[Go 01] Runcorn Station
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Runcorn station is in the Old Town. Use this station for services north to Liverpool]], west to Chester]], and south to Birmingham (England)
[Go 02] Runcorn East Station
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Runcorn East station is in the New Town to the east. Use this station for services west to Chester and North Wales, and east to Manchester]]. It is a small, unmanned station and you will need to either get a taxi or a bus if travelling to the town centre from here. It also has two platforms. Use Platform 1 for Manchester Piccadilly and Platform 2 for Chester and Llandudno]]. Trains to Manchester Piccadilly take around 45 minutes, to Chester take 30 minutes, and to Llandudno take an hour and thirty minutes.
[See 01] Norton Priory Museum & Gardens
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Norton Priory is the most excavated monastic site in Europe. Boasting the ruins of an abbey, 12th century undercroft and an 18th-century walled garden, it is located within an oasis of tranquil woodland and wildflower meadows. The museum displays thousands of artefacts from Norton’s 900-year history, including the internationally significant 14th century statue of St Christopher. The museum is open year round but the Walled Garden closes for the winter from 1st November–1st April.
[See 02] Halton Castle
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One of only two Norman castles in Cheshire, Halton Castle sits atop Halton Hill near the geographical centre of the town. Only ruins of the castle survive, but there are widespread views from the top of the hill. Incorporated into the castle walls is 'The Castle' pub, which used to be a Georgian courthouse. The castle is only open to the public at special times of year but for the price of a pint the pub will let you in their beer garden and you'll have free rein of the castle.
[See 03] Runcorn Promenade
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A stroll along the promenade in Runcorn Old Town offers views across the River Mersey, the Manchester Ship Canal and the three bridges that cross it. There is also a cantilevered walkway on the Silver Jubilee Bridge which offers good views over the waterways and the town. The town plays host to the largest free fireworks show in the North West on Bonfire Night every 5th November which can be viewed from the promenade.
[See 04] Runcorn Town Hall
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Completed in 1856 as a mansion for Thomas Johnson, a local industrialist, Runcorn Town Hall is a Grade II listed building in the Italianate style set in a small parkland. It is modelled after Osborne House, Queen Victoria's residence on the Isle of White. As a working office, the building is only open to members of the public at certain times of year, usually at Christmas time, but the park is open year round.
[See 05] Norton Water Tower
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Another landmark is Norton Water Tower, built of Runcorn sandstone, 112 feet (34 m) high, which holds 672,000 imperial gallons (3 million litres) of water and supplies it to Liverpool. It is a major feat of Victorian engineering and can be viewed from impressive vistas in Town Park in the east of the town.
[See 06] Runcorn Hill Park
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Runcorn Hill Park and Local Nature Reserve is in the centre of the western part of the town, partly on a dis-used nineteenth-century quarry. It incorporates natural woodland and heathland with more formal landscaping, playing fields, a bandstand, model boating lake, sporting facilities and cafe. A Chirotherium dinosaur footprint discovered in the quarry can be viewed in the cafe.
[See 07] Wigg Island
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Wigg Island is a large park and nature reserve in the north of the town on the banks of the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal. It covers 23 hectares of a former industrial site and includes several bird watching hides. During the Second World War, this was the site of the top secret Wigg and Randle Works which manufactured mustard gas to be used in case of Nazi invasion.
[See 08] Town Park
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Town Park forms the centre of the eastern part of the New Town and is accessible from all of the surrounding communities. It also forms the pedestrian link to Runcorn Shopping City. Runcorn Ski Centre and Halton Miniature Railway are located in the park along with a children's play area. Phoenix Park adjoins Town Park to the north and includes a cafe, rock climbing wall and skate park.
[See 09] War memorials and Todger Jones VC statue
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A war memorial to those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, as well as those killed in later conflicts, is located at the end of Moughland Lane along with a statue of Thomas 'Todger' Jones VC. There is a second memorial in Castle Road, Halton village, commemorating residents of the village who served in the Boer War.
[Do 01] The Brindley Theatre
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The Brindley is an award winning theatre, arts centre, bar and cafe in Runcorn Old Town aside the Bridgewater Canal. It hosts everything from stand up comedy to musicals and film showings.
[Do 02] Halton Miniature Railway
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A 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway runs through Town Park in the east of the town for almost a mile. First opened in 1979, Halton Miniature Railway is staffed entirely by volunteers and operates services most weekends.
[Do 03] Runcorn Ski Centre
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There is a privately operated outdoor dry ski slope, also in Town Park. It consists of three dry ski slopes: an 85-metre main slope, a 45-metre extended nursery slope and a 25-metre nursery slope. The centre offers skiing and snowboarding lessons as well as children's 'tubing' parties.
[Buy 01] Shopping City
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Runcorn Shopping City is the main shopping location in the town. It comprises over 60 stores, including banks, eateries, clothing shops, hardware, electronics and department stores, supermarkets and more. In addition to big name stores like Argos, The Range, Specsavers, Wilko and Boots, the centre hosts many smaller retailers and has introduced an incubator for local start up outlets in 'The Box'. The centre is complemented by surrounding developments, including large supermarkets, drive through fast food restaurants, and the adjacent Trident Retail Park and its multiplex cinema. Local amenities like the main library and Council 'Direct Link' centres are also attached to the Shopping City in the civic quarter. However, it is not a major shopping destination regionally and its main purpose is as a local shopping mall. Parking here is free and it is well served by local buses.
[Buy 02] Old Town
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The Old Town area of Runcorn hosts smaller independent retailers such as a butcher, book shop, bakery and picture framers. The main areas are High Street, Regent Street and Church Street.
[Eat 01] Devonshire Bakery
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Popular independent bakery making fresh sandwiches, pies, cakes and bread baked fresh everyday using traditional methods. Quite expensive but good for a treat!
[Eat 02] Quigley's Bakery
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Busy with locals from breakfast to lunchtime, this small, cheap bakery serves up a range of pies, warm baps and even takeaway Sunday lunch.
[Eat 03] Bridge Deli
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Family run coffee shop serving excellent fresh sandwiches, baked potatoes and cakes.
[Eat 04] Monks Delicatessen
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A family run delicatessen that has been selling fine food since 1884. Bacon, sausage, pies, cheese, cooked meats, sandwiches, biscuits, jam, chutney.
[Eat 05] The Bake House
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Serving breakfast, lunch, gin, coffee and cakes. Dog friendly and near to Runcorn Hill Park.
[Eat 06] Esposito's Deli
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Cafe set in Runcorn Hill Park so very popular on a sunny day - especially for iced cream.
[Eat 07] CHI Community Cafe
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Serves light snacks, ice cream and coffee in Phoenix Park.
[Eat 08] Tropicana Cafe
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Popular cafe in Runcorn Shopping City. The scouse is recommended.
[Eat 09] FJ's Restaurant
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Basic greasy spoon cafe.
[Eat 10] Melenio
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Cosy family run restaurant serving fresh authentic Italian food. Popular with diners before heading to the Brindley Theatre.
[Eat 11] atmoesphere
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Trendy restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisine.
[Eat 12] The Ferry Boat Wetherspoons
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Located in the Old Town, this is the busiest pub in Runcorn and offers a range of cheap eats. It is named after the old ferry boat which brought passengers across the River Mersey from Widnes.
[Eat 13] Ten Lock Flight
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Familiar pub classic dishes plus steak and pizza.
[Eat 14] Tandoori Night
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Indian restaurant with cool, modern decor offering Indian classics, tandoori specials and takeaway.
[Eat 15] The Prospect Inn
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Family run pub serving quality beers, ales and home cooked food.
[Eat 16] The Royal Oak
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Small family run village pub at the heart of Weston since 1865. Serves real cask ales, speciality craft gins and homemade traditional food.
[Eat 17] Norton Arms
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Traditional, friendly and lively little pub in Halton Village. Serves a good range of beers and home cooked food.
[Eat 18] Evenwood Farm, Dining & Carvery
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Large pub/restaurant serving British dishes and a carvery, with children's indoor play area.
[Eat 19] Beefeater
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Large steak restaurant next to the Premier Inn hotel.
[Eat 20] Ring O Bells
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Rustic-chic pub, with contemporary fittings and a tiled floor, serving steaks and global dishes.
[Eat 21] K.Lee Supper Bar
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Chinese and fish & chip take away.
[Drink 01] Society Ltd
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Contemporary bar with beer garden underneath the railway arches in Runcorn Old Town. Serves a wide range of keg and cask lines, ciders, wines, cocktails and street food.
[Drink 02] The Ferry Boat Wetherspoons
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Located in the Old Town, this is the busiest pub in Runcorn and offers a range of real ales and craft beers. It is named after the old ferry boat which brought passengers across the River Mersey from Widnes.
[Drink 03] Chambers
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Runcorn's only nightclub, Chambers is open on Fridays and Saturdays till late.
[Drink 04] Alchemy Live Music Bar
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Busy live music venue and bar.
[Drink 05] The Barley Mow
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Popular with locals of a weekend, this listed building hosts open mic karaoke. One to avoid if you're looking for a quiet night.
[Drink 06] The Castle
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The big draw here is the spectacular views across Cheshire from atop Halton Hill and the cosy fireplaces in winter. The pub is teeming with history - the beer garden is within the grounds of Halton Castle and the pub itself is a former Georgian courthouse. Don't drink too many though or you may struggle to get back down the hill!
[Drink 07] Norton Arms
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At the base of Halton Castle, the Norton Arms is ideal if you don't fancy a trek up Halton Hill. It serves a good range of drinks, pub food and often hosts live music.
[Drink 08] Weaver Hotel
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Built in 1908, this Samuel Smith pub boasts many original features. Relax in the library room or take in the sunshine in the extensive beer garden. A real old world charm with no TV or loud music.
[Drink 09] The Royal
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Busy sports bar, popular for watching Premier League football.
[Drink 10] The Red Admiral
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Premier League football and live music.
[Drink 11] The Halfway House
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Community pub with Premier League football, a large beer garden and live music at weekends.
[Drink 12] The Windmill
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Lively sports bar in Windmill Hill.
[Drink 13] The Beechwood
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Popular community pub in the centre of Beechwood.
[Sleep 01] Hotel Campanile Runcorn
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A 53-bedroom hotel. Access to rooms is via motel style open air walkways.
[Sleep 02] Fountain's Hotel
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Basic accommodation catering mainly for contractors.
[Sleep 03] The Wilsons Hotel
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Comfortable rooms above a classic pub with a beer garden.
[Sleep 04] The Wellington Hotel
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Rooms above a lively pub.
[Sleep 05] Bridge View B&B
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Bed and breakfast with a bar for guests and the general public. Has a large function/conference room that can be used for business seminars, christenings, weddings, funerals, birthday and anniversary celebrations.
[Sleep 06] Runcorn Jubilee B&B
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Warm, clean and friendly bed and breakfast. Prices start from £36.00 per night B&B for a single room with shared bathroom and up to £64.00 per night B&B for a double en-suite room.
[Sleep 07] Daresbury Park Hotel and Spa
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Contemporary rooms plus an airy restaurant, coffee shop and indoor pool. Situated to the east of the town in Daresbury.
[Sleep 08] Holiday Inn
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3 star redbrick hotel with an indoor pool and bar, located on the outskirts of Runcorn in Beechwood.
[Sleep 09] Premier Inn
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3-star hotel offering en suite rooms, an on-site pub/restaurant and free parking. Close to the M56 motorway to the south of the town.