Living in Ormskirk

Community life in Ormskirk is marked by a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. The town’s market, which has been held since medieval times, remains a focal point, drawing residents and visitors for local produce and goods twice weekly. Community spirit is strong amongst long-term residents, students, and newcomers alike. Frequent events such as summer fairs, Christmas lights switch-on, and charity fun runs support a busy social calendar.

Local green spaces, including Coronation Park and the walkways along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, provide popular locations for picnics, exercise, and family outings. The presence of Edge Hill University gives the town a cosmopolitan energy, with regular public talks, exhibitions, and cultural events accessible to all.

Several churches, community centres, and sports clubs (including football, cricket, and rugby teams) further enhance opportunities to meet others and get involved. The surrounding West Lancashire countryside offers cycling, walking, and wildlife spotting, encouraged by proximity to Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Rufford Old Hall.

Ormskirk is generally perceived as a safe and peaceful market town, with crime rates lower than many nearby urban centres. Incidents of major crime are relatively uncommon, with the most frequent issues relating to antisocial behaviour, particularly in town centre areas during busy evenings and market days. The presence of Edge Hill University means a visible student community, which can influence some seasonal fluctuations in reported incidents.

Community policing and neighbourhood watch schemes are well established, helping to maintain a reassuring sense of safety. Ongoing investment in public lighting, town centre CCTV, and local youth initiatives aim to prevent crime and foster good relations between residents and students. More rural outskirts of Ormskirk, such as Aughton and Bickerstaffe, are regarded as particularly safe places to live with a strong sense of local vigilance.

Parking in Ormskirk is generally manageable, with several public car parks located close to the town centre and railway station. On-street parking is available in many residential areas, although permits may be required in streets closest to the university and market square to deter commuter parking. The town’s modest size means that most amenities are within walking distance for central residents.

Road access is a strong feature, with the A59 providing direct routes to Liverpool (approx. 14 miles) and Preston (approx. 19 miles), as well as linking to the M58 motorway for broader North West journeys. Congestion can occur during market days and peak school times, but traffic flow is generally smooth compared to larger towns or cities. The nearby A570 is a key route for travel towards Southport (approx. 8 miles).

Popular road links and travel times:

• Liverpool – approx. 35 minutes via A59 (14 miles)
• Preston – approx. 40 minutes via A59 (19 miles)
• Southport – approx. 20 minutes via A570 (8 miles)
• Skelmersdale – approx. 15 minutes via B5312 and M58 (6 miles)

Ormskirk has a thriving food scene for its size, with well-established independent restaurants, cafés, and pubs scattered throughout the town centre. Frequent highlights include The Hop Vine, known for its craft ales and traditional British pub menu, and The Green Room, a popular spot for contemporary dining. For Italian cuisine, Piri Piri is often cited as a local favourite, while Turkish and Indian establishments bring further variety.

Cafés such as Cobble and Larder serve artisan coffee and homemade cakes, perfect for a daytime catch-up or working lunch. For takeaways, there’s a choice spanning fish and chips, pizza, and Asian options. Pubs such as The Cricketers and The Court Leet regularly host quiz nights, live music, and community events.

Nightlife in Ormskirk is vibrant but manageable, largely boosted by the student population from Edge Hill University. Several bars and late-night venues offer social events, live DJs, and themed evenings, though the town remains more relaxed than major cities. The Ormskirk Civic Hall and nearby theatres put on occasional live performances and comedy nights, rounding out a diverse social offering.

School quality: Ormskirk benefits from several well-rated primary and secondary schools, giving families a good range of educational choices.

Parks and green space: Coronation Park and nearby natural reserves provide child-friendly areas for play, exercise, and family gatherings. The town is surrounded by countryside for outdoor adventures.

Childcare: There are nurseries, childminders, and afterschool clubs in and around Ormskirk, making it accessible for working parents.

Safety: The area is generally considered safe, with strong community networks and ongoing local safety initiatives.

Family activities: Weekly markets, seasonal festivals, and family-oriented events mean there is always something on offer. Museums, libraries, and nature reserves nearby help encourage curiosity and outdoor play.

Ormskirk is a welcoming environment for pet owners, with numerous parks, footpaths, and green spaces ideal for dog walking. Coronation Park in the town centre and the canal towpaths provide pleasant dog-friendly routes, while access to open farmland and nature reserves makes countryside adventures easy.

Local veterinary practices, such as The Laurels Veterinary Surgery, and several pet shops support the needs of the pet-owning community. Many cafés and pubs in Ormskirk accept well-behaved dogs, particularly in outdoor seating areas. Rental and property owners in the area are generally accommodating of pets, though it is always advisable to check individual landlord policies.

Ormskirk benefits from direct rail and road links, connecting it efficiently to key North West cities and beyond. The Ormskirk railway station, situated on the Merseyrail Northern Line, provides direct services to Liverpool (typically under 40 minutes), while interchange at nearby stations enables travel to Preston and Southport. Regular Arriva and Stagecoach bus services facilitate journeys to Skelmersdale, Southport, and smaller West Lancashire towns.

Main roads such as the A59 and A570 pass through Ormskirk, offering straightforward access to the M58 and M6 motorways for commuters. Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport are both within an hour’s drive, making national and international connections convenient for residents and business travelers. Local cycling networks and well-maintained pedestrian routes also encourage greener travel within the town and out to surrounding countryside.

Typical commute times from Ormskirk:

• Liverpool: approx. 35-40 minutes by train or car
• Preston: approx. 40 minutes by train (via change) or by car via A59
• Southport: approx. 25 minutes by car via A570
• Manchester: approx. 1 hour via M6

Primary Schools in Ormskirk

Ormskirk is home to several well-regarded primary schools, including Ormskirk Church of England Primary School, which received a 'Good' Ofsted inspection in 2023. West End Primary School, located close to the town centre, is also popular with parents and noted for its inclusive ethos (Ofsted 'Good,' 2022). St Anne’s Catholic Primary School serves the local Catholic community and is recognised for its strong pastoral care (Ofsted 'Good,' 2018). As well, Asmall Primary School provides a nurturing environment and has a focus on developing well-rounded pupils (Ofsted 'Good,' 2022).

Secondary Schools in Ormskirk

For secondary education, Ormskirk School is the largest and most well-known institution, offering a wide range of subjects and extra-curricular activities (Ofsted 'Requires Improvement,' 2022, but with a strong 6th form and sporting reputation). St Bede's Catholic High School draws students from the town and surrounding villages and has received consistently positive Ofsted feedback ('Good,' 2021). Nearby, Up Holland High School offers additional options for families seeking comprehensive education within a short drive.

Colleges and Further Education

Runshaw College (located in Leyland, with accessible transport from Ormskirk) and West Lancashire College in Skelmersdale offer further education, vocational courses, and A-levels for post-16 students. Both colleges are well regarded for their range of study options and student support.

Universities in Ormskirk

Edge Hill University is a major presence in Ormskirk, renowned nationally for its teaching quality, research output, and modern campus facilities. The university attracts students from across the UK for disciplines such as teaching, health, and creative arts, and contributes significantly to the town's vibrancy and economy.