Situated on the A683[2] the village lies at the confluence of the River Wenning and Lune[3] In 2011 the built up area had a population of 468.

[5] Hornby, originally recorded in the Domesday Book as Hornebi,[6] served as a township and chapelry within Melling parish.

Hornby Castle and grounds are private, although the gardens are open two weekends each year in February for snowdrops and May with a small entrance fee.

There is no access to castle buildings, but most of the grounds are available to walk round freely on these dates.

The gardens also feature a walled garden with plants for sale., a primary school called Hornby St. Margaret's C of E Primary School on Main Street[12] and a village institute on Main Street.