
Just a ten-minute walk from Edge Hill’s campus lies the town centre of Ormskirk. With everything you need to have a great day with friends or family, pick up essentials, or just spend some alone time in a cosy pub with a good book. On a chilly November day, this is how a group of our current students enjoyed spending time in Ormskirk’s town centre.
But first, coffee
Two Brothers Coffee, based at Ormskirk’s Food and Drink Market, serves up flat whites, matcha lattes, iced gingerbread frappes and many more barista classics. Staff are super friendly and the vibe is relaxed.
If spending time relaxing in a café is your thing, you’ll also want to check out Cobble, which is well-known for some of the best comfort food in Ormskirk – shout out to the salt and pepper hash brown bites. And for great coffee paired with eco-friendly shopping and hand-made gift browsing, Bloom & Brew is another great spot.
“My favourite places to hang out in Ormskirk during the day are some of the local coffee shops and cafes. That’s because I’m an avid coffee drinker and they have a chilled-out environment to complete work and catch up with friends.” – Keaghan, BSc (Hons) Sport Management



Pictured above: Two Brothers
A spot of shopping
Browsing through handmade jewellery, vintage records, and retro clothing was next on the agenda. The Retro Room stocks a beautiful range of accessories, homeware and clothing, and they offer student discount too. With every purchase, students can spin their prize wheel and take home goodie bags or heavy discounts for their next purchase. Vintage Love is the place to go for one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery, like statement rings and earrings, with items starting from just £3. And if you’re looking to add to your record collection or pick up a vintage pair of Levi’s, ASAP Vintage Clothing is your go-to.
Being thrifty and buying second-hand is not only good for your wallet but it’s great for the environment, too. Ormskirk has ten charity shops, all of which have stylish items that won’t break the bank. And if you’re looking to pick up some budget-friendly home accessories for your student flat, there’s a huge Home Bargains and a B&M in the town centre.
“I love how safe Ormskirk feels and how small the town is because it’s a beautiful place to live. And it’s only a 35-minute train ride to Liverpool city centre where there’s so much to do and see.” – Charli, MA Nineteenth-Century Studies



Pictured above, L-R: ASAP Vintage Clothing, The Retro Room, Vintage Love
Pub lunch time
If you’re looking for a traditional, cosy pub with a roaring fire, look no further than The Hayfield. They offer student discount, a range of local ales, and great pub food. And it’s just one of the many great pubs in Ormskirk, and lots of them have beer gardens which are perfect for the warmer months. Some other great spots for lunch with friends or family include Nordico Lounge and Soul Café, which also have deal offers and student discounts available. And there’s also The Court Leet, Ormskirk’s Wetherspoons pub, which is known for its enormous roof terrace.
“The thing I love most about Ormskirk is how everything is easily accessible by foot and the community feel of the town as a whole not just the university.” – Zoe, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science



Pictured above: The Hayfield
A breath of fresh air
One of the best things about Edge Hill’s location is the beauty of the countryside that surrounds it. If you’re planning to commute, you’ll be treated to some amazing views of the local landscape on your drive in. Even in Ormskirk’s town centre, there are several parks with beautifully landscaped gardens and green spaces to sit and relax. Knowsley Park, pictured below, is closest to campus and has plenty of benches to sit and read.
The famous Ormskirk market stalls, which take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, offer the perfect outdoor shopping experience. And if you’re looking for somewhere to have a picnic or take in the atmosphere of the town, visit Coronation Park. There’s a skate park, duck pond, and pop-up events in the summer.
“For me, Ormskirk has everything a student could need. While it might seem like a small, quaint town, we’re only 35 minutes from Liverpool. There’s a great mix of shops, bars, and coffee spots, plus excellent transport links and affordable student housing—all just a stone’s throw from Edge Hill.” – Kien, BSc (Hons) Professional Policing


Pictured above: Knowsley Park
Fun and games
When it comes to places to have a drink, listen to live music, or play some games, you won’t be short of options in Ormskirk. A firm favourite with Edge Hill students is Lime Tyger, a buzzing cocktail bar with a range of retro arcade games, free-to-play games consoles, pool tables and more. With 2-4-1 cocktail offers, beer pong, and great music, you’re sure to have great fun at Lime Tyger.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little more laid back, check out Kas Social. Here you’ll find an outstanding range of craft beers, including many alcohol-free options. And they’ve got plenty of board games available, if you’re up for a little friendly competition.
When it comes to themed events and quizzes, Ormskirk Food and Drink Market hosts plenty. Sunday evening is their weekly team quiz night, with great prizes up for grabs. They also host local musicians for live music performances on weekends – and you’ll also find live music at bars like Tap Room 12 and Tiny Tavern.
“My favourite spot in Ormskirk to hang out during the evening has to be Wetherspoons or Lime Tyger if we are going out for drinks, because both places are great value for money and offer a great atmosphere for a night out.” – Leah, BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology



Pictured above, L-R: Lime Tyger, Kas Social, Lime Tyger
The best way to find out more about what Ormskirk has to offer is to visit and spend some time exploring the town. You can easily make a day of it when you visit us for an open day, and we’ve secured some fantastic discounts for you and your group to enjoy. And if you don’t feel like venturing there on your own, you can join one of our guided tours of Ormskirk town centre – just ask the team during our open day.
January 16, 2025