Runcorn

Runcorn is at the head of the Mersey Estuary and was established in the 10th century when Ethelfleda, daughter of King Alfred the Great, built a fort to stand guard over the waterway.

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast then pay a visit to the Cycle Museum in the Old Police Station. They have collections of bells, pumps, books and catalogues from the old days to modern equivalents. They also have a vast library that contains information dating back to 1894.

In 1845 the world’s first railway-canal-dock complex was built at Widnes: salt was brought in from Cheshire and coal came from Lancashire and the town’s link with the alkali industry was born. Rugby League is very popular in this part of the country and Widnes is no exception as the Vikings compete in the Superleague.