Ulverston combines a long-distance walking trail with local routes, views from Hoad Hill and several cultural attractions. When choosing the town as a place to stay, you can weigh up whether a longer walking route, a flat path or cultural offerings should be the main focus. The clearest contrast is between the 70-mile Cumbria Way, the Ulverston Canal Walk and the loop up Hoad Hill.
Walking routes between the canal and Hoad Hill
The Ulverston Canal Walk is 2.61 miles long and follows the towpath from Canal Foot to Canal Head and back. The route is flat and wheelchair accessible. The canal itself is 1.25 miles long, 15 feet (4.6 metres) deep and 66 feet (20 metres) wide. This makes it easy to assess the walk based on its specific route and clearly described terrain.
The “The Hoad from Ford Park Walk” circular route starts in Ford Park, climbs Hoad Hill and returns to the park via a different route. It is 1.69 miles long. From Hoad Hill, views extend over Morecambe Bay, the Langdales and the Yorkshire Dales. Unlike the flat canal path, this route includes a climb and a return via a different route.
The Cumbria Way is on a different scale: it starts in Ulverston, passes through the heart of the Lake District and ends in Carlisle. At 70 miles, this long-distance trail is considerably longer than the two local routes. The three routes therefore differ both in their paths and in whether the focus is on a local loop or a journey all the way to Carlisle.
Culture and history in Ulverston
The Coro is a historic venue for arts, culture and entertainment in Ulverston. Its year-round programme includes theatre, music, comedy, community events, talks and dance. If you would like to combine your visit with an event, check the dates for your travel dates.
The Laurel and Hardy Museum is located in the town where Stan Laurel was born. Through films, letters, photographs, posters, film stills and personal items, it traces Laurel’s early life and the careers of Laurel and Hardy. It therefore focuses on both Stan Laurel’s biography and the duo’s film career.
Ulverston Parish Church has served the community since 1111 and is a Grade II listed building. It adds a specific aspect of the town’s religious heritage to its museums and cultural events.
Gardens, scenery and special experiences
The gardens and grounds of Swarthmoor Hall are set on 130 acres of farmland. The formal gardens include a peaceful garden for meditation and reflection, as well as outdoor Quaker worship. The grounds offer views of neighbouring fells and the distinctive Hoad Monument above the town of Ulverston. Here, garden spaces, religious use and named landscape views come together.
At Shed One, botanically inspired Afternoon G&Teas combine a distillery tour with sweet treats that reflect the spirits’ botanicals. The distillery tours conclude with a tasting of five botanical spirits. This adds a culinary experience to the walking and cultural attractions without requiring another main excursion.
Plan your journey
Ulverston is connected to the West Coast Main Line via Carnforth and Lancaster. Check timetables and connections for your travel dates if you are planning to arrive by train.
Discover more destinations: Kirkoswald, Stanwix, Mungrisdale, Gleaston, Cartmel, Nether Wasdale, Great Clifton, Stapleton.
Back to the regional travel overview: Cumbria.
