In short: If you live in Wigan, Chorley, Bolton or nearby, hay fever season usually runs from late March to September, with grass pollen from mid-May to July causing the most problems. Good control comes from starting treatment early, using a steroid nasal spray and antihistamine correctly, reducing pollen exposure and keeping asthma well managed. Local pharmacists, GPs and clinics can all help.

This local guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist based in Standish, brings together practical advice for people across Wigan, Chorley, Bolton and Horwich.

When is pollen season around Wigan, Chorley and Bolton?

The North West follows the same broad UK pattern described by the Met Office:

Tree pollen: late March to mid-May
Grass pollen: mid-May to July, the peak for most people
Weed pollen: late June to September

Exact timings shift with the weather each year. Warm, dry, breezy days tend to bring higher counts, while rain can temporarily clear pollen from the air.

How can I reduce pollen exposure day to day?

With plenty of parks, playing fields and open countryside around the area, grass pollen is hard to avoid completely, but small changes help:

Check the Met Office pollen forecast before planning time outdoors.
On high-count days, try to avoid mown grass and large open fields, especially in the early evening when pollen can settle.
Keep car windows closed and use the recirculation setting; a pollen filter helps if your car has one.
Wear wraparound sunglasses and consider a barrier balm around the nostrils.
Shower and change clothes after being outside, and dry washing indoors on high-pollen days.
Keep bedroom windows closed at night during your peak season.

Which treatments work best?

UK guidance recommends a step-by-step approach:

A non-drowsy antihistamine for sneezing, itching and a runny nose.
A steroid nasal spray, started one to two weeks before your season and used daily; this is the most effective single treatment for moderate to severe symptoms.
Eye drops for itchy, watery eyes.
A prescriber review if symptoms persist, which may include a combination spray or referral for specialist immunotherapy.

Long-acting steroid injections are not licensed for hay fever in the UK and are not recommended in UK guidance, because they act on the whole body for weeks and can cause dents in the skin at the injection site, raised blood sugar, mood and sleep changes, suppression of the body's own steroid hormones and, with repeat use, bone thinning.

Does hay fever affect asthma?

Yes, for many people. Pollen can inflame the airways as well as the nose, so asthma may get worse during hay fever season. Signs include more coughing, wheeze or chest tightness, and needing your reliever inhaler more often. If you have asthma:

keep taking your preventer inhaler as prescribed
treat your hay fever, as controlling nose symptoms can help your chest
follow your asthma action plan and see your GP or asthma nurse if you are using your reliever more than usual
call 999 if you are struggling to breathe or your reliever is not helping

Where can I get help locally?

Community pharmacies across Wigan, Chorley and Bolton can advise on hay fever and recommend suitable treatments. Your GP can prescribe further treatment and refer you to an NHS allergy service if needed. Ready Health in Standish, close to junction 27 of the M6, also offers private hay fever consultations with a prescriber if you would like an appointment there.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my hay fever worse some years?

Pollen levels vary with the weather. A warm spring or a dry, windy early summer can produce higher counts and a longer season.

Can hay fever start in adulthood?

Yes. It often begins in childhood or the teenage years but can develop at any age, including after moving to a new area.

Is it hay fever or a cold?

Hay fever tends to cause itchy eyes and nose, comes back at the same time each year and lasts for weeks. Colds usually clear within about a week and may come with a sore throat or high temperature.

Key takeaways

Grass pollen from mid-May to July is the main trigger for most people in the area.
Start treatment early and use steroid sprays daily.
Simple steps at home and in the car reduce pollen exposure.
Hay fever can worsen asthma, so keep asthma treatment up to date.
Local pharmacies, GPs and clinics can all help.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

If you live in Wigan, Chorley, Bolton or Horwich and want to talk through your hay fever, you can book a hay fever consultation at Ready Health in Standish. A prescriber will review your symptoms, history and current treatment and explain suitable options. Any prescription is only issued if a prescriber decides it is clinically appropriate.