There is plenty of choice within easy walking distance, with regular live music at the Sun and Hope & Anchor and many other pubs in town – you are never far from a good night’s entertainment.
Chinese, Indian, British Pub Grub, Mediterranean, Thai, Mexican, fine dining, Italian and much more is all within easy walking distance.
Our Recommendations
- L’al Churrasco (fabulous Mediterranean themed restaurant – booking recommended)
- Hot Mango (daytime – try the all day breakfast!)
- Gillam’s Tea Room (vegetarian cafe)
- The Farmers Arms (great pub grub)
- Amigos – Mexican (you never leave hungry!)
- Naaz – Indian
- Betulla’s Italian
- Jade Fountain – Chinese
- Ford Park Cafe
Takeaway
- Lakeland Continental (Conti) – does just about everything you could wish for: fish & chips, pizzas, kebabs and much more. If you can’t manage the 2 minute walk, they deliver. Tel: 01229 583506, Address: 29 King St, Ulverston LA12 7DZ
- British Raj – Indian
- Flames Pizza – especially good after a heavy night! Tel: 01229 585585, Address: 7 New Market St, Ulverston LA12 7LQ
Transport
Ulverston railway station is a 5 min walk away. Trains to Barrow-in-Furness run at least once an hour and trains to Manchester (or at least half way to Manchester) and Manchester Airport run regularly in the other direction.
Car Hire
Enterprise and Avis rental car, based in Barrow-in-Furness, just 15 minutes from Ulverston.
Taxi
Turn left when leaving the apartment, walk for 30 seconds and you will find the taxi rank just outside Tesco. (Jeff is our favourite, but they are all great.)
Bicycle
You can hire a bike at the Bike Station next to the railway station.
Things to Do
Cinema
Roxy Cinema is a quirky old style theatre showing the latest releases only just after major cinema chains and it is only a short stroll away. Look out for the interval when you can buy an ice cream just like in the good old days. Please support this magnificent Ulverston institution.
Ulverston Festivals
Ulverston calls itself a ‘festival town’ in reference to the many and varied festivals which take place in Ulverston over the course of the year. The most renowned of these is the Lantern Festival, which involves hundreds of local residents creating lanterns out of willow and tissue paper and parading them throughout the town in winding rivers of light. The annual event culminates in a lively, theatrical performance and fireworks at Ford Park. The festival is organised entirely by the community – for the first time in 2008 – reminiscent of the Wicker Man except nobody gets sacrificed (usually) – has to be seen to be believed.
Other Popular Festivals:
Flag Festival – colourful flags adorn many buildings and roundabouts in town – it’s purpose has been lost in the mists of time.
The Dickensian Festival, held the final weekend of November, sees a range of Christmas stalls and attractions visit Ulverston. People often dress up for the occasion in Victorian attire.
Ulverston Beer Festival – does what it says on the tin.
Charter Festival (including the Lantern Festival) in honour of Ulverston becoming a Market Town in 1285.
International Music Festival – a really highbrow event and well worth going to every one of the 20+ concerts which are on in the space of 10 days. A few of the performers try out the tough crowds of Ulverston before the Edinburgh Fringe.
- Comedy Festival
- Word Market—including ‘Pub Scripts’
- Walking Festival
- Spring Buddhist Festival
- Print Fest
- Summer Buddhist Festival
- Ulverston Carnival
- Furness Festival of Tradition
- Summer Music Festival
- Festival of Fashion
- Feast of St. George
- Breastfeeding Festival
- Another Fine Fest – a new festival, launched in 2014. It’s a festival of music, comedy, street theatre and art, celebrating Ulverston and the birth of Stan Laurel (who lived here and has large swathes of the town named after him).
Visit the Choose Ulverston tourist information website for a full list of Ulverston festivals.
Coronation Hall – events throughout the year.
The Sun Inn – entertainment includes DJs, live bands and clubbing in a way that only Ulverston can offer. It’s open till 2am – just avoid the Sambuca and Jagerbombs!
Walking
The Cumbria Way starts in the Gill in Ulverston, so you can walk to Carlisle if the fancy takes you. There are also many and varied walks within striking distance of the town.
Cycling
There is great cycling too. If you fancy off road, Grizedale Forest is only 20 mins away which has cycle hire as well as many signposted routes of varying degrees of difficulty.
Sights
Hoad (The Sir John Barrow Monument) – a replica of the Eddison Lighthouse. When open, go inside and climb the steep steps for some of the best views of Morecambe Bay.
The Laurel and Hardy Statue – the Ant and Dec of their day – preserved in bronze outside the Coronation Hall. Why not take a selfie with them? Ulverston is also home to the Laurel and Hardy Museum – inside the Roxy Cinema building.
Sea – the beach at Bardsea is not unpleasant and a trip on the coast road to Barrow is worthwhile on a sunny day. If you want a real surprise with sand dunes and an ice cream hut visit Roan Head (National Trust), a really charming nature reserve close to the town of Barrow-in-Furness.
The Canal – it is the shortest, deepest canal in the country. Good for a jog on the tow path if you want to brag to your mates that you ran the full length of a canal in under 10 mins!
Religion
Quakers – started in Ulverston. Visit Swarthmoor Hall, it is very educational – the cafe is worth a visit too.
Buddhists. Visit the Manjushri Centre on the road to Bardsea – fabulous gold roof and plenty of karma – you can even go to meditation sessions, meditation (these days, also known as mindfulness).
Sessions are also available during the week at The World Peace Cafe – Cavendish Street, Ulverston. A great vegetarian cafe.
Sports Facilities
Ulverston Tennis Centre and Swimming Pool – Priory Road, Ulverston (approx 1 mile from the apartment): www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/south-lakeland/ulverston
Park Leisure Centre – Park Road, Barrow-in-Furness (about 8 miles from Ulverston).
Gyms and Leisure Facilities
Spa at the Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge. Nice pool, sauna and steam room too.
Lake District
It’s on your doorstep! Coniston, Windermere, Grange-over-Sands and Cartmel are all less than 30 mins away.
Activities for Children and Families
Fell Foot, Windermere.
Aquarium, Newby Bridge.
Motor Museum, Backbarrow.
Ford Park, Ulverston.
Cathedral Cave, The Lake District
Walney Nature Reserve, Barrow-in-Furness.
Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness.
Roan Head, Barrow-in-Furness.
Cartmel – racecourse, sticky toffee pudding, cheese and L’Enclume Restaurant (Good Food Guide #1).
Grange-over-Sands – sea (some way off) and a walk alone the promenade.
Coniston – boat trips and Bluebird.
Tarn Hows – just beyond Coniston. A lovely, easy stroll in Beatrix Potter Country (National Trust).
Windermere – lake, boats (hire one or go on a lake trip), pubs and restaurants. Lakeland Plastics shop is up the hill by the railway station.
