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 Visitors approaching the medium-sized market town of Ulverston on the A590 may well wonder and remark on the large lighthouse-shaped building standing on Hoad Hill above. Known to the locals as the Pepper Pot, it is not a lighthouse, but a monument erected in tribute to Sir John Barrow. Sir John played a major role organising surveys and explorations, by, and as a member of the Royal Navy. The monument is in fact a replica of the Eddystone Lighthouse which stands on the Devon coast S.W. of Plymouth. The " pepper pot " is open to the public. Visitors will find the climb to the building a rewarding effort also in terms of the wide views afforded over Morecambe Bay.
 Ulverston is the birthplace of Stan Laurel of the film-comedy duo of Laurel and Hardy. Stan was born in Argyle Street in June 1890. A museum provides visitors a fascinating insight into his life and career and houses a small cinema showing some of his films.
The town has quite a maritime past. Locally mined and produced goods were shipped to the coast for export along the shortest, broadest and deepest canal in the country.
 The street-markets play an important part in the town's life with the colourful displayed assortments of items on view and for sale.
Occasionally the Town Crier will be in attendance lending his voice to that of the traders. During the annual Charter Festival, the traders sport period costumes, providing first class photo opportunities.
There is much else to see and do. The Heritage Centre gives the history of the Roman occupation; the Leisure Centre includes among many things, a heated indoor swimming pool, and golfers will not be disappointed with a hearty welcome at the Club overlooking Morecambe Bay.
 The Fisheries nearby, offer anglers the choice of Carp, Tench, Brown Trout and Pike. Sand Hall Ponds, one of the fisheries, provides disabled access.
St. Marys Church, dates from the early 1100's. It's East stained-glass window contains the Coats of Arms of several prominent families featured in local history.
All the well-known tourist spots of the Lake District are in easy reach of the town including the very scenic Furness Peninsula further along the West Coast. Ulverston accommodation is realistically priced with comfortable rooms to suit all pockets.
It is a hospitable community which knows how to enjoy itself. This is particularly evident at times of the regular festivals and events of the summer months.
Jeremy Craddock wrote a very interesting article on Ulverston's famous son, Stan Laurel, for the Westmorland Gazette in 2005.
You can view this article here.
How to get there:
By rail: From the West Coast Main Line, change at Carnforth for Ulverston.
By road: From the M6 motorway, exit at J36 and take the A590 via Newby Bridge.
Local links:
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(C of E) St. Marys Church ( Dalton-in-Furness)
Built 1883-85. This site is said to have had churches since the 8th C. The churchyard has the grave of George Romney, the famous Dalton born portrait painter. The effects of the Bubonic Plague which struck the town in 1631 are commemorated on a plaque.
(C of E) St. Mary and St; Michaels Church (Great Urswick)
The oldest church in the Furness area with claims of a church to occupy this site since the 10th C. The annual Rush Bearing Ceremony takes place on the Sunday nearest to the 29 th of September. (St. Michaels Day)
(Buddhist) Manjushri Mahayana Buddhist Centre
Conishead Priory, Ulverston, LA12 9QQ
Phone: +44 (0)1229 584029
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