to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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.
Food & Drink
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.
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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.
Culture & Heritage
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.
Find Out More
Surrounding Areas
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?
Stan Laurel (1890–1965)The town’s most famous son is legendary comedian Stan Laurel who, with comedy partner Oliver Hardy, became one of the best-known slapstick duos of the 20th century.- Chapel IslandThe monks of Conishead Priory built a chapel on Chapel Island as a place of rest for weary travellers and to offer daily prayers for the safety of those crossing the treacherous sands.
- Gleaston CastleBuilt around 1325 by Sir John de Harrington as a defence against Scottish raids but only occupied for around 100 years.
- Conishead PrioryBuddhist Temple and historic mansion set in 70 acres of woodlands and gardens that provides a place of spiritual rest and reflection for thousands of visitors each year.
- Sir John Barrow MonumentProminent memorial on the top of Hoad Hill that announces your imminent arrival in Ulverston. The tower was modelled on an earlier version of the Eddystone Lighthouse.
- Ulverston CanalThe Canal was opened in 1796 to facilitate transport to the Leven Estuary. Vessels carrying iron ore, gunpowder and leather amongst others could now sail down the waterway.
Highlights
Christmas Course - The Gift of Peace and Relaxation During this Christmas Course in the beautiful…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Why not take a break from your travels and relax in the warm, welcoming and nostalgic surroundings…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
The Cumbria Way runs through the heart of the Lake District, from the attractive market town of…
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy,…
Come and enjoy our botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Tea! Zoe’s created the sweet treats using some of…
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
Velo Retro is heading into its 11th year. Called 'the friendly festival' Velo Retro is a feast of…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
New Year's Eve Celebration The Power of Wishing Correctly December 31 Turning Your Life in the…
Explore this landscape of contrasts - the soaring red sandstone ruins of Furness Abbey and the…
Retro Rendezvous is the retro and vintage festival of the Lake District. Clothes, cars, market,…
Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure at BounceFest, where your kids are in for a non-stop 90…
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of…
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a…
Buses to and through Ulverston: 6/6A Barrow - Dalton - Ulverston. 11 Barrow - Roa Island -…
We, Andy & Zoe Arnold-Bennett, launched Shed One from our 7x7 foot Garden Shed in 2016. After…
Join us, Andy & Zoe, to create your own spirits. Groups are small and we guide you through the…
Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Our famous glass blowing experiences are back. Experience first-hand and close up, the extreme…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
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Number of results: 38
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Address
Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre at Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQTelephone
+44 (0)1229 584029Conishead Priory, Ulverston
Christmas Course - The Gift of Peace and Relaxation
During this Christmas Course in the beautiful relaxing environment of the Temple for World Peace and grounds, you will receive teachings on love, compassion and wisdom, and be guided in…
Address
Thornthwaite Farm, Thornthwaite Woodland, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6DFTelephone
01229 716340Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
Tourism For All
Address
Station Tea Room, 2 Woodside Cottages, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8ALTelephone
015395 31594Haverthwaite, Ulverston
Why not take a break from your travels and relax in the warm, welcoming and nostalgic surroundings of our licensed ‘Station Tea Room’ just off the platform at Haverthwaite Station. Our home cooked menu includes our hearty Railwayman’s breakfast,…
Tourism For All
Address
Longlands Caravan Holiday Park, Croglin, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA17 7XZKirkby-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.
Address
Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQTelephone
01229 584029Conishead 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.
Cumbria
The Cumbria Way runs through the heart of the Lake District, from the attractive market town of Ulverston on the shores of Morecambe Bay, to the historic city of Carlisle close to the Scottish Border, passing through some of the finest scenery of…
Address
The Coro, County Square, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7LZTelephone
01229 588994Ulverston
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy, Community, Talks and Dance all year round in Ulverston, Cumbria at the edge of the Lake District.
Tourism For All
Address
The Old Calf Shed, North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9AUTelephone
07794699913Ulverston
Come and enjoy our botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Tea! Zoe’s created the sweet treats using some of the botanicals we use to make our gins & vodkas. A welcome tipple awaits you, followed by a distillery tour by the owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe.…
Tourism For All
Address
Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQTelephone
01229 584029Conishead 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.
Address
Market Place, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7BAUlverston
Step back in time at Ulverston’s Dickensian Festival, a popular event in the Cumbrian calendar as the town takes a step into the past and celebrates seasonal life as it would have been in Dickensian times. There will be stalls, crafts, fancy dress…
Address
The Sun Inn, 6-14 Market St, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7AYTelephone
07536103499Ulverston
Velo Retro is heading into its 11th year. Called 'the friendly festival' Velo Retro is a feast of classic bicycles, cars, music, great rides and fantastic food.
Now the biggest retro cycling event in the UK, it's a brilliant weekend, both for riders…We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the oldest adventurer. With survival at its core, we explore this ancient art and follow in the footsteps of our ancestors.
Address
Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre at Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQTelephone
+44 (0)1229 584029Conishead Priory, Ulverston
New Year's Eve Celebration
The Power of Wishing CorrectlyDecember 31
Turning Your Life in the Direction of Happiness
When the new year comes around we all wish for a happy year. Join us for an uplifting talk and meditation in the Kadampa Temple…Address
ULVERSTON, Cumbria, LA12 7AHULVERSTON
Explore this landscape of contrasts - the soaring red sandstone ruins of Furness Abbey and the industrial heritage of Barrow, all rounded off with a spot of island hopping.
Address
The Sun Inn, New Market St, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7AYTelephone
07793425098Ulverston
Retro Rendezvous is the retro and vintage festival of the Lake District. Clothes, cars, market, music, motorbikes, scooters and most of all, lots of fun!
Address
Swarthmoor Hall, Swarthmoor Hall Lane, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0JQTelephone
01229 583204Ulverston
Join us for our winter fair with a wide range of local artists and crafts people - it's a chance to meet them and buy their work.
A range of hot refreshments also available.
Parking on site, but also easily accessible from the train station.Address
Ulverston Victoria High School, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0EBTelephone
07725834699Ulverston
Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure at BounceFest, where your kids are in for a non-stop 90 minutes of pure, energetic thrill! From bouncing babies to high-flying toddlers and all the way up to the dynamic 12-year-olds, our inflatables and…
Address
Swarthmoor Hall, Swarthmoor Hall Ln, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0JQTelephone
01229583204Ulverston
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.…
Tourism For All
Address
The Old Calf Shed, North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9AUTelephone
07794699913Ulverston
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a relaxed spirits tasting in our stylish visitor bar.
Tourism For All
Address
Ulverston Town Council, Town Hall, Queen Street, LA12 7AR, LA12 7ARTelephone
0871 200 22 33Queen Street
Buses to and through Ulverston:
6/6A Barrow - Dalton - Ulverston.
11 Barrow - Roa Island - Ulverston.
509 Askam - Kirkby-in-Furness - Ulverston.
538 Newby Bridge - Lakeside - Bouth - Ulverston.
X12 Coniston - Ulverston.
X6 Barrow - Ulverston -…
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