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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?
Lowick School Bunkhouse offers fantastic group accommodation. The bunkhouse has 20 beds in 3 rooms…
Go on a high-energy rollercoaster ride of a concert with the internationally renowned Queen tribute…
Come and visit Cumbrian Cow and have a go at navigating our 7 acre maze while completing the themed…
The Festival will take place from 2-10 June 2023 and includes 16 events from jazz to folk to…
Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…
Want something fun and a little bit different this holiday? Try something new and exciting in the…
Looking for a place to stay when visiting South Cumbria? The Old Kings Head Broughton in Furness…
We, Andy and Zoe, look forward to hosting you at our award-winning Gin Distillery here in Ulverston…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Small one day music festival.
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Welcome to the Shed! Enjoy a welcome G&T, followed by a distillery tour, before settling in our…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Explore this landscape of contrasts - the soaring red sandstone ruins of Furness Abbey and the…
Our famous glass blowing experiences are back. Experience first-hand and close up, the extreme…
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
We are dog friendly and have two dog friendly guest rooms. Our Old-World charm, open fires &…
Welcome to Cumbria’s award-winning Gin Distillery. Based in the lovely market town on Ulverston, we…
Learn bushcraft or archery skills on a private country estate overlooking the Duddon estuary and…
Join us, Andy & Zoe, to create your own Signature Gin. Groups are small and we guide you through…
This bespoke retreat is crafted and infused with love offering yoga, breathwork, forest bathing,…
Classical guitar sensation MILOŠ is joined on stage by saxophonist Jess Gillam. Expect a beautiful…
Buses to and through Ulverston: 6/6A Barrow - Dalton - Ulverston. 11 Barrow - Roa Island -…
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy,…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
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Broughton-in-Furness
Looking for a place to stay when visiting South Cumbria? The Old Kings Head Broughton in Furness Cumbria is the place for you. Whether you’re walking, cycling, enjoying our beautiful country side or just simply relaxing the Old King’s Head is the…
Ulverston
Lowick School Bunkhouse offers fantastic group accommodation. The bunkhouse has 20 beds in 3 rooms plus a lounge with wood-burning stove, large social kitchen dining room, great views of the mountains, an outdoor area with campfire & more!
Ulverston
Go on a high-energy rollercoaster ride of a concert with the internationally renowned Queen tribute band, featuring the back catalogue of one of the most popular, iconic rock acts of all time.
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.
Ulverston
Come and visit Cumbrian Cow and have a go at navigating our 7 acre maze while completing the themed quiz. There are also lots of games and activities in our Fun Zone. We have bouncy castles, trampolines, Go-Karts a giant sandpit and much more all…
Ulverston
The Festival will take place from 2-10 June 2023 and includes 16 events from jazz to folk to classical. We seek out artists whose talents originate in diverse musical backgrounds and training. We aim to present more than just classical music,…
Ulverston
Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and valleys, miles of mature forest, endless lake and coastal shores, the landscape of Cumbria makes an amazing place to go cycling.
Ulverston
Manchester Camerata return to The Coro celebrating their 50th birthday year with Ulverston saxophonist Jess Gillam. Heralded by The Times as 'Britain's most adventurous orchestra', the orchestra pop up in all sorts of places, from concert halls to…
Ulverston
Want something fun and a little bit different this holiday? Try something new and exciting in the adventure playground of the Lake District. Take it at your own pace and make your time with us as action packed or relaxing as you want.
Ulverston
We, Andy and Zoe, look forward to hosting you at our award-winning Gin Distillery here in Ulverston. Enjoy a distillery tour, followed by tastings of at least 6 gins in our stylish bar with views of Ulverston’s iconic Pepperpot atop Hoad.
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, cars, motorcycles, drink and the famous Velo Retro old school cycling events through…
Ulverston
Enter the world of the Moomins, where anything is possible. Be sure to pack your imagination as you join us on an unforgettable journey to Moominvalley where everyone is welcome, nature thrives, and adventures are plentiful. Based on the much-loved…
Ulverston
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Askam-in-Furness
Small one day music festival.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
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…
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.
Ulverston
Welcome to the Shed! Enjoy a welcome G&T, followed by a distillery tour, before settling in our stylish bar with our botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Tea. All hosted by us, the owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe.
Broughton-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.
ULVERSTON
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.
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