What makes Ulverston famous?

Ulverston is a little town brimming with history and became a market town in 1280 when a Royal Charter was granted by Edward I. The town has many features surviving through history including Victorian railways, Elizabethan architecture, a Gothic priory, a famous canal and much more… 

  • Laurel & Hardy

Ulverston is the birth place of comic icon Stan Laurel. For some time, it was thought he was born in North Shields, where his family lived, however local Laurel and Hardy enthusiast Bill Cubin uncovered Stan Laurel’s birth certificate in 1976, which revealed he was born on Argyll Street in his grandparents house. Bill Cubin went on to set up a small museum displaying his Laurel and Hardy collection consisting of letters, photos and memorabilia. Over the years, his collection grew so large that the museum now has a very fitting premise at the 1930’s Roxy Cinema complex. It is the only known Laurel & Hardy museum in the world. 

  • The Cumbria Way

Ulverston is the starting point of the 70-mile long distance Cumbria Way trail.  Cumbrian Ramblers Association members originally devised the route in 1970 and finished way-marking the entire footpath, along with volunteers and national park staff, in 2007. The route links the two historic towns of Ulverston and Carlisle, passing through Coniston and Keswick and showcasing the countryside of the Lake District, exploring Coniston Water, Langdale, Borrowdale, Derwent Water, Skiddaw Forest and Caldbeck. The entire route takes around 5 days to complete; although it is challenging, it is considered one of the easier long distance trails and is recommended to hikers as an introduction to long-distance hiking.

  • The Canal

Ulverston is home to the world’s shortest, widest, deepest and straightest canal! The town had a thriving maritime community around the time the canal was constructed in 1796. Ships from Ulverston exported copper, slate and linens around the world from here. A footbridge crosses about mid-way over the canal and is believed to be the only surviving bridge of its kind in England and has been granted Grade II listed status. 

  • Historic Buildings 

The oldest building in Ulverston is St Mary’s Church, with certain parts of the religious building dating from 1111 AD. A lot of the church you see today was rebuilt in the 19th century, but a Norman arch in the porch and the Elizabethan tower survive. Nearby is Conishead Priory; a remarkable Victorian gothic mansion, which has had many uses over the years ranging from a private house, a hospital, miners home and is now a Buddhist centre and home to the world renowned mediation master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyasto Rinpoche. Swarthmoor Hall is also an interesting archaic building dating back to the 17th century and showcasing beautifully preserved Elizabethan features including mullioned windows, an unusual staircase and lots of oak panelling and period furniture.