W
- Mike Watkinson (born 1961) – ex-England cricketer, now coach of Lancashire – born in Westhoughton.
- Simon Whaley (born 1985) – professional footballer, Bury, Preston North End, Norwich City, Chesterfield and currently Doncaster Rovers.
- Robert Whitehead (1823–1905) – developed the first self-propelled torpedo and great-grandfather of the Von Trapp children (Sound of Music).
- Jason Wilcox (born 1971) – professional footballer, Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United and England.
- Thomas Willoughby, 11th Baron Willoughby of Parham (c.1602–1691/92), peer of the House of Lords.
- Sammy Winward (born 1985) – actress, singer and model, currently plays as Katie Sugden in Emmerdale.
- Bernard Wrigley (born 1948) – comedian, actor, playwright and musician.
Read more about this topic: List Of People From Bolton