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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?
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
Don't Go Into The Cellar presents THE WAR OF THE WORLDS The chances of anything coming from Mars…
Co-produced by Cumbria Music Hub and Orchestras Live Cumbria Calling: Gaming Adventures Experience…
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Buses to and through Ulverston: 6/6A Barrow - Dalton - Ulverston. 11 Barrow - Roa Island -…
Mark Lundquist Management presents Magic Queen Magic Queen re-enacts the glorious days of legendary…
The Music Festival opens with a Celebrity Recital by violinist Jennifer Pike, who at the age of…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
A Little Angel Theatre, The Lowry and Rose Theatre co-production Charlie Cook's Favourite…
Velo Retro is ready for its 10th anniversary year. The only retro and vintage cycling event in the…
Sandarac Productions Limited presents The Floyd Effect – Dark Animals Tour Dark Animals Tour…
2 multi terrain runs following for most parts the Cumbrian coastal path
The Telling presents I, Spie Centred around an extraordinary letter written by Renaissance…
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy,…
Ulverston International Music Festival Celebrity Recital: Jennifer Pike & Martin Roscoe Jennifer…
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…
Join us, Andy & Zoe, to create your own spirits. Groups are small and we guide you through the…
Come and enjoy our botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Tea! Zoe’s created the sweet treats using some of…
Our famous glass blowing experiences are back. Experience first-hand and close up, the extreme…
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a…
On arrival you will be greeted with a Shed One Fancy Frolic gin* and tonic before being guided…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
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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.
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…
County Square, Ulverston
Co-produced by Cumbria Music Hub and Orchestras Live
Cumbria Calling: Gaming Adventures
Experience a concert of epic video game soundtracks live with The Manchester Video Game Orchestra!
With the games on screen, the orchestra will bring the…
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
63 reviewsUlverston
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.
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 -…
County Square, Ulverston
Join the celebration of Mugenkyo's landmark 30th anniversary, with a very special show of big beats, visual treats & vital energy.
Taking the audience on a journey 'in time', a thrilling ride through their 30 years, the concert is a full theatrical…
County Square, Ulverston
Mark Lundquist Management presents
Magic Queen
Magic Queen re-enacts the glorious days of legendary rock band Queen, including the craziness of the 70's and the magic of the 80's, proving themselves to be one of the most dynamic and exciting Queen…
Ulverston
The Music Festival opens with a Celebrity Recital by violinist Jennifer Pike, who at the age of twelve became the youngest ever winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year. She is joined by Martin Roscoe in a beautifully balanced programme including…
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.
County Square, Ulverston
A Little Angel Theatre, The Lowry and Rose Theatre co-production
Charlie Cook's Favourite Book
Based on the original book Charlie Cook's Favourite Book - written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Charlie loves reading. Especially…
Ulverston
Velo Retro is ready for its 10th anniversary year. The only retro and vintage cycling event in the English Lake District, where for one weekend, steel vintage bikes rule and retro cycling jerseys are cool!
County Square, Ulverston
Sandarac Productions Limited presents
The Floyd Effect – Dark Animals Tour
Dark Animals Tour 2024-5
Two of Pink Floyd's finest albums, complete and unabridged… and more
Was Animals the darkest Pink Floyd album ever recorded? Drawing upon material…
Millom
2 multi terrain runs following for most parts the Cumbrian coastal path
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…
Ulverston
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviewsCounty Square, Ulverston
Ulverston International Music Festival
Celebrity Recital: Jennifer Pike & Martin Roscoe
Jennifer first gained international recognition in 2002, when, aged 12, she became the youngest-ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year and the…
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.
Ulverston
Join us, Andy & Zoe, to create your own spirits. Groups are small and we guide you through the process from choosing your botanicals to finding the perfect abv. Start with a tour, include a few sweet treats and it’s an afternoon to remember!
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