional travel overview: Greater Manchester.
