Mortgage Advice in Croston: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Croston
A buyer’s guide to Croston — property prices and council tax, schools and their real Ofsted position, transport, healthcare, flood risk, the local lending realities, and the questions worth asking before you commit.
- Quick Answers
- Prices
- Market
- Why Croston
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
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Figures in this guide were correct when it was produced and do change. Always verify council tax with the local council, school ratings with Ofsted and journey times with the operator before you rely on them. This guide is information, not financial or mortgage advice.
Mortgage Advice in Croston: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Whether you’re buying your first home in Croston, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching this picturesque Lancashire conservation village west of Chorley — with its medieval St Michael’s Church, the historic packhorse bridge over the River Yarrow, a direct train to Preston and a strong village community — this guide covers what buyers and homeowners actually want to know, including a full, honest look at flood risk and the major defence scheme built after the 2015 floods.
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Quick answers about Croston
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Croston a good place to live?⌄
Yes — a picturesque, sought-after conservation village with a strong community, an Outstanding village primary and a direct train to Preston; the honest headline is flood history (with a major defence scheme built since 2015) and a part-time nearby A&E at Chorley.
Yes — Croston is one of the prettiest and most sought-after villages in the Chorley area. It is a conservation village at the confluence of the River Yarrow and River Douglas, with a medieval church (St Michael and All Angels), a historic packhorse bridge, a market cross, characterful cottages and a genuine community feel. It has a well-regarded primary and secondary school, and its own station with a direct train to Preston. The big honest point is flooding: Croston was badly flooded on Boxing Day 2015, and a major (around £7 million) flood-defence scheme was built afterwards, greatly reducing the risk to protected properties — but flood risk remains a genuine, property-specific consideration here that must be checked carefully. The nearest hospital, Chorley & South Ribble, also has only a part-time A&E, with the nearest full 24/7 A&E at Royal Preston.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croston | rightmove.co.uk — Croston
Did the 2015 floods fix Croston, or is flooding still a risk?⌄
A major flood-defence scheme (around £7m) was built after the 2015 Boxing Day floods, greatly reducing the risk to protected properties — but flood risk is still a genuine, property-specific consideration in Croston and must be checked carefully.
On Boxing Day 2015, storm rainfall overwhelmed the River Yarrow and River Douglas and around 344 properties in Croston were flooded — a serious, well-remembered event. In response, the Environment Agency, working with Chorley Council, Lancashire County Council, United Utilities and the local Lower Yarrow Flood Action Group, built the Croston Flood Risk Management Scheme: an upstream flood-storage area on the River Yarrow with a roughly 600-metre earth embankment able to hold back a large volume of water, which reduces the annual flood risk to protected properties from around 5% to less than 1%. That is a genuine, major improvement. But it does not remove flood risk entirely, and it does not cover every property, so for any home in Croston a careful, property-specific flood check — river and surface water — remains essential, along with confirming buildings insurance (including whether Flood Re applies) before you commit.
Sources: rightmove.co.uk — Croston
Is Croston expensive?⌄
Moderately — a sought-after conservation village, so a touch above the Chorley average, but still good value; overall averages are often around £220,000–£290,000.
Croston is moderately priced — its picturesque conservation-village character, its schools and its direct train to Preston tend to lift values a little above the Chorley town average, but it is still good value for such a desirable village. Overall averages are often in the region of £220,000 to £290,000, with village cottages and terraces the more accessible way in (frequently around £180,000 to £250,000), semis commonly £230,000 to £320,000, newer estate homes around £260,000 to £400,000, and larger detached and period village houses running from around £380,000 upwards. Note that flood history can affect both price and insurance for some properties, so it is worth factoring in. Always verify current prices via Land Registry data or independent valuation advice for the exact property.
Sources: rightmove.co.uk — Croston | landregistry.data.gov.uk
Does Croston have good transport links?⌄
Reasonable for a village — Croston station gives a direct train to Preston (and towards Ormskirk), with the A581 to Chorley and the M6 within reach.
For a village, Croston is reasonably connected. Croston station is on the Ormskirk to Preston line (the Ormskirk Branch), about seven miles south-west of Preston, giving a direct train to Preston — where you can join the West Coast Main Line for fast London Euston, Lancaster and Glasgow services — and towards Ormskirk (for Merseyrail links to Liverpool). By road, the A581 runs east to Chorley and west towards Southport, and the M6 (junctions 27 and 28) and the wider motorway network are within a short drive. It is more of a peaceful village than a big commuter hub, but the direct Preston train and the road links make it a workable base. Always check current timetables and season-ticket costs before relying on a specific journey.
Does Croston have a 24-hour A&E nearby?⌄
Not a full one in the immediate area — the nearest full 24/7 A&E is Royal Preston (with Southport & Formby also within reach); Chorley & South Ribble Hospital has only a part-time A&E (8am–8pm) + a 24/7 urgent care centre.
Not a full one in the immediate area, and this is an honest point. The closest hospital, Chorley & South Ribble, had its A&E reduced after staffing problems in 2016 and now runs part-time — typically 8am to 8pm, for adults with more minor injuries — alongside a 24-hour urgent care centre. For a major or complex emergency, the nearest full 24/7 A&E is Royal Preston Hospital in Fulwood (the regional major trauma centre) to the north, with Southport and Formby District General Hospital also within reach to the south-west. A feasibility study in 2026 has been looking at whether Chorley’s A&E could return to 24 hours. As NHS provision can change and travel times from a village matter, always confirm the current arrangements and nearest department directly with the NHS.
Sources: lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk — Chorley & South Ribble ED information
Is Croston right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others — here is how Croston rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | ★★★★★ | An Outstanding village primary (Trinity & St Michael’s) and a well-regarded secondary (Bishop Rawstorne CE Academy) in the village, plus a safe, pretty community feel — though weigh the flood check and the part-time nearby A&E. |
| Village & character lovers | ★★★★★ | A genuinely picturesque conservation village — the medieval St Michael’s Church, the packhorse Town Bridge, the market cross and characterful cottages — hard to beat in the Chorley area. |
| Commuters (Preston) | ★★★★☆ | Croston station gives a direct train to Preston (West Coast Main Line there), with the A581 and M6 within reach — workable, though more a peaceful village than a big commuter hub. |
| First-time buyers | ★★★☆☆ | Village cottages and terraces (often ~£180,000–£250,000) offer a way in, though the village premium and flood-insurance considerations for some homes can raise the bar. |
| Property developers & investors | ★★★☆☆ | Steady demand for a desirable village, but the flood history and conservation-area controls mean careful, property-specific due diligence is essential. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Croston does brilliantly — and what to weigh carefully — before you commit.
Croston at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & council | Lancashire (a TWO-TIER county); Chorley Borough Council is the district; Croston is parished (Croston Parish Council — a parish precept applies) |
| Postcode district | PR26 |
| Approx. character | A picturesque Lancashire conservation village west of Chorley, at the confluence of the River Yarrow and River Douglas |
| Average house price | Overall often £220,000–£290,000; cottages & terraces from ~£180,000, newer homes £260,000–£400,000, larger detached & period houses £380,000+; sources vary |
| Railway | Croston station — direct to Preston (join the West Coast Main Line there) and towards Ormskirk on the Ormskirk Branch line |
| Nearest A&E | Nearest full 24/7 A&E is Royal Preston (major trauma centre); Southport & Formby District General also within reach; Chorley & South Ribble has only a PART-TIME A&E (8am–8pm) + 24/7 urgent care — verify with NHS |
| Schools | Comprehensive (no grammar): Trinity & St Michael’s VA CofE/Methodist Primary (Outstanding 2024) & Bishop Rawstorne CE Academy secondary (Good 2021), both in the village |
| Known for | St Michael & All Angels Church, the packhorse Town Bridge, the market cross, the conservation village — and, honestly, its flood history and defences |
| Character | A conservation-area core of cottages and period homes, plus some newer estate housing |
| Roads | The A581 to Chorley (east) and Southport (west); the M6 (junctions 27 & 28) within a short drive |
| Green space | Riverside and countryside walks along the Yarrow and Douglas, with Yarrow Valley Country Park and the West Pennine Moors within reach |
| Flood & planning | Genuine flood history (Boxing Day 2015); a ~£7m flood-defence scheme built since — check every property carefully; conservation-area controls apply |
| Council tax (Band D) | £2,430.43 for 2026/27 (Croston — Lancashire County Council + Lancashire Police + Lancashire Fire + Chorley Borough Council + Croston Parish Council; verified) — confirm your exact band |
Property prices & council tax in Croston
Croston offers good value for a genuinely picturesque, sought-after conservation village — a touch above the Chorley town average for its character and its schools, but still reasonable for such a desirable village — across a mix of homes: characterful cottages and period terraces in the conservation core, semis, and some newer estate housing. Flood history can affect price and insurance for some properties, so factor it in. Published figures vary by property and area, so treat the ranges below as a broad guide and verify for the exact home.
| Property type / area | Typical position in the market | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Cottages & period terraces | Indicatively around £180,000–£250,000 | First-time buyers and character-seekers; the more accessible ways into the conservation core — check flood risk near the rivers |
| Semi-detached houses | Indicatively around £230,000–£320,000 | Families wanting village and suburban space |
| Modern & new-build | Indicatively around £260,000–£400,000 | Families & downsizers wanting low-maintenance newer homes — check estate management & any service charge |
| Detached, period & village houses | Indicatively around £380,000–£600,000+ | Upsizers wanting space, gardens & period village character |
| Croston average | Overall often £220,000–£290,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the village |
What income might you need?
These illustrative figures use roughly 4.5x household income and assume a typical deposit. They are a starting point for budgeting only — not a quote or advice.
£200,000
Cottage / terrace
~£44,000
household income (guide)
£255,000
Area benchmark
~£57,000
household income (guide)
£400,000
Larger detached (indicative)
~£89,000
household income (guide)
Croston affordability & stamp duty calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Croston and what stamp duty you'd pay. Illustration only — real figures depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Illustration only, not a mortgage offer or personalised advice. Lenders' income multiples and criteria vary. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Borrowing ready-reckoner (around 4.5× income)
| Yearly income | Rough maximum mortgage |
|---|---|
| £40,000 | ~£180,000 |
| £60,000 | ~£270,000 |
| £75,000 | ~£337,500 |
| £90,000 | ~£405,000 |
| £120,000 | ~£540,000 |
Stamp duty (SDLT) in 2026 — England
| Portion of price | Standard rate | First-time buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £125,000 | 0% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £125,001 – £250,000 | 2% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £250,001 – £925,000 | 5% | 5% on £300,001–£500,000 (no relief over £500,000) |
| £925,001 – £1.5m | 10% | — |
| Over £1.5m | 12% | — |
Worked examples: a £250,000 home = £2,500 stamp duty (£0 for first-time buyers); a £450,000 home = £12,500 (£7,500 first-time buyer); a £650,000 home = £22,500 (first-time buyer relief doesn't apply over £500,000). An additional-property surcharge of 5% applies to second homes and buy-to-lets.
SDLT rates as at 2026 (England & Northern Ireland). Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) differ. Figures are a guide — confirm with your conveyancer.
The Croston property market in depth
Croston offers a good-value, desirable village market — characterful cottages and period terraces in the conservation core, semis, and some newer estate housing — with its schools, its character and its direct Preston train driving steady demand, tempered by the honest, property-specific flood considerations that come with a riverside village.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Cottages & period terraces | The accessible, characterful way in; popular with families and character-seekers in the conservation core — check flood risk near the rivers. | £180,000–£250,000 |
| Semi-detached houses | Family homes across the village — a mainstay of the Croston market. | £230,000–£320,000 |
| Modern & new-build estates | Newer homes on the edges — popular with families and downsizers; check estate management and any service charge. | £260,000–£400,000 |
| Detached, period & village houses | Larger and period village homes around Croston — the top of the local market, still good value for such a desirable village. | £380,000–£600,000+ |
Croston’s appeal — a genuinely picturesque conservation village with strong schools, a medieval church and a direct train to Preston — makes it a desirable, steady market, from characterful cottages and period terraces to semis, newer estates and larger period village houses.
That mix means budgeting and the right mortgage matter — and in Croston, flood is central. Lenders and insurers take the village’s flood history seriously, so a careful property-specific flood check and confirmation of buildings insurance (including whether Flood Re applies) are essential; period and conservation-area homes can need survey and consent considerations, and newer estate homes bring management-charge questions. A whole-of-market mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans — the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Croston so popular?
Croston’s appeal is a genuinely pretty conservation village with real heritage and community — the medieval St Michael’s Church, the packhorse Town Bridge over the Yarrow, the market cross, and riverside and countryside walks all around.
St Michael & All Angels Church
Croston’s medieval parish church, at the heart of the conservation village, is its finest and best-loved landmark — a genuine source of local pride and the focus of village life and events.
The packhorse Town Bridge & market cross
The historic packhorse bridge over the River Yarrow and the old market cross are picturesque, well-known village landmarks — part of what makes Croston so photogenic.
Riverside & countryside walks
The River Yarrow and River Douglas, and the surrounding West Lancashire countryside, give riverside and field walks from the village, with the Yarrow Valley and West Pennine Moors within reach.
Transport & commuting from Croston
Transport is reasonable for a village — Croston’s own station gives a direct train to Preston, with road links to Chorley and the M6. These indicative times are a starting point — always verify current timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Croston → Preston | ~15–20 min | Direct (Northern) on the Ormskirk Branch line — join the West Coast Main Line at Preston |
| Croston → Ormskirk | ~20–25 min | Direct (Northern) — for Merseyrail links to Liverpool |
| Croston → Chorley | ~10–15 min | By road (A581) — the nearest bigger town |
| Croston → Leyland | ~10–15 min | By road — shops, services and the West Coast Main Line |
| Preston → London Euston | ~2 hr 10 | Fast on the West Coast Main Line (from Preston) |
| Croston → the M6 | ~10–15 min | M6 junctions 27 and 28 within a short drive |
| Croston → Southport | ~25–30 min | By road (A581) west to the coast |
| Croston → Royal Preston Hospital | ~20–25 min | By road — the nearest full 24/7 A&E |
Getting around Croston
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through — the practical picture.
By train
Croston station is on the Ormskirk–Preston (Ormskirk Branch) line, with a direct train to Preston (join the West Coast Main Line there) and towards Ormskirk for Merseyrail links to Liverpool.
By car
The A581 runs east to Chorley and west to Southport, with the M6 (junctions 27 and 28) within a short drive — good road access for a village.
By bus
Local bus services connect Croston with Chorley, Leyland and the surrounding villages.
For the airport
Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon airports are both within about an hour by car; Blackpool is also within reach.
On foot & by bike
Riverside and countryside walks along the Yarrow and Douglas, and quiet lanes, make Croston good for walking and cycling from the door.
Further afield
Chorley, Preston, Leyland, Ormskirk, Southport and the West Pennine Moors are all within easy reach for days out and work.
Schools in Croston
Croston is a strong choice with families, and its schools are a big part of that — the village has both a highly-rated primary and a well-regarded secondary within it. This part of Lancashire is comprehensive — there is no state grammar or 11-plus. Below are the village schools with their most recent Ofsted positions, stated honestly.
| School | Type | Inspection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity & St Michael’s VA CofE/Methodist Primary School | Primary (state Church of England/Methodist, co-ed, 4–11) | Outstanding (2024, historic) | A highly-regarded village primary on Out Lane (PR26 9HJ). It was judged Outstanding at its most recent Ofsted inspection (July 2024) — a strong historic grade under the pre-September-2024 framework; read the latest report and check the faith and catchment admissions criteria. |
| Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy | Secondary (state Church of England academy, co-ed, 11–16) | Good (2021, historic) | A popular and well-regarded Church of England secondary on Highfield Road in the village (PR26 9HH). It was judged Good at its most recent Ofsted inspection (November 2021) — read the latest report and check the faith and catchment admissions criteria. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Croston
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check — policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Croston.
Interactive map of Croston — view it on the online guide at thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk.
Popular parts of Croston & nearby
Where you buy in Croston shapes both your budget and your character — and, importantly, your flood exposure. From the historic conservation core to the newer edges, a quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Croston
Croston packs real heritage, riverside character and community into one genuinely pretty village. A few of the best-loved local highlights and those nearby.
Sports, leisure & community in Croston
For a village, Croston offers a strong community life and lovely surroundings — the church and its events, riverside and countryside walks, and easy access to Chorley, Preston, Southport and the West Pennine Moors.
Parks & the outdoors
Riverside and countryside walks along the Yarrow and Douglas, with the Yarrow Valley Country Park, Rivington and the West Pennine Moors, and the Southport coast all within reach.
History & culture
St Michael’s Church, the packhorse bridge and market cross, the conservation village and the annual Croston Coffee Day tradition give a strong sense of heritage and community, with Hoghton Tower and Rufford Old Hall nearby.
Shopping & eating out
The village has everyday shops, characterful pubs and cafes, with Chorley, Leyland, Preston and Southport close for a bigger range.
Healthcare & local services in Croston
Healthcare access needs an honest word in Croston — there is GP provision in and around the village, but there is no A&E here and the nearest hospital (Chorley & South Ribble) has only a part-time A&E; the nearest full 24/7 A&E is Royal Preston, with Southport & Formby also within reach.
The village and surrounding area have GP provision, with dentists and pharmacies nearby; for hospital care, Chorley & South Ribble Hospital provides a range of services alongside its 24-hour urgent care centre and part-time A&E, and Royal Preston (to the north) and Southport & Formby District General (to the south-west) provide the nearest full 24/7 A&E departments. GP and dental registration availability changes over time, so always check directly with a practice about its current catchment before relying on it for a move.
Living in Croston
Day to day, Croston is a genuinely pretty, sought-after conservation village — a medieval church, characterful cottages, strong schools and a direct train to Preston — with the honest, defining trade-off of its flood history (much improved by a major defence scheme since 2015) and a part-time nearby A&E. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Croston has the amenities of a thriving village — everyday shops, characterful pubs and cafes, an Outstanding primary and a well-regarded secondary, St Michael’s Church at the heart of community life, and lovely riverside and countryside surroundings — with Chorley, Leyland, Preston and Southport all close for a bigger range. The big everyday pluses are the character, the community, the schools and the direct Preston train.
Connectivity for working is generally reasonable — superfast broadband reaches most of the village, with full-fibre available in many parts, so home and hybrid working is workable, complemented by the direct Preston train for office days. The main trade-offs are honest ones: there is no A&E in the village and the nearest (Chorley) is part-time, so serious emergencies mean a drive to Royal Preston or Southport; and — the defining local point — Croston has a genuine flood history, greatly improved by the major defence scheme built after the 2015 floods, but still a property-specific consideration that must be checked carefully for any home, along with buildings insurance.
| Everyday amenity | In Croston? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (Outstanding) | Trinity & St Michael’s VA CofE/Methodist Primary (Outstanding 2024, historic) in the village; check faith & catchment |
| Secondary schools | Yes (in the village) | Bishop Rawstorne CE Academy (Good 2021) in Croston; no grammar/11-plus — check faith & catchment |
| GP & hospital | No local A&E | GP provision in the area; nearest full 24/7 A&E at Royal Preston (also Southport & Formby); Chorley & South Ribble has only a part-time A&E + 24/7 urgent care |
| Railway | Yes — direct to Preston | Croston station — direct to Preston (join the West Coast Main Line there) and towards Ormskirk |
| Shops | Yes (village) | Everyday village shops, pubs & cafes; Chorley, Leyland, Preston & Southport close for more |
| Green space | Yes | Riverside and countryside walks; Yarrow Valley Country Park & the West Pennine Moors nearby |
| Motorway | Nearby — M6 | M6 (junctions 27/28) within a short drive via the A581 |
Working & connectivity in Croston
More people than ever work from home or hybrid, and Croston is reasonably set up for it — so it’s worth being realistic about connectivity.
Superfast broadband reaches most of Croston, with full-fibre available in many parts of the village, so home and hybrid working is workable — complemented by the direct Preston train for office days. Coverage can be patchier in some older cottages and in the surrounding countryside, so check the specific property on the providers’ and Ofcom’s coverage checkers before you commit.
| Connectivity | Typical picture |
|---|---|
| Fixed broadband | Superfast across most of the village; full-fibre in many parts — check the exact address, and the surrounding countryside can be patchier |
| Mobile coverage | Generally reasonable in the village; more variable in the open countryside |
| Train for office days | Croston station — direct to Preston (West Coast Main Line there) and towards Ormskirk |
| Road | The A581 to Chorley and Southport; the M6 (junctions 27/28) within a short drive |
Flood risk in Croston
On flooding, this is the defining honest point in Croston, and we set it out in full: the village sits at the confluence of the River Yarrow and River Douglas, was seriously flooded on Boxing Day 2015, and has since had a major flood-defence scheme built — but flood risk remains a genuine, property-specific consideration here that must be checked carefully for every home.
Cost of living & running a home in Croston
Beyond the mortgage, it helps to picture the ongoing costs of a home here. Indicative only — always confirm for a specific property.
| Typical ongoing cost | Indicative figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council tax (Band D, 2026/27) | £2,430.43 | Croston — Lancashire County Council + Lancashire Police + Lancashire Fire + Chorley Borough Council + Croston Parish Council (verified) — confirm your band |
| Buildings insurance | Varies — check flood risk carefully | Given the village’s flood history, confirm cover is available and affordable (including whether Flood Re applies) before committing — this is the key check in Croston |
| Water & wastewater | ~£450–£800/yr | United Utilities area — check the supplier for the address |
| Broadband | ~£28–£48/mth | Superfast across most of the village; full-fibre in many parts — check the address |
Financing a home in Croston
A genuinely pretty village like Croston is a rewarding thing to buy into — a few points on the mortgage side, especially around flood, are worth understanding first.
Croston’s character and its flood history mean the right mortgage — and the right checks — matter more than usual. Lenders and insurers assess the village’s flood risk carefully, so confirming that buildings insurance is available and affordable (including whether Flood Re applies) and getting a property-specific flood check are central; period and conservation-area cottages are cases lenders and surveyors assess carefully, and newer estate homes bring management-charge questions. Getting the right lender for your circumstances is where good advice pays off.
A whole-of-market approach really helps here. That’s Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser and we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers who search across lenders to fit your circumstances, and we make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Conveyancing & the searches to expect in Croston
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Croston — and, above all, a thorough flood and insurance check given the village’s history, plus the condition of a period or conservation-area home.
History, heritage & famous connections
Croston is an ancient settlement — its name means ‘the village with the cross’ — that grew around its medieval church of St Michael and All Angels at the confluence of the River Yarrow and River Douglas. The market cross, the packhorse Town Bridge and the characterful cottages of Church Street reflect centuries of village life on this low-lying West Lancashire land, long shaped by its rivers.
In the modern era Croston has become a sought-after conservation village, with a highly-regarded primary and a well-regarded secondary school, a station on the Ormskirk to Preston line, and some newer housing alongside its historic core. Its rivers remain central to its story: the serious Boxing Day 2015 floods and the major flood-defence scheme built afterwards are the most recent chapter in a long relationship between the village and its water.
Croston through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Medieval | Croston grows around St Michael & All Angels Church at the Yarrow/Douglas confluence; the market cross gives the village its name. |
| 17th–18th c. | The packhorse Town Bridge and the cottages of the village core take shape; Croston is a rural West Lancashire settlement. |
| 19th c. | The railway reaches Croston on the Ormskirk–Preston line, linking the village to Preston and the coast. |
| 20th c. | Croston becomes a sought-after conservation village, with some newer housing alongside its historic core. |
| 2015–present | The Boxing Day 2015 floods hit ~344 properties; a major flood-defence scheme is built afterwards, greatly reducing the risk to protected homes. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Croston on the map.
St Michael & All Angels Church
Croston’s medieval parish church is its finest landmark and the heart of village life — a genuine source of local pride.
The conservation village
The packhorse Town Bridge, the market cross and the cottages of Church Street make Croston one of the prettiest conservation villages in the Chorley area.
The 2015 floods & the defence scheme
Croston is well known locally for the serious Boxing Day 2015 floods and the major flood-defence scheme built afterwards — a defining, honest part of the village’s recent story.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Croston is a major commitment — and the mortgage is only part of the picture. Whatever you buy, the right protection makes sure the home stays yours if life does not go to plan.
Life cover
Pays out a lump sum if you die during the policy term — typically arranged to clear the mortgage so your family can stay in the home.
Critical illness cover
Pays out if you are diagnosed with a serious illness the policy covers — helping you keep up payments while you focus on recovery.
Income protection
Replaces part of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury — often the most overlooked, and most valuable, cover of all.
That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser — life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection are what we do. We don't arrange mortgages ourselves; we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, and make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Things people don't always tell you about Croston
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Croston compared with nearby towns
How Croston sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it — a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croston | ~£220k–£290k | Yes (direct to Preston) | The picturesque conservation village — St Michael’s Church, an Outstanding primary, Bishop Rawstorne Academy; genuine flood history (major defences since 2015) |
| Chorley | ~£200k–£240k | Yes (Manchester/Preston rail) | The bigger market town east — Astley Hall, the flat-iron market, Buckshaw new-build; part-time A&E |
| Euxton | ~£220k–£270k | Yes (Buckshaw Parkway) | The commuter village east — Buckshaw Village new-build, the Yarrow Valley, strong schools |
| Leyland | ~£180k–£220k | Yes (West Coast Main Line) | The affordable commuter town north-east — the Commercial Vehicle Museum, Worden Park |
| Ormskirk | ~£190k–£240k | Yes (rail; Merseyrail links) | The market town south-west — Edge Hill University, a historic market and its own hospital |
Pros & cons of living in Croston
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| A genuinely pretty conservation village | Genuine flood history — check every property carefully |
| An Outstanding primary & a well-regarded secondary in the village | Nearest A&E (Chorley) is part-time, not full 24/7 |
| A direct train to Preston | Flood history can affect insurance & price for some homes |
| Strong village community & heritage | Serious emergencies mean a drive to Royal Preston or Southport |
| Good value for such a desirable village | Conservation-area controls on alterations |
| Riverside & countryside on the doorstep | Period & riverside cottages need careful survey |
| M6 & Preston within a short reach | More a peaceful village than a big commuter hub |
Villages & areas around Croston
Many buyers who love Croston look just outside it too — a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Croston?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
Families
People drawn by an Outstanding village primary and a well-regarded secondary within the village, a safe, pretty community and countryside on the doorstep — weighing the flood check, insurance and the part-time nearby A&E.
Village & character lovers
People wanting a genuinely picturesque conservation village — the medieval church, the packhorse bridge, the cottages — with real community life.
Preston commuters
People wanting a peaceful base with a direct train to Preston (and the West Coast Main Line there) — a quieter alternative to the towns, provided the flood position is checked for the exact home.
What your money buys in Croston
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure — indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Croston, step by step
A simple order of play that keeps things on track.
1. Get your budget straight
Work out your deposit and the true monthly cost (mortgage, council tax, insurance — which the flood position can strongly affect — and SDLT), and get a mortgage in principle so you can move quickly.
2. Do your homework on the property
Make flood the priority check (river and surface water, whether the home benefits from the defences, and insurance including Flood Re); check conservation-area controls; get a full building survey (wise on period and riverside cottages); understand faith and catchment admissions; and note the A&E position — before you fall in love.
3. Line up the right people
A whole-of-market mortgage adviser (who can find lenders comfortable with a home that has flood history), a good surveyor and a local conveyancer will save you time, money and stress. We can introduce you to the first.
Already live in Croston?
This guide isn't just for people moving in. If you already own here, a few moments now can save a lot later.
If your current mortgage deal is within about six months of ending, it's usually worth reviewing your options rather than drifting onto your lender's standard variable rate, which is often more expensive. And whether or not you're moving, it's worth checking that your protection still matches your life. We can introduce you to a whole-of-market, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser, and review your life cover, critical illness cover and income protection alongside it.
Review my options →In summary: buying in Croston
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Croston
- Enjoy the village — St Michael’s Church, the packhorse Town Bridge, the market cross and the conservation cottages, with riverside walks all around.
- Explore nearby — the Yarrow Valley Country Park, Hoghton Tower, Brockholes, Rufford Old Hall and the Southport coast.
- Note the transport — Croston station (direct to Preston, West Coast Main Line there; and towards Ormskirk), with the A581 and M6 within a short drive.
- Make flood the first check — Croston has genuine flood history; check the property’s own risk and whether it benefits from the defence scheme, and confirm insurance (including Flood Re).
- Understand the A&E position honestly — there is no A&E in Croston and Chorley’s is part-time; the nearest full 24/7 A&E is Royal Preston (also Southport & Formby).
- Check conservation-area and any listed-building controls before planning alterations to a period cottage.
- Confirm the council tax and band — Croston Band D is £2,430.43 for 2026/27 (verified).
- For schools, check faith and catchment admissions — Trinity & St Michael’s Primary is Outstanding and Bishop Rawstorne CE Academy is Good, both in the village.
- Budget realistically — Croston offers genuine value for a desirable village; use a whole-of-market adviser.
- Get a full building survey on a period, older or riverside home.
- Check the radon position — lowland Lancashire is generally lower-risk, but check the postcode on ukradon.org.
- Explore the village and the riverside to get a feel for the area — and its water.
- Consider the neighbours — Chorley, Euxton, Leyland, Ormskirk — for a different feel or budget.
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle before you start viewing in earnest.
Nearby areas worth considering
If you are weighing Croston against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Chorley
The bigger market town just east on the A581 and by rail — Astley Hall and Park, the flat-iron market and more shops and services, with its own guide.
Euxton
A sought-after commuter village east — Buckshaw Village new-build, Buckshaw Parkway station and the Yarrow Valley, with its own guide.
Leyland
The affordable commuter town north-east — the British Commercial Vehicle Museum, Worden Park and the West Coast Main Line, with its own guide.
Ormskirk
The market town south-west on the same rail line — Edge Hill University, a historic market and its own hospital, with its own guide.
Preston
The city north on the rail line and by road — the West Coast Main Line hub, UCLan, The Harris and a 24/7 A&E at Royal Preston, with its own guide.
Adlington
A sought-after semi-rural town east towards Rivington — the West Pennine Moors, the canal and White Bear Marina, with its own guide.
Family Protection
Whichever area you choose, the right life cover, critical illness cover and income protection matter just as much as the mortgage.
Talk to us →Speak to Us
Researching Croston or a nearby area? We are always happy to point people in the right direction.
Get in touch →Frequently asked questions
Is Croston a good place to live?
Did the 2015 floods fix Croston, or is flooding still a risk?
Is Croston expensive?
Does Croston have good transport links?
Does Croston have a 24-hour A&E nearby?
Does Croston have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Croston?
How much is stamp duty on a Croston property?
How much is council tax in Croston?
Which police and fire services cover Croston?
Is Croston a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Croston?
What is broadband like in Croston?
Is Croston good for families?
Is Croston good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Croston?
Is flooding a problem in Croston?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Croston?
Can existing homeowners in Croston benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Croston, planning a move, reviewing your finances or simply exploring your options — we're always happy to point people in the right direction.
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That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers.
Transport information is approximate and can change; Croston station is on the Ormskirk to Preston (Ormskirk Branch) line, about seven miles south-west of Preston, with a direct train to Preston (where the West Coast Main Line gives fast services to London Euston — typically around two hours and ten minutes — Lancaster and Glasgow) and towards Ormskirk (for Merseyrail links to Liverpool); the A581 to Chorley and Southport and the M6 (junctions 27 and 28) are within a short drive — always verify current timetables and services before travelling. Ofsted information is based on the most recent publicly available reports: Trinity & St Michael’s VA CofE/Methodist Primary School was judged Outstanding in July 2024, and Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy was judged Good in November 2021, both under the pre-September-2024 framework. From September 2024 Ofsted no longer awards a single overall effectiveness grade at routine state-school inspections, so the newest inspections are ungraded report cards and a single grade shown on a third-party portal may be out of date; read each school’s latest report in full and confirm catchment and admissions (both are Church of England schools) with each school and Lancashire County Council. This part of Lancashire is comprehensive — there is no state grammar school or 11-plus. Healthcare: there is no A&E in Croston and the nearest hospital, Chorley & South Ribble, runs only a part-time A&E (typically 8am to 8pm, for adults with more minor injuries) alongside a 24-hour urgent care centre, having been reduced after staffing problems in 2016; for a major or complex emergency the nearest full 24/7 Type 1 A&E and major trauma centre is Royal Preston Hospital in Fulwood, with Southport and Formby District General Hospital also within reach; a 2026 feasibility study has been considering whether Chorley’s A&E could return to 24 hours; NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, so always verify the nearest current A&E and arrangements with the NHS. References to St Michael and All Angels Church, the packhorse Town Bridge, the market cross, the conservation village, the Yarrow Valley Country Park, Hoghton Tower, Brockholes and Rufford Old Hall are for context. Crime information is general — check current data at police.uk. Flood-risk: Croston sits at the confluence of the River Yarrow and River Douglas and has a genuine, well-documented flood history — around 344 properties were flooded on Boxing Day 2015; the Croston Flood Risk Management Scheme (an upstream flood-storage area with an approximately 600-metre embankment, built by the Environment Agency with Chorley Council, Lancashire County Council, United Utilities and the Lower Yarrow Flood Action Group) reduces the annual flood risk to protected properties from around 5% to less than 1%, a genuine major improvement, but does not remove flood risk for every property; flood risk is a genuine, material factor for mortgages and insurance here, so always check the exact postcode at check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk, ask about the property’s own flood history and whether it benefits from the defences, and confirm buildings insurance availability and cost (including whether Flood Re applies) before committing. Radon: lowland Lancashire around Croston is generally lower-risk for radon, but check the exact postcode at ukradon.org and consider a radon measurement. Council tax: Croston is in Lancashire, a two-tier county; the Band D total for Croston for 2026/27 is £2,430.43 (verified from Chorley Borough Council’s published charges), made up of the Lancashire county-fixed part £2,188.88 (Lancashire County Council £1,801.75 including the adult social care precept, the Lancashire Police & Crime Commissioner precept £292.40 and the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority precept £94.73) plus the Chorley Borough Council element (its share, frozen for 2026/27) and the Croston Parish Council precept, together £241.55; confirm your exact band with Chorley Borough Council. Property prices are indicative and based on recent public sold-price data — Croston is a PR26 village where overall averages are often around £220,000 to £290,000, with cottages and terraces from around £180,000 and larger detached and period houses well beyond £380,000, with a wide range by property and area (and flood history can affect some), so verify current values via Land Registry or an independent valuation for the exact home. Salary and affordability figures are illustrative only and do not constitute financial advice. Stamp duty figures should be verified using the official GOV.UK SDLT calculator.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. That's Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034).
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