Between Liverpool And Blackpool Is A Market Town Renowned For Gingerbread And One Of Britain's Best Food Scenes

Refined palates traveling the U.K. may want to book lodging when visiting Ormskirk, as bellies will surely be full come evening. Multiple Michelin stars have been awarded to restaurants in and around this little North West England hamlet. Located in the county of Lancashire, 13 miles north of Liverpool and 32 miles south of Blackpool, Ormskirk has become a culinary destination for exceptionally prepared and edge-pushing gourmet cuisine. 

A fascinating bit of Ormskirk history is its famed gingerbread that has been baked here since the early 1700s. The spiced treat was originally made by Sarah Fyles in 1732, then proliferated by the "Gingerbread Ladies" who sold it to travelers in and around town. King Edward VII was said to be a fan, stopping in Ormskirk to stock up on the sweets while on his way to Balmoral. 

Long considered a market town for its vibrant outdoor marketplace held in the center since 1286, today, the community hosts roughly 100 vendors around the town's clock tower. Lining the historic, walkable streets of town on market days — Thursday and Saturday — are locally sourced and prepared foods, clothing, flowers, and more.

Moor Hall may need more wall space to show off all its prestigious awards. Boasting five AA Rosettes and three Michelin stars plus a Green Michelin star for its sustainable culinary practices, the restaurant rests on 5 acres of postcard-perfect landscaping, with bedrooms to reserve as well. More impressive are the menu items, some of which are sourced from gardens on site. Voted the best restaurant in the U.K. in 2026, Moor Hall's property on the outskirts of Ormskirk, in the suburb of Aughton, dates back to 1282, and its structure was built in the 1500s.

At the time of writing, Moor Hall is one of only 161 restaurants globally to tout three Michelin stars. Earning three stars means an establishment provides such exceptional cuisine and overall experience that it's worthy of traveling for. Diners seem to agree with the rating — one reviewer on Tripadvisor describes the restaurant as "perfection personified." Adjacent is the casual ambience of The Barn, which received its own Michelin star. Chef Mark Birchall maintains his "field-to-plate philosophy" seen at Moor Hall with prix fixe and à la carte menus at more affordable price points than next door. 

Ormskirk boasts tasty restaurants and historic charm similar to Hambleton 135 miles southeast, but with more acclaim for its array of accomplished chefs. Among them is Chef Tim Allen of Sō-lō, also located in Aughton. Awarded a Michelin star four times in his career (to date), Sō-lō is Allen's first restaurant on his own. It also earned a Michelin star for its modernized British cuisine with worldly inspiration, use of seasonal ingredients, and informal but excellent service. Sō-lō's tasting menu appeals to gourmands with dishes such as Isle of Lewis scallop with green strawberries and Manx langoustine, or vegetarian items like croustade with maple celeriac, crispy artichokes, and fermented buttermilk. 

New York may host the world's largest gingerbread village each winter, but waiting for the holiday season isn't necessary in Ormskirk. The town celebrates the spiced sweet it's renowned for all year long, especially in summertime. Each July, find tens of thousands of revelers at the Ormskirk Gingerbread Festival taking in entertainment, artisan wares, and — naturally — gingerbread. This family-friendly annual event offers carnival rides, crafting, and other activities to keep children entertained when not sampling the abundant gingerbread. 

If visiting Ormskirk outside of July, Mr Thompson's Bakery at the Ormskirk Market serves up gingerbread every month of the year. As one reviewer on Google says of Mr Thompson's, "The gingerbread is stunning, superb & you immediately need more. How you've created a thing of such taste & flavour I'll never know." Or try baking it yourself using the recipe shared on DiscoverOrmskirk.com.

Ormskirk is 22 miles from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) and 36 miles from Manchester Airport (MAN). Stay at Moor Hall for an immersive culinary excursion. The property's 14 bedrooms are individually designed with picturesque views of the lake or gardens and boast unique features such as window seats or exposed oak beams. And if continuing the gourmet adventure is desired after your time in Ormskirk, head for Kirkham, an underrated market town with Roman roots, local markets, and tasty restaurants, 25 miles north.