Find your place in Ormskirk
Ormskirk is a vibrant market town in the heart of North West England. Located a 10-minute walk from campus, Our local, student-friendly town has a variety of independent shops, chain supermarkets, restaurants, takeaways and lively bars – alongside a rich heritage and fascinating history.
There’s plenty to see and do here, and students can find their place no matter what their interests. Read on to find out more about some Ormskirk points of interest you can look forward to visiting if you study with us.
History and heritage
The name “Ormskirk” comes from Old Norse and is derived from “Ormr,” which means “serpent,” and “kirkja,” which means “church”. Ormskirk Community Partnership run Ormskirk Heritage Trails, which will introduce you to some of Ormskirk’s history and heritage.
You can either follow the trail yourself by downloading the map, or you can join an organised tour, led by Dot Broady-Hawkes, a local historian. Either way you can learn a lot about the history of our town.
Parish Church
Ormskirk Parish Church has stunning architecture and a fascinating history.
There has been a place of worship on this site since before 1170 which is the approximate date of the oldest part of the building, the Norman window in the Chancel.
Built in 1270 and the base of the spire from 1430. The great tower was completed in 1570. This is one of the only three churches with this feature of the tower and steeple, and is unique in having them both at the same end.
Legend has it that the Church has both a tower and a steeple as two sisters couldn’t agree which one to have built, so their father built both…
The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower stands where Aughton, Church, Burscough and Moor Streets meet. It was built on the site of the Market Cross and was erected in 1876.
The “Cross” formed the hub of the market place and around it, traders sold their wares. A table of tolls at the bottom of the Clock Tower listed the amount each stall-holder had to pay for his stall.
In the turret was the old fire bell given to Ormskirk by William, Earl of Derby, in 1684.
The Clock Tower is a real focal point for Ormskirk. People meet here, rest on its benches and lots of events are held around its base.
Ormskirk Market
Ormskirk received its Market Charter in 1286 from Edward I. In medieval times, a fair was held once a year and a market each Thursday. People travelled to the town from the surrounding
countryside.
In Oliver Cromwell’s time, you would have heard marriage banns
being read out in the market place. By 1714, Ormskirk was already becoming famous for gingerbread.
In the 19th century, quack medicines were sold in the market. One seller is believed to have been Mr. Beecham—famous for Beecham’s pills.
Ormskirk Market is now held on Thursdays and Saturdays with special markets held across the year to celebrate the town’s heritage.
Gingerbread
Since around 1732, The Gingerbread Ladies, primarily women, played a key role in selling gingerbread both on the street and at railway stations, earning a reputation for their entrepreneurial spirit and making Ormskirk notorious for it’s gingerbread.
The Royal train reportedly stopped at Ormskirk for King Edward VII to stock up on the gingerbread during his trips to Balmoral!
Ormskirk now celebrates the Gingerbread Festival each year in July. The family-friendly festival has a variety of activities, including live entertainment, heritage and gingerbread-themed stalls, and children’s craft activities. Local establishments will also offer special gingerbread-themed menu items, promotions, and offers.
Explore the great outdoors
Due to it’s enviable location, Ormskirk is the perfect base to explore the great outdoors. From hiking trails to wildlife reserves, there’s plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature without going far from your new home.
Here’s a couple of our favourite outdoor activities you might want to check out.
Coronation Park
Coronation Park – which covers 20 acres of urban green space – is situated right in the centre of Ormskirk. The park, which was first opened in 1903 and held the prestigious Green Flag award since 2008. This annual accolade recognises the park’s natural beauty and community involvement.
Picturesque trails
You can walk, cycle or run a range of local picturesque trails in and around Ormskirk. Venture outdoors and learn more about the area’s historic sites or take a break from the hustle and bustle along the many tree-lined paths surrounding Ormskirk.
Ruff Wood is a stunning green space within a stones throw of our campus, or there’s Mere Sands has beautiful lake views and a café to refuel along the way – avid hikers and beginners will be spoiled for choice.
Martin Mere
With 600 acres of wetland scenery, Martin Mere is a great place to connect with nature. The reserve has around 2,000 different species of birds, mammals, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mini-beasts. Visit their hides or take a stroll through the reedbed walk which is home to species including marsh harriers, mute swans and crested grebes.
Shopping
Ormskirk proudly has more independent retailers than both the national and regional average, combined with the chain stores you know and love. There’s also plenty of supermarkets to suit all budgets and tastes.
Explore bakers and delicatessens and intriguing clothes shops, jewellers and book stores all in one place with the famous market running Thursday’s and Saturdays. There’s also more charming villages surrounding Ormskirk with even more hidden gems to uncover, so you’ll always be able to find what you’re looking for.
Local supermarkets
There’s plenty of options in Ormskirk for food and household shopping, with a range of supermarkets to suit all budgets. Some options are:
Food, Drink and Nightlife
Ormskirk has a variety of restaurants, pubs and bars for students to enjoy both day and night with something to suit all tastes and preferences – all just a ten-minute walk from campus.
We joined some of our current students on a day out in Ormskirk, and you can see what they got up to in the video below, or read more about the places they visited to get a taste of what Ormskirk has to offer.
May 14, 2025
