New homes in Runcorn

Whether you’re taking the kids to the museum, visiting the theatre or going for a day-trip into Liverpool, there’s no shortage of things to do near your new house in Runcorn. If you’re looking for a home with great transport links in the vibrant North West of England, Runcorn could tick all the right boxes for you.

A quick history

Runcorn, in the borough of Halton, was first mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, although artefacts have been unearthed in the local area dating back to the Stone Age. The town remained a small hamlet until the local area became more prosperous thanks to river transportation, and once Runcorn was connected to the rest of the country by canals, the Port of Runcorn thrived.  

Over the centuries that followed, a number of different industries grew in Runcorn, including shipbuilding and chemical manufacturing. The Runcorn Railway Bridge was opened in 1868, connecting the town with Liverpool and the rest of the country by train, while the Widnes-Runcorn Transporter Bridge opened to road traffic in 1905, and was replaced by the Silver Jubilee Bridge in the 1960s. 

The town flourished in the 20th century when chemical company ICI set up in the area. Runcorn also became a ‘new town’, which saw big changes to the local architecture.

Business and industry

Although Runcorn’s chemical industry declined in the late 20th century, the town is still home to a major INEOS site which produces PVC, caustic soda and chlorine. Many people are employed at Runcorn Docks and the Port of Weston, while other big companies nearby include Viridor’s Energy from Waste plant, airport cargo handling company Swissport, and the NHS.

Things to do in the area

If you enjoy a spot of retail therapy, Runcorn Shopping Centre has a number of high street stores, while neighbouring Liverpool is home to Liverpool ONE, St Johns Shopping Centre and The Met Quarter. Cheshire Oaks is a popular designer outlet mall near Chester.

To discover more about the town’s history, you can explore the ruins of the castle on Halton Hill, visit Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, or find out about local industry at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, where the hands-on exhibits are especially good for children. Kids also love Halton Miniature Railway, Knowsley Safari Park and Chester Zoo.

If you want to burn some calories, you can go to the local Jump Nation Trampoline Park, practice your snowsports at Runcorn Ski Centre, or go to the ice rink Silver Blades at The Hide. In the evening, The Brindley Theatre hosts performances spanning comedy, dance and music, as well as film showings and community events.

Travel and commuting

Runcorn has a unique transport network, including the busway for public transport, local roads for journeys within the town, and the expressway which is used as a bypass. The town is only a short drive from the M56 and M62, and there are also a number of cycleways in the town. Runcorn also has two train stations and a bus station, ideal if you’re travelling by public transport.

The journey from Runcorn to Liverpool takes 30 minutes by car via the M62 or 20 minutes by train to Liverpool Lime Street. Manchester is a 45-minute drive away, or 50 minutes by train from Runcorn East to Manchester Piccadilly. Chester can be reached in 30 minutes by car or 20 minutes by train.

If you’re going to London, the quickest way to reach the capital is by train. The direct service from Runcorn to London Euston takes just one hour 50 minutes. When it’s holiday time, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is only a 15-minute drive or taxi ride away.