Pictures of Ulverston

About Ulverston

Old town and port with cobbled streets and a pretty market square. It is surrounded by the Furness fells, Coniston Water, Lake Windemere, and the spectacular Cumbrian Mountains. Being on somewhat lower land, Ulverston does not have the dramatic appeal of its illustrious neighbours, but it does have a gentle landscape and a friendly atmosphere.

Ulverston is in a part of Cumbria that is a walkers paradise. A network of villages is criss-crossed by footpaths, bridleways, and green lanes linking together historic sites and waterways. The Ulverston Canal has interesting pathways for walkers and is popular with boaters and fishermen.

Swarthmoor Hall is a fabled Elizabethan house which was the former home of George Fox founder of the Quaker movement in 1652. The house is beautifully preserved with the feel of an English country home rather than that of a grand manor house. The design of the house is very picturesque showing beautiful mullion windows. Inside there is an unusual staircase, rich panelling and excellent English furniture. The house now belongs to the Society of Friends and is open to the public at a nominal entrance fee.

On a note of interest Sir John Barrow the noted explorer was born here in 1764, and the town is also the birthplace of Comedian Stan Laurel who was born here in 1890. The Laurel and Hardy museum contains press cuttings, personal possessions and film archive of the man who made so many of us laugh.

Ulverston's quaint market square is dominated by a beautiful Market Cross, off the square runs a myriad of narrow lanes filled with attractive shops. The town's colourful outdoor market is a fun affair which is attended from miles around. In the market square you will also find an attractive former coaching inn with many original features.

The Lakes Glass Centre makes an interesting visit, this venue was opened in 1999 by the Cumbria Crystal and Heron Glass factories, it has a retail outlet and a restaurant, and best of all visitors can explore the wonderful world of glass blowing and see the techniques used for coloured glass. There are many magnificent pieces of crystal and coloured glass on display.

Ulverston lies close to the wide sweep of Morcambe Bay, and is not far from Duddon Sands and Dalton in Furness, it is close to Cartmel priory and Holker Hall, which are but two of the many famous attractions of the Furness Peninsula, others include Neolithic remains and stone circles.

Visitors to the area will find a range of accommodation to suit all tastes. The town is ideal for a pleasant weekend or for a longer stay, to explore both the lovely Lakeland scenery and the miles of golden sands stretching from Morecambe Bay to Whitehaven.