cafe
Rapha Clubhouse Manchester
Manchester's cycling culture hub offering specialty coffee, kit, and a community space for riding enthusiasts.
18 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Atherton
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Atherton
Atherton is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Little Hulton, 42km from Snake Pass.
Atherton is in England, United Kingdom, with about 22,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Little Hulton, about 5 km away.
Atherton () is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, historically part of Lancashire. It is 5 miles (8 km) south of Bolton, 7 miles (11 km) east of Wigan, and 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Manchester. During the Industrial Revolution, the town was a key part of the ManchesterRead more
Coalfield.
Atherton was associated with coal mining and nail manufacture from the 14th century, encouraged by outcropping coal seams. At the beginning of the 20th century, the town was described as "the centre of a district of collieries, cotton mills and iron-works, which cover the surface of the country with their inartistic buildings and surroundings, and are linked together by the equally unlovely dwellings of the people". Atherton's last deep coal mine closed in 1966, and the last cotton mill closed in 1999. Today the town is the third-largest retail centre in the Borough of Wigan; almost 20% of those employed in the area work in the wholesale and retail trades, although there is still some significant manufacturing industry in the town.
Evidence has been discovered of a Roman road passing through the area, on the ancient route between Coccium (Wigan) and Mamucium (Manchester). Following the Anglo-Saxon invasion of England, Atherton, which is built on and around seven brooks, became part of the manor of Warrington until the Norman Conquest, when it became a township or vill in the ancient parish of Leigh. Since 1974 the town has been part of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, a local government district of the Metropolitan County of Greater Manchester and since 2024 it has been part of the Leigh and Atherton parliamentary constituency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Atherton?
Within an hour or so of Atherton: Rapha Clubhouse Manchester (18 km), Aintree Motor Racing Circuit (30 km), Lyme Park (Pemberley, 1995 Pride and Prejudice) (36 km), Oulton Park (39 km).
Are there any good drives near Atherton?
The nearest famous roads are Holme Moss, Snake Pass and Woodhead Pass.
Where is Atherton?
Atherton is in England, United Kingdom, about 5 km from Little Hulton.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 22,000
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 53.5237, -2.4935
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Atherton
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
racetrack
Aintree Motor Racing Circuit
Historic circuit inside Aintree Racecourse that hosted five British Grands Prix in the 1950s-60s, where Stirling Moss took his first home GP win. Club sprints still run on the old track.
30 km · about 35 min drive
film location
Lyme Park (Pemberley, 1995 Pride and Prejudice)
The lake at Lyme Park is where Colin Firth's Mr Darcy emerges from the water in the BBC serial.
36 km · about 40 min drive
racetrack
Oulton Park
A picturesque Cheshire circuit winding through parkland with dramatic elevation changes, a favourite of British club and national racing.
39 km · about 45 min drive
waterfall
Kinder Downfall
The Peak's highest waterfall at 30m, famously blown back up the cliff as spray in a westerly wind.
41 km · about 45 min drive
famous road
Snake Pass
A twisting road through the Peak District connecting Sheffield and Manchester, beloved by motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts.
42 km · about 50 min drive
landmark
Chester Zoo
The UK's most-visited zoo housing over 35,000 animals across 128 acres with award-winning conservation programs.
42 km · about 50 min drive
famous road
Snake Pass (A57)
The Woodhead-era Telford road over the Pennines between Glossop and the Ladybower reservoirs, with fast curves and frequent winter closures.
42 km · about 50 min drive
Driving roads near Atherton
8 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 60km.
- 42 kmSnake PassA twisting road through the Peak District connecting Sheffield and Manchester, beloved by motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts.
- 42 kmSnake Pass (A57)The Woodhead-era Telford road over the Pennines between Glossop and the Ladybower reservoirs, with fast curves and frequent winter closures.
- 42 kmHolme MossA 524 m Pennine pass on the A6024 topped by a landmark transmitter mast, a celebrated cycling climb used in the 2014 Tour de France.
- 43 kmSnake Pass SummitThe highest point on the A57 crossing the Pennines, with moorland views stretching across the Dark Peak landscape.
- 43 kmWoodhead PassThe A628 trans-Pennine route over bleak moorland past the Woodhead reservoirs, frequently closed by snow and high winds.
- 44 kmKinder ScoutThe Peak District's highest ground at 636m, site of the 1932 Mass Trespass that led to Britain's national parks and right to roam.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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