What to do in Runcorn

Activities, attractions and tours

The new Runcorn bridge. Just opened.
The new Runcorn bridge. Just opened.
The Old Quay Bridge, in Runcorn, is one of several similar swing bridges along the Manchester Ship Canal. It was built circa 1894 and still functions.
Photo by Andrew (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
The Old Quay Bridge, in Runcorn, is a circa 1894 swing bridge along the Manchester Ship Canal. In this view, from the northeast, it is starting to swing open to allow a ship to pass.
Photo by Andrew (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)
Runcorn Town Hall, formerly Halton Grange
Photo by Dgp4004 (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Runcorn Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Runcorn has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Runcorn, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Runcorn with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Runcorn

Runcorn is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Runcorn, and make it a breeze to explore Runcorn and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Runcorn to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Runcorn, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Runcorn.

Runcorn attractions

Runcorn has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Runcorn to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Runcorn.

Looking for things to do in Runcorn can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Runcorn or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Runcorn attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Old Trafford

Few British soccer teams are as recognized globally as Manchester United. Their stadium, Old Trafford, is a huge attraction both for die-hard fans and curious soccer neophytes. Watch a match and arrange to go on a stadium tour. See the hallowed sporting ground where the Reds as they are affectionately known have claimed many sporting victories.
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Old Trafford

2. Anfield Stadium

For many locals, this historic stadium is the most important structure in the city. The city of Liverpool is fanatical about their soccer, and the Anfield Road Stadium has been the home of the Liverpool Football Club since its formation in 1892. The stadium itself predates the football club by eight years, but was modernized regularly throughout the 20th century. Those lucky enough to get tickets to a match at the stadium will experience the vigor with which the Brits support their clubs. Visit on a quiet day to discover the history of the stadium and the Liverpool Football Club at the museum. The museum features photographs, videos and memorabilia dating back to the late 19th century, and outlines the history of the Liverpool Football Club. Pick up a cap or flag from the official store, just outside the museum.
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Anfield Road Stadium

3. Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is an enormous complex with recreations of terrain and eco-systems from around the world. The acclaimed site has been voted one of the best zoos in the world due to its excellent facilities, vast enclosures and range of animals. Get around the 125-acre (50-hectare) site by monorail and take in views of some of the 12,000 creatures on display.
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Chester Zoo showing railway items and zoo animals

4. Royal Albert Dock

Liverpool’s most popular entertainment precinct was once the world’s most sophisticated city port. Built in 1846, the state of the art dock featured one of the world’s first hydraulic cranes and a series of large warehouse facilities. Today Albert Dock has been overhauled and features an intriguing mix of historical sites, fashionable bars and restaurants, and many of the city’s major cultural institutions. Right in the city center, Albert Dock is one of the most popular destinations in Liverpool, and is a great place to base yourself during your stay.
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Albert Dock which includes heritage architecture and a bay or harbour

5. Salford Quays

Take a trip to Salford Quays to enjoy a thriving hub with theaters, bars, restaurants, a museum and MediaCityUK, a purpose-built media precinct designed to support creative industries.
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Salford Quays which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a city

6. Liverpool ONE

Follow the crowds to Liverpool ONE, one of the largest outdoor shopping and entertainment centers in the United Kingdom. Browse more than 150 high street stores, relax at one of the center’s many cafes and restaurants, then catch a movie or test your skills on the adventure golf course.
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Christmas reflections on a wet Sunday morning. Taken at Liverpool One on a Samsung S8.

Recommended things to do in Runcorn

Number of things to do
38
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Comedy Club For Kids in Liverpool: £5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Runcorn

Popular places to visit

Norton Priory Museum

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Norton Priory Museum during your trip to Runcorn. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Norton Priory Museum

Halton Castle

You can find out about the history of Runcorn with a stop at Halton Castle. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Halton Castle

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Runcorn

Royal Liver Building which includes a city and heritage architecture

Liverpool

Warrington showing heritage architecture

Warrington

The Mersey Gateway Bridge is a toll bridge between Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire, England, which spans the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal

Widnes

Anderson Boat Lift Northwich 5

Northwich

Chester featuring a square or plaza, heritage elements and a city

Chester

Little Manor Farm.
Photo by David Long (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Daresbury

Photo-sphere by the river
Photo by James Merrington (Me… (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Acton Bridge

Amazing views.... Helsby Hill

Frodsham

Frequently asked questions

Is Runcorn worth visiting?
Famous for its views and history, finding awesome things to do in Runcorn is a cinch. Make sure to add Gulliver's World - Warrington to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Runcorn?
After you've visited top attractions like Gulliver's World - Warrington and Lark Lane, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Runcorn.
What is the top tourist attraction in Runcorn?
Gulliver's World - Warrington is one of the top tourist attractions in Runcorn and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Runcorn?
Three days will be enough time to tick off the leading city highlights, such as Catalyst, Widnes Superbowl and Walton Hall and Gardens. The average stay in Runcorn is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Greater Manchester isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Runcorn with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Runcorn with kids.

What to do in Runcorn for adults?
Penny Lane and Lady Heyes Crafts and Antique Centre are just a few of the things to do in Runcorn. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Runcorn?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Runcorn is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. St Peter's Church is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.