Ulverston (a charming Cumbrian market town)
Ulverston is a charming market town located in the county of Cumbria, one of the few places that is not really in the Lake District National Park.
Out walking? Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and other toxic plants/trees) and on leads during nesting season (and near barnyard friends and wild ponies).
At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
Birthplace of the Quaker Movement
The Quakers are a peaceful society of friends, and it was here that George Fox began the movement. He lived with wife (10 years his senior – a widow with several children) and was supported by her father, the local judge. You can still visit the house just outside the main town, to learn the history.
Birthplace of Stan Laurel
If you love old Laurel and Hardy films, Stan Laurel was born here, before he sought fame and fortune in the USA. There is of course a museum dedicated to them! He was born on Argyle Street in 1890. He was apparently a real creative force, often directing and editing the films, behind the scenes.
Starting in music hall age just 16, he later joined a travelling comedy troupe alongside Charlie Chaplin. After Oliver Hardy’s death, he refused all acting roles.
He was married four times (twice to the same woman!) and spent almost 20 years with his last wife before his death in 1965 (Dick Van Dyke gave the eulogy). He even had his phone number listed in the directory, and would happily spend hours talking to fans.
Ulverston Canal
In 1796 when it opened, this was the shortest, widest and deepest canal on earth, connecting the town to Morecambe Bay.
The Hoad Monument
You would think from the image above that this was a lighthouse. But it’s not, though it was designed to look like one, when built in 1851. It was built to honour Sir John Barrow, an explorer and founding member of the Royal Geographical Society.
You can climate the 112 steps of this limestone tower, for panoramic views of Morecambe Bay.
