Ormskirk
Ormskirk is an historic Market Town in the heart of West Lancashire steeped in history and character. It offers excellent shopping with a mix of high street and independent retailers and a wide range of restaurants, cafes and pubs all in walking distance within a compact town centre.
There’s been a market here since 1286 and today it takes place every Thursday and Saturday in the heart of the town centre. With around 100 stalls the market attracts hundreds of bargain hunters each market day. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it on the market with a great of range food stalls selling fresh breads, homemade pies, cheese, olives, not to mention fresh fish, meat and vegetables. You'll also find a variety of clothing stalls, flowers, cards, furniture, hardware and handmade gifts.
Discover more about the town’s 800-year history with a visit to the 12th Century Ormskirk Parish Church. Named St Peter and St Paul, the church is one of the only three churches in the country to have both a steeple and a spire. Another historic landmark is Ormskirk’s grade-II listed Clock Tower, situated in the heart of the town centre it was built in 1876 in dramatic gothic style.
Whilst visiting the town take time to visit Ormskirk’s Chapel Gallery. This public art gallery has a large exhibition space and is host to a lively programme of high quality artwork. The gallery boasts excellent facilities and access, a welcoming cafe area and a popular contemporary craft shop.
The town centre is also home to the annual Ormskirk MotorFest, a fantastic and free family friendly motoring extravaganza which attracts thousands of visitors each August bank holiday weekend. Hundreds of classic cars, sports cars and motorcycles are on static display and many take part in parades around the town’s roads.
Venture just beyond the town centre with a stroll around Coronation Park. With its lush, landscaped gardens and ornate bandstand the park also hosts various family friendly events all year round such as free live music in the summer, pumpkin carving in the autumn and carols at Christmas.
If you’re looking to explore further outside the town centre, there a number of Ormskirk themed walks suitable for various abilities which take you out to the rolling countryside boasting stunning views across Lancashire and beyond. For those who prefer to explore by pedal power, there is cycle hire available via Bike and Go at Ormskirk Train Station.
Just a short distance outside of Ormskirk you will find Farmer Ted’s Farm Park, an interactive children's activity park, sited on a working farm within the beautiful West Lancashire countryside.
The area also boasts stunning wedding venues perfect for your special day including West Tower, an exclusive 18th century country house set in 8 acres of grounds, Hurlston Hall Golf and Country Club which offers an idyllic setting for your wedding occasion and Scarisbrick Hall, a spectacular grade 1 listed building set in 56 acres of grounds.
Why not extend your visit and explore more of what Ormskirk and its surrounding areas have to offer with a stay in a countryside B&B or take a look at the award winning Cross Farm Holiday Cottages in Downholland, just a short distance from Ormskirk.
Want to find out about what else Ormskirk has to offer? Why not check out our feauture in our Visitor Magazine '24 hours in & around Ormskirk' for some ideas.