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Our campus is a stone’s throw away from the welcoming local town of Ormskirk and just a 40 minute train ride to the vibrant city centre of Liverpool. Manchester is also in reach by train and car as well the local scenic towns and villages of Southport, Formby and Crosby.

Where is Edge Hill University?

As a student at Edge Hill you’ll benefit from studying in a region with real personality. Most full-time students are based on the Ormskirk campus. The green spaces, nightlife, and cafés of the local area are only a 15-minute walk from campus (or two-minutes if you take the free shuttle bus). Or hop on a train to explore the North West region.

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Discover things to do in the North West

Brunch dates, farmers markets, or cheap nights out with friends. Whatever the occasion, there’s plenty to choose from in the North West. Make sure you take some time to try some of the area’s local dishes, like Lancashire Hotpot, or a bowl of Scouse.

Food and drink in Ormskirk

When it comes to food and drink, Ormskirk has a lot to offer at just a 15-minute walk from Edge Hill. Check out Ormskirk Food and Drink Market, which offers cuisines from around the world and a great social vibe.

There’s also lots of local restaurants, cafés, gastro pubs, and well known chains to choose from. This includes:

Students enjoy cocktails in a bar in ormskirk

Food and drink across the North West

With Liverpool and Manchester just a short train ride away, you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to dine out. Whether you’re keen to experience the food and drink of different cultures, or go to some big-name restaurants, there’s plenty to choose from.

Food and drink in Liverpool

Be sure to check out the Baltic Market if you’re in Liverpool for a range of contemporary independent street-food and drink, housed in the old Cains brewery. And why not enjoy some of the best views of the Mersey by dining along the Royal Albert Dock? From British fish and chips to Catalonian tapas, you’re sure to find something to suit your appetite.

Food and drink in Manchester

If you’re in Manchester, stop by the eclectic Northern Quarter for an array of independent takeaways and restaurants. You can find your favourite chain restaurants in Printworks, and a variety of international dining options in the historic Corn Exchange.

The North West is renowned for its lively and diverse music scene. You can enjoy live music and dance the night away in venues and bars to suit your mood and taste.

Music and nightlife in Ormskirk

There’s plenty going on in our on-campus bar and theatres. And with our brand new Student Union currently in development, we’ll have so much more to offer in 2024. You can also enjoy Ormskirk’s local bars for an affordable night out with friends.

Music and nightlife across the North West

Liverpool and Manchester are home to buzzing music scenes and nightlife. Both cities are also home to some of the biggest music festivals in the UK, with Parklife in Manchester and Sound City in Liverpool. If you enjoy alternative music and events, you can also check out Rebellion in Blackpool.

Music and nightlife in Liverpool

Some of the best bars in the city can be found in Concert Square and the surrounding streets, with places to suit all scenes and musical tastes. It costs around £25 in an Uber from Liverpool to Ormskirk. Plus, there’s great rail links in the area, with the last train to Ormskirk leaving Liverpool at 11.50pm.

Music and nightlife in Manchester

Manchester’s scene is clustered around the Canal Street area. At around £45 in an Uber from Manchester to Ormskirk, a night out doesn’t have to cost the earth if you split the travel costs with friends.

Students enjoying drinks at a restaurant in Ormskirk.

The North West is rich in art and culture. The area’s many museums, theatres, and galleries are ideal for days out with friends and family.

Art and culture in Ormskirk

As well as our on-campus events hosted by the Arts Centre, Ormskirk boasts The Chapel, home to a range of events throughout the year. This includes exhibitions, visual arts, comedy shows, and music. If you enjoy a sing-a-long, check out the open mic and karaoke night in Ormskirk’s local pubs.

Art and culture across the North West

The North West’s rich heritage and historical importance are on full display in its numerous museums and galleries.

Museums and galleries in Liverpool

Museums and galleries in Manchester

A view of the Liver Buildings and the Museum of Liverpool

You can also get your fix of culture and history at The Atkinson museum and art gallery in Southport, Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead, and Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, Wirral.

Theatre and film in Liverpool

For a night out at the theatre, there’s the Empire Theatre, The Playhouse, and The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool.

If you’re into films, you can find something to suit your taste in Liverpool City Centre. If you’re looking for luxury, you can find mainstream and independent films at Everyman Cinema. Catch a blockbuster at Odeon in Liverpool One, or check out FACT for arthouse films.

Theatre and film in Manchester

In Manchester, you’ll find the Opera House, The Lowry, and The Palace Theatre. Each of these venues are regular features on the tours of major musicals and stand-up comedy acts.

For films, you can catch a Hollywood blockbuster at Vue in Printworks or in Odeon Luxe. If you’re a fan of independent and world cinema, Manchester’s HOME cinema is well worth a visit.

Exterior shot of The Printworks, Manchester

There’s no better way to improve your wellbeing than spending time in nature. Ormskirk and the surrounding area offer some great opportunities to embrace the great outdoors.

Explore outdoors in Ormskirk

If you’re a bit of an explorer, or just like walking and finding local hidden gems, Ormskirk is the place to be. If the beautiful campus grounds aren’t enough, we’re also surrounded by several nature reserves that are perfect for unwinding after a busy day of lectures. On campus, we’ve introduced ecological features and wildlife habitats linking mixed-woodland areas and footpaths to Ruff Wood.

Explore outdoors across the North West

Ormskirk puts you within quick reach of The Lake District in Cumbria and of the Yorkshire Dales, opening up opportunities for visiting stunning world-heritage sites. Both areas are easily accessible by car or train.

If you fancy a trip to the seaside, you can also access the local coastal towns of Crosby, Formby, and Southport by train or car. Your walk could include a visit to the iconic Another Place sculptures along Crosby beach and the squirrel reserve of Formby, before finishing at Southport, with its pier and traditional seaside shops and arcades.

Lancashire is a large rural county, meaning there is no shortage of places to visit for walking, cycling and water sports. You can trek up Pendle Hill – which is famous for its witch trials – or admire the famous views of the Manchester skyline at Winter Hill.

A view of the Lake District in Cumbria

Fancy a mix of city-life and green space? Liverpool’s 200-acre Sefton Park offers entertainment throughout the year, with plenty of natural landscape to help you relax and unwind.

From iconic zoos to retro arcades, the North West is full of attractions to enjoy with friends and family.

Attractions across the North West

There’s so much entertainment to be found across Liverpool, Manchester, Ormskirk and Wigan.

For a unique experience, why not visit Gravity Max in Liverpool, where could can take part in e-cart racing and VR Arenas? You could also drop by the Boom Battle Bar for some axe throwing, or take on Ninja Warrior in Wigan.

Love escape rooms? Ormskirk, Liverpool and Manchester are home to some of the best venues:

Two giraffes in Chester Zoo

For a more relaxed day out, why not visit one of the nearby zoos? Chester and Blackpool Zoo are home to a huge variety of wildlife. You can also get up close and personal with the animals at Knowsley Safari Park.

It’s easy to incorporate sport into days out in the North West, whether you’re hitting the green, playing a game of pool with friends, or heading out to watch the match.

Sport in Ormskirk

As well as our incredible sports facilities on-campus, there are plenty of local options to keep your sporting regime in check. You could take part in the local Parkrun events, or see what Ormskirk’s local sports clubs have to offer.

Sport across the North West

You can find many places to go cycling across Lancashire. You can try the area’s outdoor cycling routes, and indoor venues like the National Cycling Centre. There’s even the chance to go snowboarding at the Chill Factore indoor snow slope, the largest of its kind in the UK.

And you can’t discuss sport in the North West without talking about the area’s footballing giants – Liverpool FC, Everton, Manchester United, and Manchester City. Grab tickets for a local derby, or take a tour of the stadiums and learn more about the clubs’ history.

As well as football, the North West also is home to landmarks from other sports. This includes Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, home of the Grand National, which is just a 15-minute train ride from Ormskirk. The Royal Liverpool Golf Club, located in Hoylake, Wirral, is one of the most famous golf courses in the UK. It’s hosted the Open tournament on numerous occasions.

A high-angle shot of Liverpool's Anfield stadium

The North West is host to a range of diverse shopping options to suit all budgets and styles.

Shopping in Ormskirk

Ormskirk is home to a variety of chain retailers, unique local shops, and family-owned businesses. From food and homeware to study essentials and clothing, you can find everything you need at just a 15-minute walk from campus.

In Ormskirk you’ll find a range of supermarkets that provide both quality and value. This includes:

  • M&S Food
  • Lidl
  • Aldi
  • Morrisons
  • B&M
  • Food Warehouse

Looking for something a little different? Our charity shops and vintage stores have lots to offer at reasonable prices, whether it’s on-trend clothing or essential items.

Students browse the clothing and records at a local vintage shop

There’s also Ormskirk’s twice-weekly farmers’ market. Held in town for over 700 years, you’ll find local fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, and fresh meat and fish as well as clothes and household goods, all on the traditional stalls lining the bustling town-centre streets.

Shopping across the North West

Each of the towns and cities situated near Ormskirk offer excellent opportunities for a spot of retail therapy.

Shopping in Liverpool

In Liverpool city centre you can find Liverpool One, the largest open air shopping centre in the UK.

Liverpool also boasts lots of independent stores where you can find clothes, arts and crafts, books, records, and much more. Many of them can be found along Bold Street in the heart of the city centre, and on the bohemian Lark Lane, in the leafy Sefton Park area.

Shopping in Manchester

Manchester has a number of great shopping centres to suit your taste and budget. Why not visit the Arndale Centre or the Trafford Centre for the latest trends?

For unique items, Manchester’s Northern Quarter is the place to go. Check out Affleck’s Palace for alternative fashion and other independent traders.

a busy street, filled with shops and people in Liverpool

Want to travel further a field? Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet offers big designer brands with huge discounts. It’s a great place to pick up a bargain.

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