[Updated 26/04/2026] Every parent knows those days when you simply need to get the children out of the house to stop them from driving you mad. If you are looking for a low-cost, high-interest destination near the coast, Lydiate Hall Farm is a genuine hidden gem.
At A Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Top Attraction | Free-roaming Peacocks & Highland Cows |
| Historic Sites | Lydiate Hall & St Catherine’s Chapel |
| Cost | Free entry (£1 for animal feed) |
| Food & Drink | The Farm Shop |
| Best For | Families, Photographers, and History Lovers |
| Location | Lydiate, Merseyside (A5147) |
| Opening Hours | 9am-4pm |
Known affectionately by locals as the ‘Peacock Farm’, this working farm offers a unique blend of Tudor history, fresh local produce, and up-close animal encounters that will keep kids and adults spellbound for hours.
The Star Attraction: The Lydiate Hall Farm Peacocks
The moment you pull into the farm, you will understand why this spot is so popular on social media. The resident peacocks and peahens roam freely across the yard and around the duck pond.
These birds are remarkably friendly and accustomed to visitors, often sneaking up behind families in the hope of a snack.
During our last visit, three peacocks joined us (Patrick, Peter, and Paul: our names for them in case they don’t answer you) while we were feeding the ducks, getting close enough for some incredible photos.
If you are visiting in the spring, look out for the tiny pea chicks following their mothers. It is a sight that never fails to delight.
Animal Feeding: Highland Cows and Duck Pond Fun
One of the best things about Lydiate Hall Farm is how interactive it is for children. Unlike larger, more expensive adventure farms, the experience here feels authentic.
You can purchase bags of specialised animal feed at the Lydiate Hall Farm Shop for just £1.
- Bird Feed (£1): Perfect for the ducks, geese, and of course, the peacocks.
- Vegetable Punnets (£1): A mix of carrots and cabbage leaves for the cattle.
The Highland cows are a particular highlight. These gentle giants, with their iconic shaggy coats and long horns, are more than happy to be fed by hand.
We noticed they were particularly fond of the cabbage leaves but, much like most children, they turned their noses up at the Brussels sprouts!
Stepping Back in Time: Lydiate Hall Ruins and Lydiate Abbey
What sets this location apart from your average farm shop is the incredible history literally sitting in the backyard. A short, pleasant walk through the woods adjacent to the farm brings you to the haunting ruins of Lydiate Hall.
Built circa 1470 by Lawrence Ireland, Lydiate Hall was once a grand Tudor manor house, similar in style to the famous Speke Hall in Liverpool.
Today, it stands as a skeletal remains of brick and stone, with empty window frames looking out over the mosslands.
Walking through the old courtyard feels like stepping into a historical drama; the woods have grown up around the ruins, giving it an atmospheric, ‘secret garden’ feel.
Just a few hundred yards away on Southport Road, you will find St Catherine’s Chapel, often referred to locally as Lydiate Abbey. This 15th-century private chapel was built for the Ireland family.
For a number of years, St Catherine’s Chapel served as a magnificent backdrop for outdoor Shakespeare performances during the summer months, and it is easy to see why. The atmospheric ruins feel ready-made for it.
Shopping Local: The Lydiate Hall Farm Shop
After you have finished exploring the ruins and feeding the animals, the farm shop is a must-visit. This is not a ‘commercial’ shop; it is a traditional outlet for fresh, local produce.
Inside, you will find a fantastic selection of:
- Fresh Vegetables: Many grown on the surrounding mosslands, known for their rich, dark soil.
- Local Meats: Including high-quality steaks and flavoured sausages.
- Pantry Staples: Jams, chutneys, and locally sourced honey.
- Seasonal Treats: From goose eggs in the spring to hearty winter veg.
The quality of the produce here is far superior to anything you will find in a supermarket, making it a favourite for ‘foodies’ in the Merseyside area.
Essential Visitor Information
- Finding the Farm: Located on the A5147 (Southport Road), online guides tell you it is easy to spot by the large farm shop sign. I found it somewhat hard to spot, even at low speeds. If you are coming from the north, it is on your right just before you hit the heart of Lydiate.
- Parking Tips: While on-site parking is free, the yard is shared with farm machinery and the peacocks. Arrive before 11:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot close to the shop.
- What to Wear: If you plan on visiting the Lydiate Hall ruins, the woodland path can get quite muddy after a downpour. Sturdy boots or wellies are highly recommended.
- Accessibility: The farm shop is on level ground, but the trek to the ruins involves uneven forest floor and narrow gates.
A typical visit runs to around 30–60 minutes, though keen photographers and history lovers may find themselves staying longer. In winter the ruins walk can feel brisk and the paths get muddy, so wrap up and bring wellies, but the farm shop and animals are worth a visit year-round.
Final Thoughts
Lydiate Hall Farm is a rare find in the North West. It manages to offer education, history, nature, and great food all in one compact location.
Whether you are there for the ‘Peacock Farm’ experience or to walk through the Tudor ruins, it is a day out that feels much more expensive than it actually is.
If you want to make a full day of it, the nearby market town of Ormskirk is just a 10-minute drive away and well worth combining with a visit to the farm.
Lydiate Hall Farm Shop, Lydiate, Liverpool L31 4HD.
