This town is perfectly located for exploring the north-west of England, but it's also an exciting destination in its own right.
With a hire car in Warrington, you'll be able to see everything it has to offer – and visit some great places just a short drive away.
The Cultural Quarter
One of the jewels in Warrington’s crown is its Museum and Art Gallery, located on Bold Street in the Cultural Quarter. It’s housed within an historic redbrick building that dates all the way back to 1858 and retains much of its original character today.
Inside, you’ll find a fascinating selection of artwork and artefacts from around the world, with more than 1,000 paintings on display in the main galleries. There are two temporary exhibition spaces on the first floor, displaying changing works by local artists.
You'll also find a huge collection of archeological artefacts and antiques, including treasures from Ancient Egypt and Roman remains from nearby Wilderspool.
Grand gardens and city living
Just south of Warrington's town centre, on the banks of the Cheshire Ring canal, you'll find Walton Hall and Gardens. Once part of a larger country estate built in the 1830s, today it’s a popular attraction visited by thousands of people every year.
The hall is set among 32 acres of parkland, which includes an impressive variety of plants and plenty of places for a picnic if you’re visiting in the summer. If it’s a bit cool for that, pop into the heritage cafe for a cup of tea. Youngsters will love the children's zoo, the crazy golf course and the train that goes around the grounds.
Just under an hour’s drive west in your hire car meanwhile you’ll find Liverpool, a vibrant city with a rich and fascinating heritage. A seafaring powerhouse in Victorian times, it was built around the docks, with the former industrial units now reinvented as trendy cafes, bars, hotels and shops.
Proud of its status as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city boasts a museum, guided tours and much more for fans of the Fab Four. Other highlights include Tate Liverpool, the Maritime Museum, two impressive cathedrals and the Three Graces – a trio of buildings set within a UNESCO World Heritage site that towers over the River Mersey. It’s here that you can also see the famous Liver Building.
Sporting success
Make the short drive east to Manchester, another former industrial powerhouse that's reinvented itself as a thrilling modern visitor destination, and cultural attractions abound, including the Science and Industry Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery.
The popular National Football Museum, meanwhile, reflects a city that wears its sporting passions on its sleeve, and there are of course two world famous football clubs based locally. Manchester United and Manchester City offer stadium tours of their respective grounds – both are hugely popular, so it’s a good idea to book tickets online in advance if you can.
With a hire car in Warrington you can explore the north-west of England at your leisure. Book direct online today.