Local Attractions - CS Serviced Apartments
What to See and Do in 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. However, for a full calendar of what’s on both in Ulverston and further afield visit: www.visitulverston.com or for things to do in the Lake District and Furness Peninsula visit: www.golakes.co.uk or www.visitcumbria.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
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: www.conisheadpriory.org
Hoad 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 this 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.
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 more information 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 more information visit: www.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 Levens 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. Visit: www.northcountryleisure.org.uk for more information.
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 more information visit: www.southlakessafarizoo.com/
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.
Reserve your Accommodation here for 2022 Festivals and Events.
- South Cumbria Music Festival
- Vegan Festival
- Walking Festival
- Flag Festival
- Printfest
- Taste Cumbria Food Festival TBC
- Manjushri Kadampa Spring Festival
- International Buddhist Spring Festival
- Another Fine Fest (music, comedy, street theatre & art, celebrating the birth of Stan Laurel) 17th – 19th June
- Ulverston International Music Festival 1st – 8th June
- Ulverston Carnival Parade 2nd July
- Furness Tradition Festival 10th – 12th July
- Retro Rendevous 10th – 12th June
- Veloretro Vintage Cycling 10th – 12th June
- Summer International Buddhist Festival 29th July – 13th August
- Charter/CAMRA Beer Festival 29th August – 3rd September
- Charter Festival Lantern Parade 19th September
- International Buddhist Festival
- Dickensian Festival 26th – 27th November