Lancashire
Welcome to Lancashire
Market towns, open countryside, easy reach of the coast — Lancashire suits a slower, fuller life.
Lancashire rewards anyone willing to slow down. Ormskirk’s market-town bustle, Lytham’s cobbled coastal charm, and villages like Parbold, Rufford and Mawdesley all sit within reach of open countryside and canal-side walks. Period cottages, barn conversions and new builds cater for every stage of life, while community events and consistently low crime rates draw families and retirees alike. Good schools, proper pubs, and a genuine sense of belonging — this is a region built for a fuller, easier way of living.
Section 01 — The market
These Lancashire villages and towns offer a mix of period cottages, barn conversions, stylish new builds and elegant townhouses set within rolling countryside. Aughton and Ormskirk blend historic housing with newer developments, Lytham stands out as a coastal town with cobbled streets and tree-lined avenues, while rural villages such as Bispham, Halsall, Lathom, Mawdesley, Parbold, Rufford and Scarisbrick offer farmhouses, barn conversions and characterful cottages surrounded by open farmland and waterways.
Section 02 — What to love
- Rolling countryside, farmland and canal-side settings
- Strong rail and road links into Liverpool, Preston, Manchester and Southport
- 'Outstanding' and 'Good'-rated schools across the villages
- Low crime rates and close-knit communities
- Historic landmarks and villages rooted in the Domesday Book
- Independent pubs, cafés and village halls hosting regular events
Section 03 — Local lifestyle
Across these areas, life centres on strong community spirit and a slower pace, whether in the market-town bustle of Ormskirk, the coastal elegance of Lytham, or the quieter villages of Bispham, Halsall, Lathom, Mawdesley, Parbold, Rufford and Scarisbrick. Aughton and Parbold combine village charm with excellent connectivity, while Rufford and Scarisbrick lean into their canal-side, countryside heritage. Community events, from the Bickerstock music festival to Ormskirk’s Gingerbread Festival, and consistently low crime rates make the area especially popular with families and retirees.
Section 04 — Dining, entertainment & shopping
Ormskirk and Lytham offer the most developed high streets, with Ormskirk’s Charter Market, independent cafés and pubs, and Lytham’s boutiques, Stringers department store and Clifton Street cafés. Smaller villages rely on cosy pubs and local shops: Aughton’s The Stanley Arms and Arthur’s of Aughton, Rufford’s Tastebuds at the Wharf and The Hesketh Arms, Parbold’s The Windmill and Margot Wine Bar, Mawdesley’s The Red Lion, and Scarisbrick’s The Scarisbrick Arms, alongside village halls that host regular markets and social events.
Section 05 — Things to do
Canal walks along the Leeds–Liverpool Canal feature heavily, from Parbold and Rufford to Scarisbrick and Lathom, alongside country parks such as Beacon Country Park (shared by Aughton, Bispham and Lathom) and nature reserves including Mere Sands Wood and Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Heritage sites add further appeal, from Rufford Old Hall and Scarisbrick Hall to Lathom House and Ormskirk’s historic Clock Tower, while Lytham offers coastal walks, Fairhaven Lake and the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club.
Section 06 — Schools
These Lancashire villages are well served by primary schools, many rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, with secondary options in nearby market towns. The list below covers the schools named across the area guides.
-
01
Aughton Christ Church CofE Primary (Aughton)
-
02
Aughton St Michael's CofE Primary (Aughton)
-
03
Halsall St Cuthbert's CofE Primary School (Halsall)
-
04
Trinity and St Michael's VA Primary (Mawdesley)
-
05
Parbold Douglas Church of England Academy (Parbold)
-
06
Our Lady and All Saints RC Primary (Parbold)
Get in touch
Seven days. Phone or WhatsApp.
If you're considering selling at £750k or above in the North West, I'd like to hear from you. I reply the same day — evenings, weekends and bank holidays included.