South Liverpool

Get any train to RUNCORN from Lime Street or any of the intermediate stations (Edge Hill, Mossley Hill, West Allerton, Allerton) then get any local bus back across the bridge (79C, 61, 82A, 62, 110 very frequent in the daytime including Sundays) one stop to Irwell St. Walk back towards the bridge, down the slope and through the underpass to Irwell St.

Takes about 30 minutes by train from Lime Street on a stopping train plus either 20 minutes walk over the bridge or 2 minutes on a bus.

By bus

If you live on or near Wavertree Rd, Picton Rd, Childwall Rd, Childwall Valley Rd, Caldway Rd or Netherley Rd you can get the Arriva 79C (every 15 minutes, not Sundays) and alight at Irwell St which is the last stop before the Runcorn Bridge, the driver will tell you. Alternatively you can get the Halton Transport service 14 which runs every day along the same route, but you have to get off at Morrisons and get any bus going to Runcorn (same stop).

Then walk along Irwell St (50m) and turn left at the end down Mersey Rd. We are 200m on the right hand side of the road.

From central Liverpool, the 14/79C take about 45 minutes from Liverpool One and they run roughly every 20 minutes Monday-Saturday, every half-hour Sundays. To check times ring the Halton Borough Bus line on 0151-236-7676 Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm (press 1 for local information) or try Mersey Travel on 0151-227-5181.

From Speke, or Garston or Aigburth you can get the Arriva 82A (every 30 minutes daytime Monday to Sunday.  The journey takes about 1 hour from Aigburth Vale. Alight at Irwell St.

North Manchester
Including Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale etc.

Go to Manchester (Piccadilly or Oxford Road) then take the train to Warrington (Central) About 20 minutes on a fast train. At this point you go out of the station, back under the train bridge, across the road to the bus station to the bus station.
 

Ask for the 110 (Arriva, goes to Runcorn, takes about 25 minutes, runs every 20 minutes Monday-Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes on Sunday and get off at Irwell St.

By bus

This would take about 2 hours so it is not really practical.

Take J7 for Widnes and take the exit signed Widnes (A557) and follow the dual carriageway. Go straight on at the 1st group of traffic lights then move to the right hand side of the road (now A562 important this because if you keep left you will be irrevocably committed to going to Runcorn) and continue to the 3rd set of lights. Turn left into Waterloo Rd then straight ahead at the mini-roundabout and after about 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

About 40 minutes from Oldham or Rochdale assuming normal traffic conditions.

Warrington

It is easier and more convenient to use the bus.

By bus

From Wilderspool Causeway, Stockton Heath or Moore get the Halton Transport 62 (Monday-Saturday daytime, every hour). Takes 60 minutes!!  Alight at Irwell St, Walk back towards the bridge, down the slope and through the underpass to Irwell St.

If you live by Sankey Bridges, or in Penketh or Sankey get the Arriva 110 to Irwell St.

Alternatively, get the 110 (Arriva, goes to Runcorn, takes about 25 minutes, runs every 20 minutes Monday-Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes on Sunday and get off at Irwell St.

Head for Stockton Heath centre then turn along Walton Rd (A56) towards Runcorn. Turn left onto the main A56 dual carriageway. At the first roundabout (Daresbury, you can see the tower) go right down the Expressway (A558) until you see the signs for Widnes. Keep in the middle lane, which veers left round a sharp curve to cross the Runcorn Bridge (A533). Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

About 15-20 minutes assuming no traffic problems.

North Warrington

Follow the signs for Widnes (ie along Sankey Way). At the end of Sankey Way keep left following the signs to Widnes (A562 all the way) and keep going to the first roundabout. Go second left towards the power station. At the next roundabout go straight ahead, and at the next one. You will come to a junction where there are 4 lanes, and you need to turn left from lane number two. Once through all the lights move to the right-hand side of the road and continue to the 2nd set of lights. Turn left into Waterloo Rd then straight ahead at the mini-roundabout and after about 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

 St Helens

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

Well the trackway is still there, but there haven't been any trains (or rails!) for quite a while.

By bus

From Jubitts Lane, Gartons Lane, Burnage Avenue, Four Acre Lane, Clock Face Rd, Marshalls Cross Rd or Peasley Cross Lane you can get the Halton Transport 17A (every hour St Helens, all day Monday - Saturday, Huyton Travel 17B on a Sunday afternoon). Change at Morrisons Widnes and get any bus to Runcorn (alight at Irwell St). In total takes about 40-50 minutes including the change.

Alternatively you can get the Arriva 33A (every 30 minutes from St Helens, but not Sundays).  This service starts at Adelaide Avenue and goes via St Helens bus station

From the North head for St Helens centre then take the bypass (A570) to the M62 roundabout then use the Widnes bypass, signed Widnes (A557) and follow the dual carriageway. Go straight on at the 1st group of traffic lights then move to the right hand side of the road (now A562 important this because if you keep left you will be irrevocably committed to going to Runcorn) and continue to the 3rd set of lights. Turn left into Waterloo Rd then straight ahead at the mini-roundabout and after about 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

From the South make your way to Sutton Manor and keep down that road over the motorway and through the A57 traffic lights to the Widnes bypass (about 400m on the left) Take the bypass (signed Widnes South) and use the above instructions.

 Chester and Wirral

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

You can get the train to Runcorn East from Chester but the connecting bus service is difficult, especially if you've never been to Halton Lea before.

You can also get trains from Hooton to Helsby and then to Runcorn East.

From Hooton, Wallasey, Birkenhead or Bebington take the Merseyrail to Lime St.  Get any train to RUNCORN from Lime Street or any of the intermediate stations (Edge Hill, Mossley Hill, West Allerton, Allerton) then get any local bus back across the bridge (79C, 61, 82A, 62, 110 very frequent in the daytime including Sundays) one stop to Irwell St. Walk back towards the bridge, down the slope and through the underpass to Irwell St. (its quicker and easier)

From Runcorn East you need to go up the steps to the Busway and get an Arriva 2 (every very often) change at Runcorn Shopping City North (Halton Lea) then get the Halton Transport 62 (every 20 minutes). Alight at Irwell St. Monday to Saturday all day.

Time, up to 60 minutes on the train plus up to 1 hour on the buses

By bus

From Chester Bus Exchange you can get the Arriva 21 or the Arriva X30 via Dunham Hill, Helsby and Frodsham to Runcorn Shopping City (Halton Lea) North (both hourly, Monday to Saturday all day). From Halton Lea North get the Halton Transport 62 to Widnes (every 20 minutes). Alight at Irwell St. Walk back towards the bridge, down the slope and through the underpass to Irwell St.

On Sunday buses there are no buses.

From Ellesmere Port you can take the GHA 36 to Runcorn Shopping City (Halton Lea) (Monday to Saturday only, every hour, takes 60 minutes).

From Halton Lea North get the Halton Transport 62 to Widnes (every 20 minutes). Alight at Irwell St. Walk back towards the bridge, down the slope and through the underpass to Irwell St.

From the Wirral head for the M53 eastbound then continue on to the M56 or from Chester use the M56 eastbound directly. Leave at Junction 12 and follow the signs for Liverpool/Widnes (A557) until you get to the Widnes Runcorn Bridge.  Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

North Liverpool & Southport & Ormskirk

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

Take Merseyrail to Lime Street.  Get any train to RUNCORN from Lime Street or any of the intermediate stations (Edge Hill, Mossley Hill, West Allerton, Allerton) then get any local bus back across the bridge (79C, 61, 82A, 62, 110 very frequent in the daytime including Sundays) one stop to Irwell St. Walk back towards the bridge, down the slope and through the underpass to Irwell St.  Takes more than 1 hour. Not too bad on Sundays either.

By bus

Take the train!!

Make your way to the end of the M57 then drive south keeping straight on at the end of the motorway when it becomes the A5300. This will take you to the A562 Speke Road. Turn left towards Widnes, then take the Widnes exit. Turn left at the bottom of the slip road, then right at the roundabout (only 25m) on to Ashley Way (A562). At the next traffic lights turn right down Victoria Rd, then straight ahead at the mini-roundabout and after about 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.. Takes up to 45 minutes.

North Wales

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

Very slow and always via Chester.  If you do want to check try here.

Possibly better to go to Warrington and follow these instructions. The bus connection is MUCH better

By bus

Go to Chester and change. 

From Chester Bus Exchange you can get the Arriva 21 or the Arriva X30 via Dunham Hill, Helsby and Frodsham to Runcorn Shopping City (Halton Lea) North (both hourly, , Monday to Saturday all day). From Halton Lea North get the Halton Transport 62 to Widnes (every 20 minutes). Alight at Irwell St. Walk back towards the bridge, down the slope and through the underpass to Irwell St.

On Sunday buses there are no buses.

From Anglesey or the coast take the A55, from more central locations such as Bala or Ruthin take the A494 through Mold to the A55. From Wrexham use the A483 towards Chester until you reach the A55.

In all cases then follow the A55 round Chester (signed M53). This then becomes the M53, so keep straight on until you reach J11(M56). Take the M56 eastbound (Signed Warrington/Manchester).

Leave at Junction 12 and follow the signs for Liverpool/Widnes (A557) until you get to the Widnes Runcorn Bridge.  Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

Anything up to 2 hours from Anglesey, 30 minutes from Wrexham.

West Yorkshire

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

Possible from Leeds and Huddersfield with weekday trains every hour. Journey time about 1h20 to Warrington. Go out of the station, back under the train bridge, then across the road to the bus station using the convenient crossing.

Ask for the 110 (Arriva, goes to Runcorn, takes about 25 minutes, runs every 20 minutes Monday-Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes on Sunday and get off at Irwell St.

Takes about 1h50 with one change in Manchester on Sundays.

By bus

Not practical by bus.

Make your way to the M62 then travel westbound keeping straight on when the M62 becomes the M60 past Birch services. When you have passed M60 J13 move into the left hand lane and at J12 head towards Liverpool on the M62 again. (keep left initially on the slip road, but then veer right (50m) as the slip road turns back underneath the motorway).

Take J7 for Widnes and take the exit signed Widnes (A557) and follow the dual carriageway. Go straight on at the 1st set of traffic lights then move to the right hand side of the road (now A562 important this because if you keep left you will be irrevocably committed to going to Runcorn) and continue to the 3rd set of lights. Turn left into Victoria Rd then straight ahead at the mini-roundabout and after about 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space. Slightly more than 1 hour from Leeds.

Sheffield and S Yorks

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

From Sheffield Monday - Saturday trains every hour. Journey time about 1h15 to Warrington.  At this point you go out of the station, back under the train bridge, then across the road to the bus station using the convenient crossing. Much the same on Sundays.
 

Ask for the 110 (Arriva, goes to Runcorn, takes about 25 minutes, runs every 20 minutes Monday-Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes on Sunday and get off at Irwell St.

Check trains link above for Sunday times.

By bus

Not practical.

From Sheffield then take the A57 Snake Pass towards Manchester.

You can also take the A61 then A616 from M1 J36 southbound or the A616 from 36A northbound. These both head to the A628 where you turn left towards Manchester

The A628 joins the A57 at Wooley Bridge (if you are on the A57 you turn left even though road number stays the same, on the A628 keep straight on) until you reach the M67. Take the M67 (effectively straight on) as far as the M60. Turn left to join the M60 and go as far as J3 when you veer left to join the M56 (Signed Warrington and be careful this junction is not obvious).

Leave at the M56 at Junction 12 and follow the signs for Liverpool/Widnes (A557) until you get to the Widnes Runcorn Bridge.  Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

Anything up to 2 hours.

Stockport and South Manchester

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

From Stockport go to Manchester (Piccadilly or Oxford Road) then take the train to Warrington (Central) About 20 minutes on a fast train. At this point you go out of the station, back under the train bridge, then across the road to the bus station using the convenient crossing.

Ask for the 110 (Arriva, goes to Runcorn, takes about 25 minutes, runs every 20 minutes Monday-Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes on Sunday and get off at Irwell St.

It's not so easy from elsewhere except if the line goes through Stockport.

By bus

Get your friendly local bus to Stockport or Piccadilly then take the train

From Stockport take the M60 clockwise and go as far as J3 when you veer left to join the M56 (Signed Warrington and be careful this junction is not obvious).

Alternatively from further West take the M56 westbound directly.

Leave at Junction 12 and follow the signs for Liverpool/Widnes (A557) until you get to the Widnes Runcorn Bridge.  Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.  

Cheshire

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

The railway lines all run in the wrong direction from Macclesfield and Knutsford sadly so not recommended.

Similarly for Congleton and everywhere else except Crewe and perhaps Alsager where there are frequent Monday - Saturday trains to Runcorn (at least 2 per hour from Crewe, takes 20 minutes) and also Sunday afternoon trains.  Then get any local bus back across the bridge (79C, 61, 82A, 62, 110 very frequent in the daytime including Sundays) one stop to Irwell St. Walk back towards the bridge, down the slope and through the underpass to Irwell St.

By bus

Not practical.

Macclesfield and Knutsford

From Macclesfield A537 to Knutsford, then A50 to Warrington. Left on to the A56 at Grappenhall then follow the A56. At Stockton Heath centre go along Walton Rd (A56) towards Runcorn. Turn left onto the main A56 dual carriageway. At the first roundabout (Daresbury, you can see the tower) go right down the Expressway (A558) until you see the signs for Widnes. Keep in the middle lane, which veers left round a sharp curve to cross the Runcorn Bridge (A533). Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

Congleton, Holmes Chapel

A54 to Middlewich, then A533 to Northwich, A533 to Runcorn then follow signs for Widnes.  Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

Nantwich, Crewe, Middlewich, Winsford

A530 to Middlewich, A533 to Northwich then A533 to Runcorn then follow signs for Widnes.  Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space. (from Winsford reach A533 via A5018).

Alsager, Sandbach

A533 to Middlewich, then A533 to Northwich, A533 to Runcorn then follow signs for Widnes, Liverpool then follow signs for Widnes.  Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space. (from Winsford reach A533 via A5018).

Anything up to 1 hour.

Stoke-on Trent

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

Train from Stoke to Runcorn change at Crewe (Monday - Saturday trains every hour) takes about 1 hour.  Then get any local bus back across the bridge (79C, 61, 82A, 62, 110 very frequent in the daytime including Sundays) one stop to Irwell St. Walk back towards the bridge, down the slope and through the underpass to Irwell St.

Not so good on Sundays

By bus

Use the train

Take the A500 to the M6 J16 then north to J20 then take the M56 westbound (signed Chester). Leave at the M56 at Junction 12 and follow the signs for Liverpool/Widnes (A557) until you get to the Widnes Runcorn Bridge. Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

Anything up to 1 hour.

Lancashire

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

From Lancaster easier than some other places. Train to Warrington Bank Quay. Walk to Warrington Bus Station (out of the station, turn left, up to traffic lights, turn right, keep on this road until you reach the bus station, 10 minutes walk) then ask for the 110 (Arriva, goes to Runcorn, takes about 25 minutes, runs every 20 minutes Monday-Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes on Sunday and get off at Irwell St. Maybe 2 hours if the bus times are convenient.

From Blackpool, East Lancs and Preston, train to Preston then as Lancaster above. Check link above for times. May be a long journey except from Preston.

By bus

Not practical

Lancaster and North

Take the M6 as far as J21A then head westbound on the M62 (signed Liverpool).  Be careful you get the second part of 21A because this junction is split by the M62 and the Liverpool exit is about 400m past the initial part of J21A. 

Take J7 for Widnes and take the exit signed Widnes (A557) and follow the dual carriageway. Go straight on at the 1st group of traffic lights then move to the right hand side of the road (now A562 important this because if you keep left you will be irrevocably committed to going to Runcorn) and continue to the 3rd set of lights. Turn left into Victoria Rd then straight ahead at the mini-roundabout and after about 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

Fylde Peninsula and Preston

Blackpool and Fleetwood take the M55 to the M6 then as Lancaster above.

Lytham take the A584 then A583 via Preston to the M6 southbound again.

Garstang take the A6 to the M55 and then M6 and as Lancaster above.

Blackburn, Burnley, Nelson and Colne

Take the M65 to the M6, then southbound and follow the Lancaster advice above.

Bury, Bolton and Rochdale  

Make your way to the M62/M60 then travel anticlockwise to M60 J12. (When you have passed J13 move into the left-hand lane). At J12 keep left initially on the slip road, but then veer right (50m) as the slip road turns back underneath the motorway and heads West towards Liverpool as the M62.

Take J7 for Widnes and take the exit signed Widnes (A557) and follow the dual carriageway. Go straight on at the 1st group of traffic lights then move to the right hand side of the road (now A562 important this because if you keep left you will be irrevocably committed to going to Runcorn) and continue to the 3rd set of lights. Turn left into Waterloo Rd then straight ahead at the mini-roundabout and after about 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.

About 40 minutes assuming normal traffic conditions.

London

By Public Transport

By Car

By train

Runcorn Station (NOT Runcorn East) is our nearest station and has trains to/from Euston approximately every 30 minutes on weekdays.  The journey usually takes a very swift 2h.  To check times click here

By plane

No flights since VLM gave up.  Get the train!

By bus

Not practical

M1 northbound then M6 to J20 (spend your money and use the M6 Toll to bypass Birmingham) then take the M56 westbound (signed Chester). 

Leave at the M56 at Junction 12 and follow the signs for Liverpool/Widnes (A557) until you get to the Widnes Runcorn Bridge.  Once on the bridge move into the left-hand lane and take the first exit (still on the bridge approach, there are signs) then as you start to go back under the road indicate left, turning immediately under the bridge. Turn right at the mini roundabout and right again at the next one (400m) into Waterloo Rd and after about another 400m turn left down Mersey Rd. Car park on left (50m) is shared with Spike Island public open space.