Explore Widnes
Known for
The birthplace of Paul Simon's song 'Homeward Bound' (written at Widnes railway station in 1965), the chemical industry heritage (Widnes was the 19th century capital of the chemical industry), and a Cheshire town on the Mersey with unexpected musical heritage
A little history
Paul Simon wrote 'Homeward Bound' at Widnes railway station in 1965 while on tour. Widnes was the world's centre of alkali chemical manufacture in the 19th century — creating the chemical industry that transformed the world. The Catalyst Museum tells this story. The Widnes Vikings are a successful rugby league club.
The railway station plaque for Paul Simon's Homeward Bound moment. The Catalyst Museum for the chemical heritage. The Mersey Gateway Bridge for engineering marvel. The Vikings for rugby league.
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Food & drink in Widnes
Widnes has good independent food. The town centre has improving independent restaurants. Liverpool and Warrington are close.
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The Catalyst Museum and chemical heritage bring visitors. Independent businesses serve the large community.
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Frequently asked questions
Widnes is a place in Cheshire known for the birthplace of Paul Simon's song 'Homeward Bound' (written at Widnes railway station in 1965), the chemical industry heritage (Widnes was the 19th century capital of the chemical industry), and a Cheshire town on the Mersey with unexpected musical heritage. Paul Simon wrote 'Homeward Bound' at Widnes railway station in 1965 while on tour. The population is around 61,000.
Widnes has good independent food. The town centre has improving independent restaurants. Liverpool and Warrington are close.
Yes. Roam is a free local discovery app live in Widnes and across Cheshire. It is available on iOS and Android.
Local Widnes businesses can list on Roam for free in around 90 seconds. Add your business name, address, opening hours and a few photos via the Roam website, and your listing goes live in Roam's discovery feed for users browsing Widnes and the wider Cheshire area. There is no subscription fee.
Roam covers Widnes and the surrounding area in Cheshire, including Farnworth, Ditton, Halton, Hough Green, Kingsway, Upton, Appleton and Runcorn.
