Things To Do
in Skelmersdale
Skelmersdale is a New Town in West Lancashire, created in the mid-20th century and characterised by large residential estates, green corridors and a functional town centre rather than a historic core. It sits inland between Liverpool and Preston and is often used as a quiet, affordable base for exploring the North West of England. The town is surrounded by parks, woodland and farmland, giving easy access to countryside walks and wetlands.
While not a major tourist destination, Skelmersdale offers a strong sense of local community, practical amenities and easy links by road to nearby attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Skelmersdale and settle into your chosen accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the local area to get a feel for the surroundings and familiarize yourself with the local amenities. Visit a local café for a traditional English breakfast to energize yourself for the day ahead.
Explore the town centre, visiting shops and boutiques while soaking in the local atmosphere. Head to the Skelmersdale Library to learn more about the history of the town and its cultural heritage. Stop by the nearby Beacon Park, enjoying the serene landscapes and perhaps a light picnic.
Enjoy dinner at a local pub, where you can sample classic British dishes and regional specialties. Engage with locals and perhaps join a trivia night or open mic evening if available. Conclude your day with a fancy dessert at a nearby café.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading out to the nearby Tawd Valley Park. Spend your morning hiking the scenic trails and enjoying the natural beauty of the wetlands and woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife along the way.
After your hike, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park or at nearby Ashurst Beacon, where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding area. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying your hand at cycling along the trails. This adventure will keep your spirits high and your energy up.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for dinner. You could discover Skelmersdale's vibrant dining scene or choose to visit a nearby town for more dining options. Cap off your evening with a relaxing stroll under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start (local) | $5-8 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at pub | $4-6 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread (supermarket) | $1.50-2.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable accommodation and living costs compared with nearby cities
- Easy access to countryside, wetlands and regional attractions
- Strong local community and practical amenities
- Convenient road links to Liverpool, Preston and the North West
- Limited tourist attractions and nightlife within the town itself
- No current central rail station—public transport options are limited compared with larger towns
- Town centre is functional rather than scenic; fewer historic landmarks
- Some areas have a reputation for social challenges and require usual urban caution
Places to Visit in Skelmersdale
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside trails, woodland glades and lakes create varied nature photography opportunities, especially for birdlife and seasonal colours.
A short drive away, the hill offers panoramic views across Lancashire and, on clear days, distant cityscapes — excellent for landscape shots and sunsets.
Skelmersdale’s New Town architecture, pedestrian walkways and public artworks provide interesting urban and documentary-style photography.
Wetland hides and boardwalks let you capture waterfowl and migratory birds in a managed nature reserve setting.
Food in Skelmersdale
Skelmersdale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hearty dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and meat pies are widely available at local pubs and cafés — look for local beef and seasonal vegetables.
Must-Try!
Skelmersdale has several well-regarded Indian and Pakistani restaurants offering biryani, karahi and tikka dishes — popular for evening meals and takeaways.
While not unique to Skelmersdale, you’ll easily find Lancashire hotpot, black pudding and locally produced cheeses and pies at markets and pubs in the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A short drive away, Ormskirk hosts a long-established market with stalls selling local produce, cheeses, baked goods and seasonal items — great for sampling regional flavours.
Skelmersdale and surrounding villages occasionally hold community markets and street-food stalls; check parish or council listings for pop-up food events and fayres.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respectful, reserved behaviour is valued — say please and thank you and wait your turn in queues. Personal space is appreciated in public settings.
Being on time for appointments or bookings is important; if delayed, notify hosts or venues when possible.
Order drinks at the bar in many pubs, and tip only for table service; be mindful of noise levels late at night in residential areas.
Drive on the left and follow local speed limits; country lanes may be narrow so give way and use passing places when needed.
Safety
Tipping in Skelmersdale
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, leaving 10–15% is customary when service is good, unless a service charge is already added. You don’t need to tip in pubs for drinks, but round up for good table service; taxi drivers appreciate rounding up or a small tip. Contactless card payments are widely accepted alongside cash; have a card or mobile pay option ready.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather and blooming flora make it ideal for walks in Tawd Valley Park and spring birdwatching. Expect occasional rain; pack a waterproof layer.
Warmer temperatures and long daylight hours favour outdoor activities and country walks, though it can be busy at nearby attractions and pubs. Bring sunscreen and light layers for variable coastal breezes if you head to nearby towns.
Colourful foliage on the woods and hills creates great photography and walking conditions; temperatures cool and rain becomes more frequent. Layered clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Chillier, wetter and occasionally frosty — outdoor excursions are still possible but expect muddy paths and shorter daylight. Plan indoor backup activities and check local transport in poor weather.
Skelmersdale at Night
Hiking in Skelmersdale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short drive from Skelmersdale; offers a rewarding climb with panoramic views across the Lancashire plains — popular for short hikes and photography.
Local network of riverside and woodland paths suitable for easy-to-moderate walks, ideal for families and birdwatchers.
Boardwalks and reserve trails provide level, accessible routes focused on birdwatching and nature observation.
Airports
How to reach Skelmersdale by plane.
About 25–40 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers domestic and European flights and is the nearest major airport for international connections to the area.
Around 45–70 minutes by car; a major international hub with wide route options, frequent trains from Manchester city centre and good onward connections to Skelmersdale by car or bus.
Smaller facility with limited services, roughly an hour’s drive depending on route; useful for some seasonal or charter flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households are families and commuting workers who travel to nearby towns and cities for employment; the town has a mixture of age groups.
A significant portion of residents have lived in the town for decades, contributing to tight-knit community networks and local clubs.
Skelmersdale is home to people from a variety of backgrounds, and there are community groups and faith centres reflecting that diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport locally; Skelmersdale United is the town’s non-league club with community roots and local matches that draw supporters.
Rugby and cricket are played in the surrounding area and village clubs provide weekend matches and youth programs.
Local parks and community centres host fitness classes, walking groups and amateur sports that strengthen local engagement.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Skelmersdale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés, pubs and most curry restaurants (vegetable curries, paneer, and vegetable sides). Supermarkets and deli shops carry meat-free products for self-catering travellers.
Vegan choices are growing but can be limited in smaller venues — larger cafés and chain locations or nearby towns like Ormskirk and Liverpool will offer better vegan menus. Always ask staff and check online menus in advance.
Many pubs and restaurants can accommodate gluten-free diets if notified; supermarkets stock gluten-free staples. For strictly gluten-free needs, plan ahead and consider dining at larger establishments with allergen information.