Ulverston

Ulverston is an historic market town and was awarded a Market Charter in 1280, an event celebrated every year with the Charter Fortnight Festival held during September.

The town has a predominantly Georgian style architecture and the cobbled main street is lined on either side by attractive buildings, leading to The Farmers Arms. The town centre is in a conservation area, with the War Memorial at the top of Market Street honouring residents of Ulverston and district who fell in the First and Second World Wars.

Ulverston, South Lakeland's Festival Town, has a number of claims to fame, such as being the birthplace of Stan Laurel; it has the shortest, widest and deepest canal in Britain, and boasts the striking Hoad Monument resembling a lighthouse and built to commemorate Sir John Barrow, another famous son of the town. Visitors can enjoy the Laurel and Hardy Museum, the Lakes Glass Centre, Lanternhouse (Welfare State International's centre for celebratory arts), and an interesting shopping experience amongst the town's cobbled streets, yards and ginnels. Outdoor markets are held every Thursday and Saturday, and the indoor market is open five days a week (closed Wed and Sun).

Ulverston is known as South Lakeland's festival town and is home to a lively arts scene and annual festivals. The Coronation Hall is home to the town's cinema but also hosts concerts and feativals. Perhaps the Dickensian Festival in November is the best know of Ulverston's festivals but more information is available on www.southlakeland.gov.uk/tourism and www.ulverston.net .