Ulverston

FRIENDLY faces, cobbled streets, cosy cafes, quaint specialist shops and a hectic schedule of markets catering for all tastes combine to make Ulverston a unique and charming stopping point for the Lakes tourist.

Nestling on the Furness peninsula, this bustling town of all trades is just a few miles from the breath-taking scenery of the Lake District National Park and a short drive to stunning views across Morecambe Bay.

Ulverston is South Lakeland's official festival town, showcasing everything from odd ales to top poets. It is also home of the internationally-renowned Lantern Festival, where the town is illuminated by hundreds of home-made paper and wicker lanterns, carefully crafted by creative Ulverstonians.

The town is also establishing itself as a café capital in Cumbria, offering a wide variety of places to sup a cuppa, ranging from the vegetarian fayre of The World Peace Café to the gourmet experience of the Hot Mango.

Those seeking a tipple of something stronger are also spoiled for choice with a host of welcoming pubs showcasing a wide range of local ales and beers.

In between taking refreshments, visitors can spoil themselves in an eclectic mix of shops. Trendy clothing shops sit comfortably alongside bookshops, swish delicatessens, old-fashioned butchers and bakers.

There is also a bustling market on Thursdays and Saturdays with a local food fair on the third Saturday of every month and a truly thriving pub scene.

Main Attractions...

A trip to Ulverston would not be complete without a visit to the eccentric Laurel and Hardy Museum on Upper Brook Street. This diminutive museum is a shrine to the town's favourite son, Stan Laurel, and his portly partner Oliver Hardy. The bowler-hatted stars of 1930s cinema still have a loyal following and the museum is a regular stop for members of the official fan club, the Sons of the Desert. www.laurel-and-hardy-museum.co.uk.

A short drive out of the town stands Swarthmoor Hall, the "birthplace" of Quakerism. The 16th century Elizabethan Manor House was used as a base by preacher George Fox from 1652 and became the centre of the rise and spread of the religion. It is open for guided tours between March and October, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. 01229 583204/ www.swarthmoorhall.co.uk.

Walks...

Long - Ulverston is famed for being the start place of the Cumbria Way - a 70-mile footpath that starts in The Gill and winds its way through the Lake District to Carlisle.

Short - No visit to Ulverston would be complete without a hike up Hoad Hill to see Ulverston's most famous landmark, the Sir John Barrow Monument, and take in fantastic views over the town and across Morecambe Bay.

And if it's wet...

Sample one of the latest releases in the charming surroundings of an old-fashioned, one-screen cinema that has survived the march of the multiplex. It retains a proper interval, cheap snacks and circa 1970 graphics. Programme information on 01229-582340.

Festivals Galore...

Flag Festival - April.

International Music Festival - June.

Carnival - July.

Lantern Procession - September.

Dickensian Christmas Festival - November.

For more information: Ulverston Tourist Information Office at The Coronation Hall, County Square, 01229 587120.