What to see and do in Ulverston

Ulverston is a thriving South Lakeland market town in the centre of the Furness Peninsula. Its cobbled streets, brightly coloured houses and its array of independent shops, pubs and restaurants, coupled with friendly people, make it an ideal place to stay whilst exploring the area. Ulverston’s location, close to the beautiful Lake District and Morecambe Bay, means there is something in the area to interest everyone of all ages and whatever the weather.

The area provides almost unlimited opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast: walking, climbing, sailing, canoeing, cycling and mountain biking are all available within easy reach of the town. Families will find plenty to do, whether it’s a coastal walk and picnic, a tree top Go-Ape challenge in Grizedale Forest, a cruise on Lake Windermere, a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter or maybe a visit to the South Lakes Safari Zoo or historic Furness Abbey – the options are endless!

The main tourist attractions of the Southern Lake District, including the Aquarium of the Lakes, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the Windermere Steamers and Coniston Water can all be reached within fifteen minutes whilst a slightly longer drive will take you to the popular Lakeland towns of Bowness, Windermere and Hawkshead.

We have listed below a few of the things to see and do in and around the town of Ulverston.

For a full calendar of what’s in Ulverston visit: Ulverston.com

Laurel and Hardy Museum

Ulverston is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Stan Laurel and you can see the bronze statue of Laurel and Hardy outside the Coronation Hall. The Laurel and Hardy Museum, located in the Roxy Cinema Complex on Brogden Street, is well worth a visit.

For opening times and to find out more visit:
www.laurel-and-hardy.co.uk

laurel and hard museum

Conishead Priory

Conishead Priory is home to one of the largest Buddhist communities in Europe. The Buddhist temple and historic mansion are set in 70 acres of beautiful woodland and parkland adjacent to Morecambe Bay. Guided tours are available and there is a café with indoor and outdoor seating.

For more information and a programme of events visit:
conisheadpriory.org

Sir John Barrow Monument

One of Ulverston’s iconic landmarks is the lighthouse shaped monument standing over the town on the top of Hoad Hill. Modelled on an early version of the Eddyson Lighthouse the monument was erected to commemorate the life of Sir John Barrow who was born at Dragley Beck, Ulverston, in 1764. From humble beginnings, Sir John Barrow went on to become the Second Secretary to the Admiralty charged with the running the British Navy.

A lovely walk takes you to the top of Hoad Hill where you can enjoy spectacular views over Ulverston and Morecambe Bay. It is possible to enter the monument and climb to the top; a flag indicates the days the monument is open.

To find out more about the history of the monument visit: https://ulverstoncouncil.org.uk/education/the-sir-john-barrow-monument/

Swarthmoor Hall

Renowned as the birthplace of the Quaker movement, Swarthmoor Hall is a 16th century country house set in beautiful gardens and grounds. In the mid 17th century Judge Thomas Fell and his wife Margaret provided protection and hospitality for early Quakers, notably George Fox, its founding father, and allowed the Hall to be a headquarters for the movement.

Here you can enjoy a guided tour of the hall, a walk around the gardens or perhaps a snack or drink in the café.

For opening times and to find out more visit:
www.swarthmoorhall.co.uk

Cumbria Crystal

Cumbria Crystal is one of the last remaining producers of hand-blown and hand-cut full lead English crystal. At the factory, located opposite Booths Supermarket, you can see the craftsman at work and also have the opportunity to buy the crystal at the factory shop.

For opening times and to find out more visit:
cumbriacrystal.com

Ulverston Canal and Canal Foot

No longer navigable, Ulverston Canal is said to be the deepest, widest and straightest canal in England. A lovely walk along the canal towpath (approximately 1¼ miles) from Ulverston will bring you to Canal Foot and the Leven Estuary where you can enjoy the beautiful views across Morecambe Bay.

Ulverston Leisure Centre

Located on Priory Road, Ulverston Leisure Centre boasts a 25m indoor swimming pool, new fitness gym, and Cumbria’s largest tennis centre.

For opening times and to find out more visit:
better.org.uk

Zoo

South Lakes Safari Zoo

Over 1,000 of the rarest, most endangered animals in unique natural environments which enable the visitor to get as close as physically possible to experience the sights, sounds, and a few smells, of the amazing creatures we share our planet with.

For opening times and to find out more visit:
www.southlakessafarizoo.com

Predator Experience

Join the wolf pack, on a magical and informative “Wolf Experience”. Walk foot by paw on a truly inspirational journey in the Lake District countryside. Throughout the walk the expert handler will guide you through all aspects of evolution, physiology, social structure, communication and conservation of the Wolf.

For opening times and to find out more visit:
www.predatorexperience.co.uk

walking with wolves cumbria

Shed 1 Gin

Cumbria’s award-winning micro gin distillery, Shed 1, started life in a garden shed. In 2019, The Old Calf Shed was opened to include a visitor space where you can enjoy Afternoon G&Tea, Distillery Tours & Tastings, and even Make Your Own Gin. Groups are kept small and all experiences are hosted by the owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe.

For opening times and to find out more visit:
https://shed1distillery.com/gin-visitor-attraction-experiences/

Coronation Hall

Ulverston’s Coronation Hall, referred to locally as ‘The Coro’ is one of the principal buildings in Ulverston and has the largest capacity of any hall in the South Cumbria area.Throughout the year, this beautiful theatre hosts hundreds of events ranging world class theatrical and musical performance to local amateur productions, festivals and activities.

To find out what’s on visit: https://www.thecoro.co.uk/whats-on/

coronation hall

The Festival Capital of Furness

The many festivals held in Ulverston throughout the year have given rise to the town being named the Festival Capital of Furness.

Of particular note are the Lantern Festival, held in September each year, which involves hundreds of local residents parading willow lanterns through the streets and culminates in a spectacular firework display, and the Dickensian Festival, usually held on the last weekend of November, during which the streets are lined with stalls selling all manner of goods and entertainment is provided by bands, singers and street performers dressed in Victorian costume.

Festivals throughout the year

Food and Drink in Ulverston

With such a variety of fine quality eateries on the doorstep guests staying in our apartments will be spoilt for choice Whether it’s a cosy pub, a quaint café or a fine dining experience there is something to suit every taste and every occasion.

Here are some of our favourites:

The Bay Horse

With stunning views over Morecambe Bay this old coaching inn serves great food including morning coffee, lunches, afternoon teas and dinner.

L’al Churrassco

Serving unique dishes inspired by Spanish and Portuguese Tapas and Southern Mediterranean mezze style dining.

Bicci

An industrial style café (converted from a former bike shop) serving Italian stone-baked pizzas cooked in an authentic wood-fired pizza oven.

Hot Mango Café

A lovely, friendly café serving breakfast, coffee, and lunch.  Also open for Bistro evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.

Poppies Café

Offering a daily changing menu for breakfasts, lunches, light snacks and afternoon tea. Also open for Bistro evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.

Amigos

The original and currently only Mexican Restaurant in the Southern Lake District. Also serves great cocktails.

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