Blog - News

September 11, 2025

By Chelsea Foster

Nestled in the North West and part of Greater Manchester’s ten local councils, Wigan offers a dynamic and versatile backdrop for a wide range of film and TV productions. Its prime location – just 30 miles from major studios in both Liverpool and Manchester -makes it an ideal choice for on-location shoots, combining accessibility with a rich variety of settings.

Members of the Filming in England Partnership, Wigan Council continues to make long strides in building its film friendly offer, taking a proactive approach and providing a welcoming place for filmmakers.

Alison Mckenzie-Folan, chief executive at Wigan Council, told us:

“We’re thrilled that Wigan Borough is recognised as film friendly across the region. A high-quality service is something we are committed to delivering for crews and our ambition is to become a hub for filming.

There’s something special about seeing the places we all know and love on our screens and we’re really proud to play a part in that. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming place to visit and we can’t wait to see more people coming to see what’s on offer here in Wigan Borough.”

The area has successfully hosted a number of well-known, much-loved productions. From gritty dramas to light-hearted comedies, Wigan has provided key locations to titles such as BBC’s Sherwood, Sky’s Brassic, Netflix’s No Return, Channel 4’s Everyone Else Burns, and more recently, the new Netflix series from Manchester based Quay Street Productions, Run Away.

Providing a rich visual palette & authenticity, the borough boasts an eclectic mix of industrial heritage locations and sites of natural beauty. Check out some of Wigan Borough’s brilliant filming spots below – 

Haigh Hall & Woodland Park

The Grade II* listed Haigh Hall is situated on the grounds of Haigh Woodland Park surrounded by 350 acres of woodland, parks and gardens. The house comprises of several reception areas, dining halls, bedrooms as well as a network of underground passageways and a bunker. The wider site also features a recreational area with wooded hiking trails, plus high ropes, miniature railway, golfing, walled gardens, courtyard, park, classrooms and office space.

This beautiful manor has previously featured in Sky’s Brassic & ITV drama, Passenger.

See Haigh Hall & Woodland Park on our Locations Directory here.

Wigan Town Hall

Wigan Town Hall is a former college which was built in 1903 and became the council’s HQ in 1990. The building hosts the council chamber and atrium. It was designed in the Baroque style and provides original features as well as some modern updates throughout – a great mixture to answer a number of location briefs.

See Wigan Town Hall on our Locations Directory here.

Mesnes Park

This beautiful park features formal gardens, a bandstand, pavilion, play area, waterfall & lake as well as a cafe and ice cream parlour. A jewel nestled on the edge of Wigan town centre, Mesnes Park has enjoyed a Heritage Lottery funded restoration bringing it back to its former Victorian glory.  Its unique bandstand comprises of a sandstone plinth, cast-iron columns & metal-clad wooden roof.

See Mesnes Park on our Locations Directory here.

Wigan Pier

Once famous for its gritty industrial landscape, Wigan Pier has recently been regenerated but retains its historic canal features. The site comprises 55,000 sq. ft. of office space, events and commercial spaces, a number of disused areas. It’s a fantastic option for a variety of both period and modern productions.

See Wigan Pier on our Locations Directory here.

Pennington Flash National Nature Reserve

Over in Leigh, Pennington Flash has broad appeal and showcases stunning natural views, trail networks and water-wide park spaces providing a varied backdrop. The site also includes a visitor centre, playground and café.

See Pennington Flash National Nature Reserve on our Locations Directory here.

Pennington Hall Park

A pretty community park with play areas, tennis courts, bowling greens and a band stand. Events take place in the park throughout the year, including a popular Proms event in September.

The park was presented to Leigh Corporation by local brewers Messer’s George Shaw and Company Limited in 1920 at a floral opening on Saturday 28th August 1920.

See Pennington Hall Park on our Locations Directory here.

Find out more about filming in Wigan HERE.

For more information on filming in the North West, please get in touch with Chelsea Foster, our Production Liaison Manager for the North West & Midlands – chelsea.foster@creativeengland.co.uk