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Ulverston is a historic market town on the Furness & Cartmel Peninsula with a labyrinth of cobbled streets and fine old buildings. For a little market town, Ulverston has a whole lot of history.

The birthplace of Stan Laurel, and home to the world’s only Laurel & Hardy Museum. The town also has the world’s shortest, widest and deepest canal, built in 1796 to provide the town with a port, as it is 1.5 miles from the sea at Morecombe Bay. It also saw George Fox, the founder of the Quaker Movement living for a time at nearby Swarthmoor Hall.

Where to walk

View from Sir John Barrow Monument

View from Sir John Barrow Monument

Ford Park and Garden leading up to Hoad Hill

Park in the town centre and make your way up this gentle hours walk. The Hoad Monument can be ascended via a spiral stone staircase of 112 steps. At the top, eight apertures provide a 360-degree panorama of the Furness Peninsula, Morecombe Bay and the southern Lake District.

Distance – 2.7km | Time – 1 hour

Birkrigg Common

Follow the pathway up from the Coast Road A5087 across the fields and up to the stone circle. The common reaches a height of 136m, affording beautiful views over the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Howgills and Morecombe Bay to Blackpool.

Distance – 2.7km | Time – There are lots of paths that cross on the common, so you can spend a couple of hours visiting the various ancient remains on the site.

Ulverston Canal

Start at Coronation Hall, turn left and cross over the A590. Turn left, go down the A590 to the crossing by the roundabout. Cross over and continue as the A590 becomes Canal Street, look right and see Canal Head. Carry on until you see the opening to your right marked by a signpost. Continue down the towpath until you reach the Bay Horse Hotel at Canal Foot, which used to be the staging post for the coaches that crossed Morecombe Bay in the 18th Century. The easiest route back is back up the towpath.

Distance – 6.2km | Time – Approx. 1.5 hours

 

Ulverston Canal

Ulverston Canal

What not to miss

John Barrow Monument on Hoad Hill

Enjoy a lovely walk up to the tower which is a replica of the Eddystone Lighthouse and gives breathtaking views over Morecombe Bay.

Laurel & Hardy Museum

You’ll find lots of quirky memorabilia from ‘The Boys’ along with the chance to watch some classic black and white movies. Shop and cafe too.

Druid’s Circle on Birkrigg Common

Get your Druid fix at Birkrigg Common, with lots of evidence of prehistoric activity, and bronze age tumuli on the common. It is a magical place, very atmospheric with amazing views out to the coast and all around to the fells.

Shed 1 Gin

Shed 1 Gin launched in October 2016 in the market town of Ulverston on the edge of the Lake District. They produce small-batch, classically distilled, award-winning, craft gin that’s “smooth enough to be sipped, bold enough to be mixed.”

Book a tour of the gin distillery with gin tastings, make your very own gin or pop in for delicious afternoon tea.

 

Birkrigg Common and Bardsea Church

Birkrigg Common and Bardsea Church

Food and Drink

Gilliam’s Tea Room

The Gilliams have been in these beautiful historic tea-rooms and grocery shop, since 1892 and it is still a go-to place for tea and a bite to eat.

Bici Cafe

Eat and drink the authentic Italian way in this contemporary stylish little place, which used to be an old bike shop, and is a cyclist-friendly place, with lots of ideas for cycle routes to try as well as great Italian food. Ciao!

Amigos

‘Contemporary, delicious, romantic, fun’ Somewhere different using local fresh produce and currently the only Mexican Restaurant in the South Lake District. Salud!

L’al Churrasco

If you’ve got a craving for tapas – this place makes fresh Spanish, Portuguese and South Mediterranean tapas with seasonal produce. Delicious!

Pubs

There are lots of great pubs dotted around the central town area: The Farmers, The Sun, The Mill, Rose and Crown and the Stan Laurel Inn. All serving great food and a good atmosphere. And if you’re into your craft beer, a visit to Beerwolf is a must!

The town is full of little cafes and bistros to try out as you have a wander around this lovely market town.

Download a pdf Ulverston guide here and take a look at some of our favourite properties you can book nearby below!