Tawd Valley Park follows the River Tawd through the centre of Skelmersdale. It is a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife: birds of prey are often seen above the meadows, while kingfishers, dippers and grey wagtails visit the riverbanks. Meadows, the river and its wildlife give the park a clear connection with nature right in the town centre.
An Animal Tracks Trail has been developed for visits to Tawd Valley Park. Check in advance whether any accompanying materials are currently available to download. The local council’s website announced that the Tawd Valley Park Heritage Trail would be opening soon; some sections of the route are uneven. Before your visit, check whether the Tawd Valley Park Heritage Trail is now available. “Love your River” events are also held regularly in the park, ranging from clean-up days to ecological surveys. If you want to attend a particular event, check its date before travelling.
Different features across the parks
Stanley Coronation Park has a network of footpaths and seating areas, a playground for children aged five to twelve, and outdoor fitness equipment that can be used free of charge. The age range refers to the playground; the outdoor fitness equipment is free to use. The paths and seating areas complement these two specific facilities.
Beacon Country Park lies on the boundary between Skelmersdale and Up Holland. Its extensive network of paths is suitable for walking and cycling. The parks can therefore be distinguished by their different features: river and wildlife at Tawd Valley Park, specific park facilities at Stanley Coronation Park, and walking and cycling at Beacon Country Park. This provides a practical basis for choosing activities to suit your interests.
Industrial history and the town centre
The area around Skelmersdale saw the development of a cotton mill, a shoe factory, a straw-rope works and brickworks. Coal mines also began to appear around Skelmersdale in the early 19th century. Skelmersdale itself also had a railway line: it ran from Ormskirk via Rainford to St Helens. This former link is part of the area’s transport history, not today’s passenger rail network. The railway route adds another aspect of past mobility to the picture of industry and mining in the area around Skelmersdale.
The Concourse Shopping Centre is in the centre of Skelmersdale and brings together well-known retail chains, independent shops and places to eat. Alongside the parks and landscapes, visitors can also choose to shop and dine in the town centre. Individual shops and offerings may change.
Getting there
The main road access to Tawd Valley Park is via the A5068 on Glenburn Road. The nearest railway connection to the park is Up Holland Train Station. This identifies two different reference points for getting there: the main access for cars and the nearest railway connection. Check train services before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Fleetwood, Kirkham, Rishton, Calder Vale, Rufford, Kelbrook, Holcombe, Chorley
For the wider travel overview: Lancashire.
