Explore Halton’s Rich History with the New Halton Heritage Guide!

Want to take a step back in time and uncover the secrets of a region where legends were born? Introducing the brand-new Halton Heritage Guide—your ultimate passport to exploring Halton’s rich past and vibrant present.

Whether you’re into scenic strolls through history or epic adventures, this guide is packed with everything you need to uncover the borough’s rich and surprising heritage, with walks that range from short trails to more extensive explorations.

Introducing the six heritage trails:

Bridges, Bobbies, Boats, and a Bustling Town: Runcorn Old Town

Runcorn Old Town is a charming blend of ancient and modern. Take a stroll along the Bridgewater Canal Towpath, explore the vibrant Promenade, and listen to the echoes of the past in this storied inland port town. Don’t forget to check out the Brindley Theatre, a cultural gem built on the site of a former soap works, offering performances that light up the town’s thriving arts scene.

Thatch-Hamlet, Famous Giant, and a 45ft Lighthouse: Hale

Hale’s charm rivals that of popular hamlets in the Cotswolds and Yorkshire Dales. Stroll from the village to Hale Head Lighthouse, soaking up breathtaking views of the Mersey and the lush Cheshire hills. Perfect for filling your social media feeds with beautiful snapshots.

Tree-Lined Walkways, a Tower, and a Miniature Train: Runcorn Town Park

For those who crave the great outdoors, Runcorn Town Park is the largest park in the borough, offering a delightful escape into nature. Recently revamped to be more accessible, the park is dotted with picnic spots, historical landmarks, and abundant wildlife. Climb to the iconic Water Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the meadows and woodlands or hop on the miniature train for a fun ride through this verdant paradise.

Science, Industry, Stone Roses and Promenade Strolls: West Bank

As you stand at West Bank today it is hard to imagine how it, Spike Island and the Sankey Canal all played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. The areas location and waterways made it the perfect place to pioneer copper, soap and chemicals production. Look out over the river views to the modern gateway bridge while discovering hints of Halton’s past.

Zeppelins, Red Admirals, A War Hero and a Hit Record: Victoria Park

A small pocket of Widnes filled with so much history and significance, from the station to one of the town’s oldest parks. This area has plenty of tales to tell, inspiring world-famous musicians and immortalised a Victoria Cross awardee. Pick up the trail at the station musical myths are naming as the birthplace for a global hit single, and head towards Victoria park with its open space, butterfly house plus so much more. It’s time to make some tracks.

A Mad Hatter, Enchanting Woodlands and Famous Footsteps: Daresbury

Discover the small, charming village of Daresbury, you’ll feel a world away in this wonderland waiting to be explored. Take a stroll around the birthplace of one of the world’s best loved writers, Lewis Carroll. You’ll be inspired by the idyllic surroundings, let your curiosity take charge and explore.

Did you know that Halton was officially formed on 1st April 1974, the borough of Halton, named after the ancient Barony of Halton, unites the towns of Widnes and Runcorn, located just 10 miles upstream from Liverpool. This rural hinterland of the Liverpool City region is a landscape of legacy.

A Legacy of Legends and Landmarks

Halton’s timeline stretches back to the Bronze Age, weaving tales of Roman fortresses and medieval strongholds. Fast forward to the 19th century, and you’ll find Widnes sparking the chemical industry revolution, while Runcorn was bustling with soap makers and thriving inland ports. With such a storied past, the borough is a treasure trove of heritage sites:

• Halton Castle: Perched on top of Halton Hill, this viewpoint at Halton Castle may only exist as ruins, but it gives spectacular extensive views and has a story of rich history behind it. It’s one of the two surviving Norman castles in Cheshire and stands on a rocky hill overlooking the Mersey River above the former village of Halton There are several fascinating features such as the sally port, garderobe and tower.

• Runcorn Railway Bridge: An engineering marvel connecting stories from the past to the present. The Runcorn Railway Bridge crosses the River Mersey at Runcorn Gap between Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire, England. It is alongside the Silver Jubilee Bridge. The bridge is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II Listed building. On completion, the bridge was the longest of its type.

• Norton Priory Museum and Gardens: Immerse yourself in centuries of history surrounded by serene gardens. Norton Priory is home to 900 years of history and heritage. Known as one of the most excavated monastic sites in Europe. Norton Priory Museum History boasts thousands of artefacts from Tudor shoes to the incredible medieval statue of St Christopher.

Get Your Copy of the Halton Heritage Guide

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the Halton Heritage Guide is your key to unlocking the borough’s fascinating stories and scenic trails. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure through Halton’s past and present. Your journey through history starts here!  https://visithalton.co.uk/heritage-trails/