Discover Skelmersdale: Trails, Nature and Industrial History

Skelmersdale combines riverside landscapes, trails through parks and a varied industrial history. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for a varied stay will find different ways to plan each day: wildlife watching in Tawd Valley Park, trails with historical points of interest, activities for children and insights into the town’s development.

Nature and Trails at Tawd Valley

Tawd Valley Park follows the course of the River Tawd through the centre of Skelmersdale. The park provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Birds of prey are often visible above the meadows, while kingfishers, dippers and grey wagtails visit the riverbanks. This means the park is not only a setting for walks, but also offers specific wildlife-watching opportunities for anyone who pays attention to the natural surroundings while out and about.

For visits to Tawd Valley Park, the council has developed an Animal Tracks Trail. Regular “Love your River” events also take place there. The programme ranges from litter-picking days to ecological surveys. The Tawd Valley Park Heritage Trail runs for two miles through Skelmersdale’s industrial and cultural heritage and includes 16 points of interest. Some sections of the route are uneven, which should be taken into account when planning your day.

Another opportunity for exercise is provided by Beacon Country Park on the boundary between Skelmersdale and Up Holland. It offers an extensive network of trails for walking and cycling.

Park Facilities for Different Day Plans

Stanley Coronation Park has a network of footpaths and seating areas. It also has a children’s playground for children aged 5 to 12. Free outdoor fitness equipment complements the facilities.

For travel by car, the main access to Tawd Valley Park is via the A5068 at Glenburn Road. The nearest railway connection for Tawd Valley Park is at Up Holland Train Station. This information can help you check before booking accommodation which form of transport suits your planned stay.

Industrial History and the Town’s Character Today

Skelmersdale also has a history that can be traced through former transport routes and industries. The town had its own railway line, which ran from Ormskirk via Rainford to St Helens. Industries that developed in the area around Skelmersdale included a cotton mill, a shoe factory, a straw-rope works and brickworks. Coal mines were established around Skelmersdale from the early 19th century onwards. Skelmersdale was designated in 1961.

Anyone wishing to combine this history with time outdoors can choose the Heritage Trail as a cultural focus and consider the park trails as another part of their travel plans. Skelmersdale town centre is also home to the Concourse Shopping Centre, with well-known retail chains, independent shops and dining options.

Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Plans

When looking for holiday accommodation in Skelmersdale, it is worth first deciding which experiences you want: wildlife watching and trails along the River Tawd, walking or cycling in Beacon Country Park, park facilities for children or exploring the area’s industrial history. Anyone wishing to combine several of these focuses can plan their journey and daily schedule around these objectives without assuming any particular location or facilities for the accommodation.

For more ideas in the area, you can also discover Cockerham, Longridge, Lea, Withnell, Rufford, Barrowford, Whittingham and Croston.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lancashire.