Weekend Walks: Worsley Village

Although not your typical ‘weekend walk’, Worsley village is steeped in rich history and is a must see for any budding historian.

By Manchester's Finest | Last updated 27 July 2022

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With the recent addition of the much anticipated and long-awaited Worsley Delph, there’s even more to explore around Worsley Village during this walk.

You’ll be taken on a journey through hugely important points of interest in the area that lead to the spark that helped light the fires of the Industrial Revolution.

The Bridgewater Canal, birthplace of the transport revolution is an integral part of this walk, as it once was so integral to the revolution. It’s hard to imagine that this quaint village became the birthplace of the ‘transport’ revolution – linking coal mines in the area to Manchester city centre.

As such, much of the canal side is littered with stunning period black and white timbered houses and woodlands.

Starting at Worsley Court House – which is no longer used as a magistrate’s court, but instead as a village hall – turn left down Barton Road towards Packet House and Boat Steps, both of which date back to 1760 and housed a ticket office for a daily boat service between Worsley and Manchester.

3 miles in total, there are also a handful of picturesque pubs and restaurants on the canal side that you can enjoy after exploring all the heritage that Worsley Village has to offer.

Looking over the bridge, just past the Court House you’ll see The Delph, one of the oldest buildings in Worsley and at the time certainly one of the most important. It provided stone for the construction of the canal, until it’s completion in 1769.

You can walk in the footsteps of the Duke of Bridgewater, John Gilbert and James Brindley where their visions for the future became a World Heritage Site.

Visit Worsley