Things to Do in Ulverston

Ulverston is a lovely market town on the edge of the Lake District, with a big history, lots of independent shops and some of the best walking in the South Lakes right on the doorstep. Here are 15 of our favourite things to do in Ulverston and nearby, from the Hoad Monument and the Laurel and Hardy Museum to abbeys, steam trains and days on the lakes.

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Things to do in Ulverston town

The first seven are in or right beside Ulverston, and most are an easy walk from Lonsdale House.

1. On foot, free

Climb the Hoad Monument

The Sir John Barrow Monument, known locally as the Hoad Monument, looks like a lighthouse and stands above the town with views across Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells. The walk up Hoad Hill takes about 20 minutes from the town centre.

Laurel and Hardy statue at the museum in Ulverston

2. On foot

Visit the Laurel and Hardy Museum

Ulverston is the birthplace of Stan Laurel, and you'll find his statue with Oliver Hardy in the town centre. The museum is a short walk from Lonsdale House and is full of photographs, films and memorabilia, which makes it a lovely rainy-day option. See the Laurel and Hardy Museum website for opening times.

3. On foot

Browse the markets and independent shops

Market Street and the little streets around it are full of independent gift shops, bakers, butchers, cafés and pubs, and Ulverston's markets run through the week. It's an easy town to enjoy on foot, and you're two minutes' walk from us.

4. On footWalk the canal to Canal FootA flat, easy walk of about a mile and a quarter along the canal path to Canal Foot, with views across the Leven estuary. Good with a pushchair or a dog.

5. In townA show at the CoroCoronation Hall hosts theatre, comedy, live music and cinema, right in the town centre.

6. About a mile awaySwarthmoor HallA historic house known as the birthplace of the Quaker movement, with gardens and a café, on the edge of town.

7. About two miles awayConishead PrioryA Gothic mansion and Buddhist temple with peaceful woodland walks down to the shore. See visitor information.

Walks in and around Ulverston

Ulverston is one of the best bases for walking in the South Lakes, and the start of the Cumbria Way. Here are a few more favourites, and our Best Walks page has full routes.

A short driveBirkrigg CommonOpen grassland, a stone circle and views over Morecambe Bay.

A short driveBardsea shoreSweeping views across Morecambe Bay.

A short driveRoa IslandA peaceful coastal spot with beautiful bay views.

A short driveArnsideA pretty village on the Kent Estuary with a waterfront promenade.

See our Best Walks

The wider Lake District, a short drive from Ulverston

Things to do near Ulverston

Ulverston sits at the quieter, southern end of the Lake District, so you can enjoy the lakes and fells without the busiest crowds, then come back for a pub dinner or a home-cooked meal in your own kitchen. Everything below is within about 40 minutes' drive. See our guide to self-catering in the South Lakes and Furness for more drive times.

8. About 15 minutesFurness AbbeyHuge red sandstone ruins of one of England's richest abbeys, looked after by English Heritage.

9. About 15 minutesSafari Zoo CumbriaA big family day out near Dalton-in-Furness.

10. About 20 minutesThe Dock Museum, BarrowBarrow's shipbuilding story, with an adventure playground outside. Free to visit.

11. About 15 minutesSteam train and lake cruiseRide the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway to Lakeside, then join a boat on Windermere or visit the Lakes Aquarium.

12. About 15 minutesLakeland Motor MuseumClassic cars, motorbikes and the Campbell Bluebird story at Backbarrow. A great rainy-day choice.

13. About 20 minutesHolker Hall and CartmelHolker Hall and its gardens, then Cartmel's priory, racecourse and sticky toffee pudding.

14. About 30 minutesConiston Water and BrantwoodA quieter lake below the Old Man of Coniston, with John Ruskin's home, Brantwood, on the far shore.

15. About 30 minutesGrizedale ForestWoodland trails, outdoor sculpture, cycling and treetop adventures.

Bonus, about 35 minutesBowness-on-WindermereEngland's largest lake, with boat trips, lakeside walks and plenty of places to eat.

Drive times are approximate. Please check each attraction's own website for opening times before you go.

Festivals and events

Ulverston is famous for its festivals. The Dickensian Christmas Festival is on the last full weekend of November, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November in 2026, the Lantern Festival is usually in September, and there's also the Ulverston International Music Festival. Dates change each year, so check Ulverston's festivals page and our What's On in Ulverston page before you book. Festival weekends do get booked early, so it's worth reserving ahead. Here's where to stay for the Dickensian Festival.

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A lane of independent shops in Ulverston

Food and drink

Ulverston has kept its independent character. You'll find independent cafés, traditional pubs and family-run restaurants serving local and international dishes, with local produce from the town's butchers and markets.

Prefer to stay in? Every apartment has its own kitchen, so you can cook what you've picked up in town.

Rainy day ideas

The Laurel and Hardy Museum, a film or show at the Coro, the Lakeland Motor Museum, the Lakes Aquarium and the Dock Museum are all indoors, and the town's cafés and pubs are made for a slow afternoon. Then it's back to your apartment to put your feet up.

Family and dog walking on a woodland path

With your dog or your family

Dogs are welcome in four of our apartments, and the canal path, Hoad Hill and Birkrigg Common are all lovely dog walks. For families, Safari Zoo Cumbria, the Dock Museum playground, the steam railway and the flat canal path with a pushchair all go down well.

Dog-friendly apartments Family apartments

The front of Lonsdale House on Daltongate

Stay at Lonsdale House

Lonsdale House has 13 self-catering apartments in Ulverston town centre, two minutes from the shops, cafés and pubs and a short walk from most of the places above. Every apartment has its own kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi and a walk-in shower, and you're welcome in our walled Secret Garden. There are public car parks opposite and a 90-second walk away, free in the evenings from 18:00 to 08:00.

See all 13 apartments Parking

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Questions about Ulverston

What is Ulverston famous for?

Ulverston is the birthplace of Stan Laurel, home of the Hoad Monument and famous for its festivals, especially the Dickensian Christmas Festival in late November. It's also the start of the Cumbria Way.

What is there to do in Ulverston when it rains?

The Laurel and Hardy Museum, a film or show at the Coro, the town's independent shops and cafés, and, a short drive away, the Lakeland Motor Museum, the Lakes Aquarium and the Dock Museum.

What is the best walk near Ulverston?

The Hoad Monument for views, and the canal path to Canal Foot for an easy, flat walk. See our Best Walks page for more.

What is there to do near Ulverston with kids?

Safari Zoo Cumbria, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam railway, the Lakes Aquarium, the Dock Museum and its playground, and Grizedale Forest are all within about 30 minutes' drive.

When are the festivals?

The Dickensian Christmas Festival is the last full weekend of November (28 and 29 November 2026), and the Lantern Festival is usually in September. Check the official pages for exact dates.

Is Ulverston a good base for the Lake District?

Yes. Windermere and Coniston are a short drive away, and Ulverston is quieter and easier for parking than the busiest Lakeland towns.

Any questions, call us on 01229 265217 or email [email protected].