Known as the “Festival Capital” of the Furness Peninsula, Ulverston is a traditional market town with a full calendar of events, from the Dickensian Festival to the Lantern Parade and Retro Rendezvous. Along with cobbled lanes filled with traditional pubs, cafes and boutiques, Ulverston boasts a variety of scenic walks.

Things to do

Discover the journey from tree to bobbin at the Stott Park Bobbin Mill. Since the early-19th century, the working mill has produced millions of wooden bobbins for the weaving and spinning industry in Lancashire. Take a guided tour to see the original belt driven machinery and explore the hands-on exhibits.

Theatre enthusiasts can catch a thrilling performance at the Coronation Hall, Ulverston’s Edwardian 600-seat theatre which offers stage shows, opera, ballet and jazz. For more drama, join a guided tour of Swarthmoor Hall, a 16th-century country house with enough tales of love, conflict and conviction to rival the tv show “Downton Abbey”.

Walk through gentle rolling farmlands to Hoad Monument, an iconic lighthouse commemorating Sir John Barrow, a naval explorer and admiral born in Ulverston. Standing tall on Hoad Hill, the memorial has dominated Ulverston’s skyline since 1850. Climb 112 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Southern Lake District.

Explore the Buddhist temple and peaceful grounds of the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre. Visit the Heritage-listed Conishead Priory to join a guided meditation in the World Peace Temple or eat freshly made vegetarian food, then follow the Shore Walk through the woods to the sandy beach at Morecambe Bay.

Getting around

Ulverston is well-connected by road and rail. There are regular train services to Preston Airport and Manchester Airport, while the A590 connects Ulverston with the M6 motorway. Cycling and walking are the best ways to explore the town.