Hidden Between Liverpool And Manchester Is A Charming Ex-Mining Town With Shops And Scenic Parks
Aside from the Lake District, most visitors flocking to Northwest England are likely to have Manchester and Liverpool on their bucket list as both have enough music history, industrial heritage, and cultural attractions to fill a week. Those who want to add an authentic, small town to their trip will find several with unique history and thriving communities tucked between the two metropolises. Take the valley town of Skelmersdale: Once a mining powerhouse (and the region's first designated "new town"), it's now known for its access to scenic green areas and shopping mall.
Those visiting Skelmersdale — or "Skem" as the locals call it – will find a vibrant town center, renowned for its architectural planning as part of Lancashire's urban expansion in the 1960s. The town also has unbridled nature on its doorstep, as it's close to the historic Rufford Old Hall, with its canalside woodland and manicured gardens. It's just 39 miles south of the Forest of Bowland too, which is ideal for outdoor aficionados. The little-visited wood is best known for intertwining with the Tolkien Trail which inspired the children's novel, "The Hobbit".
It's easy to reach Skelmersdale from Manchester (29 miles) or Liverpool (15 miles) in under an hour, as long as you are relying on your own two wheels. The town doesn't have a train station and buses are infrequent throughout the day, taking roughly 90 minutes from Liverpool and up to two-and-a-half hours from Manchester.
This storied ex-mining town has plenty of shopping opportunities
As Skelmersdale's Old Norse name betrays, this charming town was the domain of Viking settlers –- one among many in Northern England under Scandinavian rule in the 10th century. Its prosperity may have peaked, though, during the busy coal mining period between the mid-1800s and early 1900s. Most marks from Skelmersdale's history may not be visible today, but the town has retained a unique quirk going back decades: It has no traffic lights. While that may help with decongesting traffic, you may still want a few tips to help you drive on the "wrong" side of the road.
The town's mall, the Concourse Shopping Center, is the focus of much of Skelmersdale's shopping life. Its central location makes it easy to access, and inside the two-story building you can find big brands such as New Look and Boots as well as independent, locally-owned stores like the balloon and partyware shop Thoughts That Count, family-run pet store Sash & Pepps, and Tommy's Darts Shop. There's also an alehouse, The Viking, on the ground floor.
On top of that, Skelmersdale's proximity to Manchester, one of England's most underrated and youthful cities, makes it an appealing base to explore the metropolis and enjoy the shopping opportunities the city offers — without having to overnight there.
Skelmersdale has easy access to parks and reserves
Skelmersdale is a great access point to Western Lancashire's 16 parks. While you may need to visit the neighboring Ribble Valley to follow the charming trails that inspired the fantasy movie series "The Lord of The Rings", Skelmersdale is still within easy reach of scenic, tranquil spots with a bit of history.
Under 10 miles north of Skelmersdale, Rufford Old Hall is a beautifully-kept mansion which is rumored to have hosted William Shakespeare for a brief period during the bard's youth. The stately home is renowned for its Tudor beams and 16th century artifacts. It also boasts a manicured garden, beehives, a shrub molded in the shape of two large squirrels and an apple and pear orchard — in fall, the pears are shrouded in pantyhose for protection. The most scenic vistas are from the hall's own woodland, which crosses the Rufford branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and opens up to the sprawling valleys of West Lancashire.
The Martin Mere Wetland Center is another spot for an outdoor outing from Skelmersdale, as it's home to Europe's longest continuous stepping stone trail on water (with 143 stones, if anyone's counting). The wetland center is primarily an ecosystem for otters, mandarin ducks, and resident flamingos. Experience the habitat on a self-guided canoe safari ($16) or a boat tour with a wetland guide ($5).