While you’ve probably visited a few places across Lancashire, there are so many pleasant villages and towns that you might be missing out on one.
Ormskirk, described as “beating heart of rural West Lancashire” by Discover Ormskirk, offers a “warm” welcome, and you can expect plenty of small independent shops.
The website explains: “Ormskirk is a bustling town with pedestrianised streets and narrow lanes, and is renowned for its Gingerbread and Historic Market.
“The town is surrounded by beautiful nature reserves; visitors can amble along in quaint village streets, or meander through West Lancashire’s beautiful countryside to spot local wildlife.
“You can discover traditional English cafés, award-winning restaurants, farm shops and canal side pubs as you explore the local area. Escape the fast pace of the cities and enjoy the ‘real Lancashire’.
“Ormskirk and the wider West Lancashire area can be reached easily by road or rail. For those coming from further afield, we are just a short journey away from Liverpool’s port as well as other North West airports.”
From the history of the town to the food spots it’s home to, here’s what Ormskirk has to offer.
History of Ormskirk
Discover Ormskirk’s website says: “Ormskirk is a bustling town with pedestrianised streets and narrow lanes, and is renowned for its Gingerbread and Historic Market.”
It adds that Ormskirk Market opens every Thursday and Saturday with approximately 100 stalls available to shop at.
@bethwainwrightt We love finding new brunch spots #crowesnest #ormskirk #ormskirkfood #foodie #brunch #brunchtok #brunchideas #comewithme #sundayreset ♬ original sound - Beth Wainwright
The event “is renowned for being one of the UK’s oldest and most traditional outdoor markets.”
Discover Ormskirk added: “Granted a Royal Charter in 1286 by King Edward I, this popular and well-loved market has been held in Ormskirk ever since.”
West Lancashire Borough Council added: “The Vikings are known to have landed on the coast in the 9th century and they penetrated inland, possibly along the disused Roman road, to settle at Ormskirk and places round about.
“Ormskirk might signify the place where Orm founded a settlement and built a church - but there are other theories.
“Although Ormskirk is not included in the Domesday survey of 1086, it was an important town and was the administrative centre of the Hundred of West Derby.”
It explained: “During the Civil War of the 17th century, Ormskirk became the scene of much activity. A skirmish occurred in 1644 between the Royalists and Parliamentarian forces at Aughton Moor, and the parish church of Ormskirk was later bombarded.”
You can find out more about the history of the town at the council’s website.
Amenities in Ormskirk
Ormskirk is home to parks and a playground, plus it has supermarkets, a hospital and a train station.
You can also enjoy a variety of restaurants to visit, including pubs and a bar.
Food and drink in Ormskirk
Whether you’re looking for a pub or a sports bar, there are plenty of places to enjoy some down time, including The Cricketers, The Court Leet and Nordico Lounge.
Recommended reading:
-
The Lancashire village steeped in history and home to 'world's cutest lunch spot'
-
'Picturesque' cafe in Lancashire village dubbed 'cutest lunch spot in the world'
-
The 'fairytale' Lancashire village where 'time stands still' and views are 'unreal'
On Tripadvisor, where it has a 4.3 rating from 640 reviews, The Cricketers has been praised by its visitors.
One said the pub is “well worth a visit”: “Enjoyed a lovely meal last night with two others. Food piping hot , decent portions not over filled plates ( which can be off putting) Very friendly , polite staff , clean establishment. Reasonable price. Well worth a visit.”
This customer said: “Not visited here for a while, but had another lovely lunch. Staff where once again great, service swift and very pleasant.
“We had the set menu which I though may be a little small, but no! So good value as well. A lovely lunch, so thank you and well done.”
Share