West Lancashire
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

Be Inspired
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.
Fill your summer with flying colours as Dragonfly Festival returns to Martin Mere
This summer, WWT – the wetland charity – celebrates the return of its Dragonfly Festival, back and more colourful than ever.
West Lancashire Businesses
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
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 MoreWindmill Animal Farm
A 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 MoreJAK Hanson Shopping Outlet
Visit us in store at JAK Hanson and enjoy a friendly shopping experience with great-value finds across fashion, homeware, gifts and more.
Read MoreBennett's Restaurant at Wrightington Hotel, Health Club & Spa
Traditional cuisine with a modern twist, using local produce and specialises in steaks and fish.
Read MoreLancashire Manor Hotel
The 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 MoreOrmskirk Market
Ormskirk Market is renowned for being one of the UK's oldest and most traditional outdoor markets. Granted a Royal Charter in 1286 by King Edward I, this popular and well-loved market has been held in Ormskirk ever since.
Read MoreWest Lancashire Events
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Moth Mornings - Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Date: 9th Jul 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 MoreBeginner Wildlife Photography Workshop - Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Date: 9th Jul 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 MoreArt Workshops with Kerry Newell - Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Date: 9th Jul 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 MoreBat and Barn Owl Nights - Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Date: 9th Jul 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 MoreGosling Gang (toddler sessions) - Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Date: 9th Jul 2026
Every Wednesday in term time, join us for our Gosling Gang sessions.Gosling Gang is a morning of fun and learning for your toddlers, including story time, sing along and toddler activities. The sessions are approximately one hour and a...
Read MoreQuiet Pond Dipping Sessions - Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Date: 11th Jul 2026
Join us for our upcoming quiet pond dipping sessions on Saturdays and Sundays. These sessions are prebooked and have limited capacity to allow for a more relaxed session for those who need it. Book here.Pick up a net and delve into our...
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