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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?
Velo Retro is ready for its 10th anniversary year. The only retro and vintage cycling event in the…
Join our dazzling resident Festival musicians in this most informal of settings for some jazz and…
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
What is love? This programme is a celebration of love in all its forms, where poetry and song…
Two fantastic performances, with a two-course lunch designed by Base Head Chef Mark Setterthwaite.…
Why not take a break from your travels and relax in the warm, welcoming and nostalgic surroundings…
We welcome the Royal Northern Sinfonia back to Ulverston. Anthony Hewitt will perform Mozart's G…
Celebrating the end of the Music Festival's 20th Anniversary - join us for a tea party with a twist…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
With the legendary artistic twists that both Robert and Toyah are renowned for, they'll perform…
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy,…
The Cumbria Way runs through the heart of the Lake District, from the attractive market town of…
Explore this landscape of contrasts - the soaring red sandstone ruins of Furness Abbey and the…
Would you like to introduce your toddler or young child (under 5) to the joys of classical music?…
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck…
A Little Angel Theatre, The Lowry and Rose Theatre co-production Charlie Cook's Favourite…
2 multi terrain runs following for most parts the Cumbrian coastal path
On arrival you will be greeted with a Shed One Fancy Frolic gin* and tonic before being guided…
The works performed by the Quartet in this concert are all a portrayal of the expressions of…
Tickets for the Pamper Afternoon are £20.00 each and can be purchased from the website link. All…
Our debut at Cartmel Priory – a magnificent setting for two large-scale choral works – marks…
Rhinos, Tigers, Giraffes, Lions and Bears living in the heart of the Lake District….this is…
A fascinating programme of works for piano by Liszt and Robert & Clara Schumann. We welcome back…
On arrival you will be greeted with a Shed One Fancy Frolic gin and tonic before being guided…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
Number of results: 72
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N Lonsdale Road, Ulverston
On arrival you will be greeted with a Shed One Fancy Frolic gin* and tonic before being guided through making your very own moisturising sugar scrub, soothing balm and essential oil lip balm. Afterwards, sit back and enjoy freshly baked scones,…
Duddon Bridge, Broughton-in-Furness
Located in the picturesque Duddon Valley near the market town of Broughton-in-Furness awaits the stylish Cow Barn. With 3 sunny bedrooms, a modern airy interior, cosy log-burner & pretty garden, it’s the ideal base for a break in the Lakes
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
Queen 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 -…
Haverthwaite, 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,…
Bardsea, Ulverston
With string quartets by Beethoven and Greig this lunchtime performance promises to be a treat in the beautiful acoustics and intimate setting of Bardsea Church.
Ulverston
The Festival's resident string players look forward to performing a rich and beautiful mix of repertoire including: Paganini's less known highly melodic and beautiful string music and works by De Fella showcasing the cello and the guitar.
Ulverston
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.…
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…
North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston
Tickets for the Pamper Afternoon are £20.00 each and can be purchased from the website link. All proceeds raised will go towards supporting local autistic people.
Upon arrival you will be greeted with a Shed One Cocktail before being invited to…
County Square, Ulverston
Explore the exotic space where science and magic meet with the magician-scientist-adventurer, trained by US magic legends Penn & Teller.
With over a decade of Edinburgh Fringe sell-outs, performances around Europe and tours of Australia, Kevin…
County Square, Ulverston
Don't Go Into The Cellar presents
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
The chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one. And yet, mankind finds itself on the brink of extinction when aggressive creatures from that remote planet land on Earth. The…
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…
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
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.
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