Runcorn, with its refurbished station and large new car park, is the railhead for Halton and north-west Cheshire for fast trains to London and the West Midlands.
Just half a mile away from the railway station, and next to the Bridgwater Canal, is the award winning Brindley Theatre and Arts Centre. The theatre provides a first-class mix of shows, films, and acts. It also provides exhibitions, classes, and workshops.
The Runcorn Heritage Trail starts at The Brindley car park and takes in many of the important historical and industrial sites. The walk is 1 mile long and should take under an hour.
The first bridge to cross the Runcorn Gap, the narrowing of the River Mersey immediately to the north of the station platforms, was the railway bridge in 1868. The bridge included a walkway for pedestrians. In 1905 a transporter bridge was constructed and was one of only four built in Britain. When this became inadequate a steel-arched suspension bridge now known as the Jubilee Bridge was built alongside the railway bridge and on its completion in 1961, it was the largest steel arch in Europe. This has now been supplemented by a second road bridge a mile to the east.
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, which is less than 4 miles away, includes the historic Priory ruins, one of the largest monastic excavations in Britain and the St Christopher Gallery, housing the giant St Christopher statue, a wonder of medieval Europe.
Runcorn Station has won a number of awards in the Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition.