Ormskirk combines remarkable church architecture with a market whose history dates back to the 13th century, as well as green spaces in the town centre and to the east of the town. Depending on your interests, a stay can focus on architectural and town history, market days or trails through green spaces. The market and summer festival offer specific dates to plan around; the routes described each have their own starting points and landmarks.
Church Architecture and Historical Traces
Ormskirk Parish Church is one of only three churches in England to have both a tower and a spire. Its distinctive feature is that both are at the same end of the building. This makes the church a striking point of interest for anyone interested in architecture and the town’s building history.
The Derby Chapel and Scarisbrick Chapel add specific family connections to this history. The vault of the Derby Chapel was the burial place of the Derby family until 1851. From the 16th century onwards, the Scarisbrick Chapel was the burial place of the Scarisbrick family.
The Clock Tower, dating from 1876, stands in the town centre. The surviving historic passageways are also part of the townscape and are still used by pedestrians. A restored cobbled passageway is located on Moor Street between Clarks Shoes and Heyes Opticians. Information boards explain its history.
Market Days and Local Character
Ormskirk Market takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays. On market days, it features up to 100 stalls in the pedestrianised areas of Moor Street, Aughton Street and Church Street. The size and locations of the market may vary from one market day to another. The range includes fresh cakes, fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread and pasties; the selection of stalls may also vary.
The market is one of the oldest and most traditional street markets in the country and dates back to 1286. At that time, the monks of nearby Burscough Priory received a royal charter for a weekly open-air market. Today’s market days are part of this long market history, while the changing selection gives each market day its own character.
Another seasonal highlight is the Ormskirk Gingerbread Festival, held every summer with market stalls, entertainment and community celebrations. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the date for the relevant year in advance.
Green Spaces and Trails
Coronation Park covers 20 acres of urban green space in the centre of Ormskirk. Ruff Wood lies to the east of the town and covers 19 acres of mixed woodland. The two green spaces therefore differ both in location and character: a central urban space on the one hand, and woodland east of Ormskirk on the other.
Ruff Wood has a circular trail and numerous connecting paths. Surfaces and trail conditions may vary. The woodland’s designation as a Biological Heritage Site is based on the presence of squirrels.
Ormskirk has a compact town centre that is easy to explore on foot. The Ormskirk Heritage Trail starts at the Clock Tower and leads to 12 landmarks in the town, providing a clear starting point for exploring historic places. The Yellow Hammer Route starts and ends at Ormskirk railway or bus station. Around the town, it passes through the gate marking the entrance to Gorse Hill Nature Reserve, then follows public footpaths and minor roads towards Clieves Hill.
Discover more destinations: Ribchester, Wrea Green, Accrington, Garstang, Bacup, Nelson, Holcombe, Scarisbrick.
For the regional travel overview: Lancashire.
