Living in Leigh

Leigh is known for its warm, community-driven ethos, with many residents having strong family or local ties to the area. The town regularly hosts local events, such as the monthly Leigh Artisan Market, which takes place in Civic Square and features local makers, producers, and artists. Community centres like Leigh Sports Village and Leigh Youth Hub provide spaces for sports, performing arts, and youth activities.

Nature is easily accessible, with the celebrated Pennington Flash Country Park offering walking routes, birdwatching, and water sports. The Bridgewater Canal towpath is popular for walking and cycling, connecting Leigh to rural and urban attractions in Wigan and Salford.

There is a strong presence of local societies, faith groups, and sports clubs, helping new residents feel welcome. The town's social fabric is also sustained by its regular volunteer activities, fundraising campaigns, and public celebrations, fostering a cohesive and inclusive sense of belonging.

Safety and crime rates in Leigh are a key consideration for many potential residents. Overall, Leigh experiences levels of crime comparable to other towns in Greater Manchester. As with much of the region, the town sees higher rates of minor anti-social incidents in the centre and busier retail or nightlife areas, while residential suburbs such as Pennington and Westleigh are perceived as quieter and safer environments.

Leigh has been part of several community regeneration projects aimed at improving local safety and providing youth engagement programmes. There is an active presence from Greater Manchester Police, regular community patrols, and local neighbourhood watch groups. Investment in public spaces and lighting improvements also contribute to enhanced feelings of safety.

Most issues in Leigh centre on property crime and occasional public disturbances, with serious incidents being relatively uncommon. Local initiatives and partnerships between the council and community have helped foster a productive dialogue around community safety.

Parking in Leigh is generally straightforward, especially in residential areas where on-street and off-street parking is widely available. In and around Leigh town centre, there are a variety of pay-and-display car parks as well as limited free parking zones. Residents may require permits for certain streets, particularly close to retail or business districts, but permit schemes are not widespread compared to cities.

Traffic congestion is generally moderate, peaking during morning and evening commutes on main roads such as the A580 East Lancashire Road. Access to the wider motorway network is convenient, with the M6, M61, and M62 only a short drive away.

• Wigan – approx. 20 mins via A577 (8 miles)
• Bolton – approx. 30 mins via A579 (13 miles)
• Liverpool – approx. 40 mins via A580 (25 miles)
• Manchester city centre – approx. 25 mins via A580 (12 miles)

Leigh’s road access and parking arrangements make it viable both for car owners and those relying mainly on public transport.

Leigh offers a growing selection of pubs, restaurants, and cafes catering to a broad range of tastes. The town centre hosts traditional pubs such as the Brewers Fayre and independent venues like The Parish, known for craft ales and live music. Cafés including Café Stella and Pennington Tea Room provide relaxed spots for daytime dining, while several independent bakeries and coffee shops line Bradshawgate and Spinning Jenny Way.

For dining out, options like Mio’s Italian and Marhaba Indian showcase Leigh’s multicultural dining scene. There are also a number of popular takeaways and family-friendly restaurants. Nightlife is mainly centred around pubs and community clubs rather than large nightclubs, maintaining a more easy-going local atmosphere. Leigh also benefits from nearby theatres and cinemas in Wigan and Bolton for entertainment.

Overall, Leigh’s social scene is more community-oriented and relaxed, with a steady calendar of live music events, quiz nights, and food festivals reflecting the town’s evolving identity.

School quality: Leigh offers well-rated primary and secondary schools, with a good mix of state and faith institutions.

Parks and green space: Pennington Flash Country Park, local playgrounds, and sports fields are all widely used by families.

Childcare: Numerous nurseries and childminders operate throughout the town, including dedicated childcare facilities at Leigh Sports Village.

Safety: Suburban areas and newer developments are popular with families due to quieter streets and local safety schemes.

Family activities: From Leigh Leisure Centre’s swimming pools to outdoor pursuits at Pennington Flash, as well as organised community events and children’s clubs, options for family time are plentiful.

Leigh provides an accommodating environment for pet owners, with numerous open spaces and walking routes. The iconic Pennington Flash Country Park is a highlight for dog walkers and nature enthusiasts, featuring large meadows, woodland trails, and lakeside paths. The Bridgewater Canal towpath is another well-used route for daily exercise with pets.

Local amenities include several veterinary surgeries, pet grooming services, and a range of independent and chain pet supply shops. Pubs such as The White Lion often welcome dogs, and community events sometimes feature dog shows or dedicated pet days.

The attitude toward pets in Leigh is generally positive, with many rental properties willing to accept animals (subject to terms). Leigh's easy access to countryside and established green corridors make it especially practical for dog owners and animal lovers alike.

Leigh enjoys convenient transport links, connecting it to Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, and wider Greater Manchester. Although Leigh does not have its own train station, the Guided Busway provides fast, regular services to Manchester city centre and beyond. Major bus routes serve local destinations and neighbouring towns including Wigan, Bolton, and Salford.

The A580 East Lancashire Road runs adjacently, providing direct access by car to Manchester (roughly twenty-five minutes) and Liverpool. Key motorways (M6, M61, and M62) are all accessible within a short drive. Manchester Airport is around 30 minutes away by car, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport approximately 40 minutes away.

• Manchester city centre – Approx. 25 mins by Guided Busway or A580 (12 miles)
• Liverpool – Approx. 40 mins via A580 (25 miles)
• Wigan – Approx. 20 mins via A577 (8 miles)
• Bolton – Approx. 30 mins by car (13 miles)
• Manchester Airport – Approx. 30 mins by car (19 miles)

This strategic central location makes Leigh an attractive choice for commuters, while the ongoing investment in local public transport continues to enhance accessibility for residents and visitors.

Primary Schools in Leigh

Leigh is home to a range of well-regarded primary schools. Leigh St Mary's Church of England Primary School is known for its strong sense of community and received a Good Ofsted rating in 2018. St Gabriel's Catholic Primary School is highly rated locally for academic development and pastoral care (Good, Ofsted 2021). Other notable options include Bedford Hall Methodist Primary School and Leigh St John's CE Primary School, both praised for inclusive teaching environments and parent engagement.

Secondary Schools in Leigh

Among the leading secondary schools, Westleigh High School is recognised for its commitment to both academic results and enrichment activities (Ofsted Good, 2020). Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy (just outside Leigh, in Croston) is well-regarded in Greater Manchester for high academic standards and a broad curriculum. St Mary’s Catholic High School (Astley) and Bedford High School are also major choices for Leigh’s students.

Colleges and Further Education

Wigan & Leigh College is a prominent provider of vocational and academic courses for school leavers and adults, with a campus in Leigh town centre offering access to a wide curriculum. The Leigh UTC (University Technical College) offers specialist STEM courses focused on engineering and digital technologies, supporting local industry needs.

Universities

Leigh does not have its own university, but direct transport links mean residents are within commuting distance of the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and University of Salford, all of which are easily accessible by public transport or car. These options make Leigh an attractive base for students, academics, and families looking for strong educational opportunities at every level.