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Festival-happy Ulverston knows how to celebrate events. The party capital of Furness hosts a series of specialist events throughout the year, where visitors also get the chance to sample the town’s wonderful collection of cosy pubs, traditional markets and cultural hotspots. Add in the colourfully rendered houses, cobbled streets and inviting side alleys and there's enough of interest to keep you smiling for days.
Surrounding the town is the gently rolling farmland of the Furness Peninsula. Along the seashore are some lovely coastal villages; Bardsea, Baycliff, Aldingham and Newbiggin, these all have stunning views over Morecambe Bay.
On the road into Ulverston, you’ll notice the prominent Sir John Barrow Monument at the top of Hoad Hill. The uphill climb to the monument is worth it for the breathtaking views over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells.
Ulverston’s cafés, bars and restaurants reflect this truly unique, festival market town and wherever possible the menus use both local and seasonal produce.
Enter a different world of quirky cafés with certificates of excellence, selling homemade concoctions of oils, spices and pickles and all manner of other curiosities.
It’s an ideal time to browse while you’re waiting for your fabulous meal to arrive. Delicious Chowder, proper puddings with custard and all served up with a glass of cloudy lemonade. Or how about a visit to one of the cafes for breakfast? The full English is amazing with quality local bacon and sausages and then in the evening these excellent little cafes turn into Bistros, again offering the same superb standard of food. Sometimes you need to take your own alcohol with you, but this makes your meal excellent value for money.
Menus cater for Vegetarian and Gluten Free diets and many of the cafes/bistros are suitable for wheelchairs. But it’s not just the cafes which get all the glory here, there’s some pretty amazing pubs both in the town itself and in the surrounding villages of Lowick Green and Swarthmoor, where you’ll be offered deliciously inventive menus which go way beyond normal pub fayre. The service is spot on, while chefs are incredibly talented - and your superb food and cask ales are served amongst beautiful décor.
For a little unusual, how about an old converted barn turned bar and restaurant, the Cumberland pie is gorgeous and so is the local beer. Or if a traditional old English pub is your thing, complete with cosy fire, oak beams and Stan and Laurel memorabilia, then you’ve come to the ideal place for excellent food and ales kept in perfect condition.
For something a little bit continental, try one of the bistros offering beautiful Mediterranean tapas on small sharing plates, so you can try a selection of vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes, with explosions of different flavours and textures. Some of the bistros in Ulverston are tiny, but the atmosphere more than makes up for size, as does the quality of the food. And lastly but by no means least, Ulverston does fine dining impeccably. Cocktails in the gin parlour first and then off to the restaurant for a real taste sensation where you will be offered pure artistry - delicious food at its most creative.
The earliest signs of human life round here was on the limestone outcrops of Birkrigg Common and around Urswick, where finds dating back to the Bronze and Iron ages have been unearthed. At the time, much of the Furness Peninsula was covered with trees which were gradually felled over the centuries to create the patchwork of fields, farms and pockets of woodland that exists today.
After the Norman Conquest, Henry I granted the western forests of Furness and the whole of Walney Island to Stephen of Blois, crowned king of England in AD113, and the eastern section to William le Fleming. William's son, Michael, inherited the land in 1167 – as a result, it was known as the Manor of Muchland (Michael's land).
Ulverston was granted a market charter in 1280 by Edward I. Shortly afterwards, the Scots began raiding large parts of northern England in response to the king's attempts to quell Scotland and bring it under English rule. Large areas of Furness were devastated by the attacks, which prompted the building of several fortified buildings as defence.
It was after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537 that Ulverston came to prominence as a market town, whilst Dalton declined in importance. The fast-flowing Gillbanks Beck (now culverted under the town) provided water power for mills making cotton, paper, candles and other commodities. Goods including local iron ore and slates were taken by packhorse to loading bays at Ulverston, Bardsea and Baycliffe - a slow and laborious means of conveyance that was soon to be replaced by water transport.
By the 19th century, Ulverston was a thriving commercial port, exporting cotton from Ellers Mill, slate from Burlington Quarries, iron from its foundries, limestone from Stainton and leather from its numerous tanneries (there is still a Leather Lane in Ulverston). Other industries included brick making, paper manufacture and brewing beer. The malty aroma from Hartley's Brewery was a feature of the town until 1991, when it was bought out by Robinson’s, who moved production to Stockport.
Looking for something to do in Ulverson?
Our friends at Ulverston.com have Ulverston’s biggest Events Calendar which includes festivals, live music, community events, classes, club meetings, sports matches, pub quizzes, open days, etc.
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Bardsea - a lovely little village sitting on the coast road that takes you from Ulverston through to Barrow. The beach itself is mostly shingle and offers a wonderful view across the bay looking towards Heysham and Morecambe.
Gleaston - located between Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston, this beautiful village boasts of a 17th century Water Mill that has now become a tourist attraction. Moreover, the remains of Gleaston Castle are still visable.
Haverthwaite - the famous Lakeside & Haverthwaite steam railway runs between Haverthwaite on a 3.5 mile journey via Newby Bridge to Lakeside station on Lake Windermere, where you can pick up regular steamer services on Lake Windermere.
Newby Bridge - Newby Bridge is located at the foot of Lake Windermere and offers magnificent views into the heart of the Lake District. Spanning the River Leven, the bridge itself is a lovingly crafted crossing made from local stone.
Greenodd - The extensive broadleaved woodlands of the Rusland Valley have not always presented the tranquil scene they do today. Leven and Crake valleys acted as conduits for the transport of goods and materials and at their confluence is Greenodd.
Did you know?
The all-singing, all plucking Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain continues to break the mould with…
Based in the centre of the brilliant old market town of Ulverston, Retro Rendezvous is a full…
In 2024 we're teaming up with the National Trust Rangers at Sandscale Haws to offer a unique guided…
We welcome the Royal Northern Sinfonia back to Ulverston. Anthony Hewitt will perform Mozart's G…
Mark Lundquist Productions The Simon & Garfunkel Story Direct from a weeklong run in London's West…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck…
Would you like to introduce your toddler or young child (under 5) to the joys of classical music?…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
Join our dazzling resident Festival musicians in this most informal of settings for some jazz and…
The Telling presents I, Spie Centred around an extraordinary letter written by Renaissance…
This programme for lute and soprano is a celebration of love in all its forms, where poetry and…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Our debut at Cartmel Priory – a magnificent setting for two large-scale choral works – marks…
Ulverston Methodist Church is a warm and inviting venue to usher in some eclectic late night music.…
Join us, Andy & Zoe, to create your own spirits. Groups are small and we guide you through the…
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of…
Mark Lundquist Management presents Magic Queen Magic Queen re-enacts the glorious days of legendary…
Come and enjoy our botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Tea! Zoe’s created the sweet treats using some of…
On arrival you will be greeted with a Shed One Fancy Frolic gin and tonic before being guided…
With string quartets by Beethoven and Greig this lunchtime performance promises to be a treat in…
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a…
With the legendary artistic twists that both Robert and Toyah are renowned for, they'll perform…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
Number of results: 72
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County Square, Ulverston
The all-singing, all plucking Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain continues to break the mould with a programme of new tunes as well as old classics. A witty, irreverent, joyful, foot-stomping celebration of rock & roll and melodious light…
Ulverston
Based in the centre of the brilliant old market town of Ulverston, Retro Rendezvous is a full weekend of fabulous retro fun. Music, food, dance, clothes, markets, vintage cars, scooters, motorcycles, and the famous Velo Retro old school cycling…
nr Barrow-in-Furness
In 2024 we're teaming up with the National Trust Rangers at Sandscale Haws to offer a unique guided nature tour and conservation experience as part of their 40th anniversary celebrations.
These days will run from 10am to 3pm. On average we will…
County Square, Ulverston
We welcome the Royal Northern Sinfonia back to Ulverston. Anthony Hewitt will perform Mozart's G major piano concerto and Maja Bogdanović Saint Saëns cello concerto no.1 in A minor. The evening ends with a flourish with Beethovan's symphony no. 7 in…
County Square, Ulverston
Mark Lundquist Productions
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Direct from a weeklong run in London's West End, a SOLD-OUT Worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues to stun audiences across the globe!…
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Conishead Priory, Ulverston
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop and book store. Bring a picnic. Six minute woodland walk to beach.
County Square, Ulverston
Based on Gilbert's story An Elixir of Love, it tells the tale of Alexis, a man obsessed with the idea that all should fall in love. Enlisting a 'Family Sorcerer' of J.W.Wells & co. in London to administer a love potion to the entire village – via a…
Ulverston
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of Britain's Lake District, near Bouth. Black Beck provides the perfect setting for short breaks and extended…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
63 reviewsUlverston
Would you like to introduce your toddler or young child (under 5) to the joys of classical music? Using mime, singing, dancing, movement and simple listening, we will encourage your child to engage with music in an imaginative and interactive way.
Kirkby-in-Furness
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South Lakeland and beyond; Longlands is a private holiday park offering its residents a luxurious oasis of calm.
Ulverston
Join our dazzling resident Festival musicians in this most informal of settings for some jazz and folk-inspired classical favourites.
County Square, Ulverston
The Telling presents
I, Spie
Centred around an extraordinary letter written by Renaissance composer/lutenist John Dowland to spymaster Sir Robert Cecil in 1595, this spell-binding concertplay (where music and theatre collide) by award-winning writer…
Ulverston
This programme for lute and soprano is a celebration of love in all its forms, where poetry and song mingle together. From John Dowland to William Shakespeare, the music conveys a message as relevant today as it was 400 years ago.
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
County Square, Ulverston
Our debut at Cartmel Priory – a magnificent setting for two large-scale choral works – marks Fauré's centenary year, with his Requiem, perhaps the most consoling Requiem of all time. The Garden of Proserpine, completed in 1899 was Vaughan Williams'…
Ulverston
The ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, are the only Mac tribute to authentically replicate the classic 'Rumours' line-up.
Ulverston
Ulverston Methodist Church is a warm and inviting venue to usher in some eclectic late night music. Join our resident string players for a twilight immersion in the world of Osvaldo Golijov - one of the most successful composers of this century.
Ulverston
Join us, Andy & Zoe, to create your own spirits. Groups are small and we guide you through the process from choosing your botanicals to finding the perfect abv. Start with a tour, include a few sweet treats and it’s an afternoon to remember!
Ulverston
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of Quakerism as the movement was founded here almost 400 years ago. Visitors can relax in our cosy cafe or browse for something special in our gift shop.…
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