Group Travel

Ormskirk and Gingerbread:

When people think of gingerbread, Ormskirk might not be the first place that springs to mind…but it absolutely should be! Long before other towns began baking their own versions, Ormskirk was already perfecting the recipe. In fact, Ormskirk Gingerbread has been delighting taste buds since 1732, crafted by the Fyles family and later enjoyed by none other than King Edward VI.

This isn’t your average gingerbread. Rich, buttery, delicately spiced and perfectly chewy, Ormskirk Gingerbread is a slice of Lancashire tradition that melts in your mouth. It’s a taste of history you’ll never forget.

And where better to find it than at Ormskirk Market – a Royal Charter market that’s been at the heart of the town since 1286. Held every Thursday and Saturday, the market is a vibrant mix of old-world charm and modern delights. Alongside artisan breads, fine cheeses, homemade pies, fresh produce and more, you’ll find a modern twist on Ormskirk’s iconic gingerbread, ready to tempt even the most seasoned sweet tooth.

Come for the market — stay for the gingerbread. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why Ormskirk’s sweetest secret has stood the test of time!

Shopping and Food:

Ormskirk and West Lancashire are proud to be home to a thriving community of unique and characterful independent businesses. It’s the people behind them who bring such warmth and personality to the area, making every visit feel special. Explore in person and you’ll uncover hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

While Ormskirk offers a vibrant mix of shops, cafés and markets, why not also take time to visit Burscough Wharf? Set in a picturesque canal-side location, it offers a different kind of shopping and leisure experience full of charm and creativity.

With so much outstanding local produce on our doorstep, it’s no surprise that West Lancashire also boasts an array of excellent cafés and restaurants. From the heart of Ormskirk town centre to the surrounding countryside, there are flavours to suit every taste.

A true highlight is Moor Hall in Aughton – Lancashire’s only three Michelin Starred restaurant with rooms, and proud winner of the UK’s Best Restaurant award in 2019. Set in stunning surroundings, it offers delicate, produce-led menus crafted by the acclaimed chef patron, Mark Birchall. This is dining that celebrates the very best of West Lancashire in every detail.

Events:

Unmissable Events All Year Round in Ormskirk and West Lancashire

There’s always something exciting happening in Ormskirk and across West Lancashire, with a calendar packed full of family-friendly events that bring our towns and countryside to life.

In May, step back in time at the Medieval Festival in Coronation Park. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the 12th century await as Historia Normannis recreate a world of knights, barons, freemen and ladies. With interactive displays, thrilling demonstrations and hands-on activities, it’s a truly immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

Come July, Ormskirk celebrates its rich heritage with the ever-popular Gingerbread Festival. Held in the heart of the town centre, this fun-filled day features a themed market, live entertainment and plenty of treats for all the family – a true celebration of a local tradition dating back to 1732.

Later in July, the spotlight turns to nature at the Green Fayre in Beacon Country Park, West Lancashire’s biggest countryside event. This free festival is packed with arena displays, dog teams, birds of prey, traditional crafts, and even a Viking encampment. It’s a brilliant day out surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors.

August brings a burst of energy with the Ormskirk MotorFest, held on the Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend. A must for car lovers, this event draws crowds from across the North West to admire an incredible range of classic, modern and performance vehicles on show throughout the town.

As the year winds down, Christmas in Ormskirk offers a magical celebration to get everyone in the festive spirit. Held on a Sunday in mid to late November, the town comes alive with a themed market, seasonal entertainment and a show-stopping Christmas light switch-on to round off the day.

And that’s just the beginning. Many more events take place throughout the year across the wider region. To find out what’s coming up next, visit our Events page.

Attractions:

Discover the hidden gems of Ormskirk and West Lancashire, where a wealth of exciting attractions await groups and coaches alike. Step back in time with a visit to the National Trust’s Rufford Old Hall, a Tudor gem surrounded by beautiful gardens. Legend has it that Shakespeare spent part of his youth here, so why not come and uncover the evidence for yourself?

For a fascinating journey into history, take a trip to the West Lancashire Light Railway, a volunteer-run steam railway that transports you back to the age of steam. It’s a delightful way to explore the region’s rich railway heritage.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by WWT Martin Mere, a wetland reserve that’s home to over 100 species of rare and endangered waterfowl. Hand-feed these incredible birds, meet a family of playful otters, and visit the white stork enclosure, where daily talks and feedings add to the magic.

For a fun day out on the farm, choose from two fantastic family attractions. Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm is home to the UK’s only permanent Shaun the Sheep and offers a wide variety of animals, birds of prey, go-karts, a soft play area, and a restaurant. Alternatively, Windmill Animal Farm offers train rides, play areas, pedal tractors, picnic spots, and a welcoming coffee shop for a perfect day with the whole group.

Where to stay:

Whether you’re exploring Ormskirk or West Lancashire’s wider attractions, there are some wonderful places to stay on our Accommodation pages.

Ormskirk Bus Station is conveniently located next to the town centre, so you can hop off and walk straight into the bustling streets of Ormskirk.