West Lancashire offers a mix of market town heritage, open countryside and a food scene that has gained national attention, with Ormskirk at its centre. Known for its long-running market, still held twice a week, the town combines traditional stalls with independent shops, cafés and historic streets. The area is also home to outstanding dining experiences, including the Michelin-starred Moor Hall, The Barn at Moor Hall, and Sō–Lō, each showcasing seasonal Lancashire produce and attracting visitors with carefully crafted menus.
For time outdoors, Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a key highlight, drawing visitors looking to experience wildlife and seasonal bird migrations up close. Across the wider area, flat farmland and quiet lanes lend themselves to walking and cycling, with canals and waterways adding to the setting. Farm shops, local producers and food-focused stops are spread across the area, giving plenty of opportunities to experience what West Lancashire is known for beyond the scenery.
Find out more Visit West Lancashire
Looking to treat yourself or someone you love to afternoon tea? Lancashire has so many great options, including a number of experiences that really up the ante when it comes to making your afternoon tea extra special.
This summer, WWT – the wetland charity – celebrates the return of its Dragonfly Festival, back and more colourful than ever.
This is the year of the staycation and lucky for you there's plenty of options here in the red rose county! Take a look at some of the options
There's a fantastic day ahead of you at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Enjoy splashing, dipping, playing, feeding, paddling and getting up-close-and-personal to some of nature's most wonderful wildlife.
Read MoreA great family day out, offering visitors the chance to experience the every day running of an actual working farm, while still having the chance to watch, feed and touch the animals.
Read MoreWith its period features and modern furnishings, serving a traditional menu and world wine list. There is also a relaxing lounge bar offering beverages and snacks. The chef and his culinary team offer an extensive regularly updated menu.
Read MoreThe Best Western Lancashire Manor Hotel (Pimbo, near Wigan) is a 81 bedroom Grade II listed building dating back to 1870, situated in beautiful gardens with ample secure free parking.
Read MoreThree well stocked fishing ponds which are ideally suited to the pleasure angler using traditional methods whilst enjoying the peace, tranquility and beautiful surroundings of Crook Hall Farm, in the heart of rural West Lancashire.
Read MoreCarnes Fine Art are proud to be an independent art gallery, specialising in original paintings, sculptures and works on paper. The gallery is located at Cedar Farm in the rural and beautiful setting of Mawdesley, Lancashire.
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Date: 30th Jun 2026
Did you know that some moths only live for one day and never actually eat? And when you see a caterpillar it is far more likely to be a moth caterpillar rather than a butterfly caterpillar!Moth traps allow us to record the species we g...
Read MoreDate: 30th Jun 2026
Join professional wildlife artist, Kerry Newell, for her full-day art workshops here at Martin Mere. Be inspired by our wetland setting as Kerry’s expertise and passion takes your skills further in your wildlife artwork.These pastel an...
Read MoreDate: 30th Jun 2026
Heather Beckett is delighted to offer this beginner-friendly photography workshop at Martin Mere.Have you ever wondered what ISO, Shutter and Aperture really mean? How do photographers get such fabulous shots of birds in flight or capt...
Read MoreDate: 30th Jun 2026
Join us for a unique chance to visit our reserve with a warden at dusk. First, you'll check a moth trap to see wonderful species of moths that have been caught such as the ruby tiger and elephant hawk-moth before setting off for the night.
Read MoreDate: 4th Jul 2026
Silent disco for all the family.
Read MoreDate: 18th Jul 2026
Can you spot all of our dragonfly sculptures? Explore high and low as you search for these larger-than-life insects, each one representing a different species!From dazzling blues to fiery reds, these colourful dragonflies are waiting t...
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