A hidden gem lies just a few minutes away from the famous Lake District, with high mountains trails, scenic routes, miniture bars this is why Cumbria is a magical gem for a staycation
A small magical town with spectacular views of mountains is hidden behind the famous Lake District. Just along the seashore are some of the loveliest villages such as the Bardsea. The magical town is known for its high mountains and calming coastline, perfect for hiking and admiring the countryside and landscapes.
The small town has a population of 13,000 people, and with its main attraction being the Lake District nearby, Ulverston gets the odd tourist wondering what this fairy-like town is all about and the small treasures it gives its residents. From London, it takes just over five hours to get to Ulverston by car, and just under three and a half hours by train.
There’s a range of food and drinks that you can indulge in on your travels. From old barns turned into bars or restaurants such as the Old Farmhouse which sells traditional British food and drinks, and the Stan Laurel Inn which reminds you of the pub you’ll see in Emmerdale with a cosy fire pit to snug up to. Feel free to take a trip down and have their signature steak pie at the Manor House which is rated on Trip Advisor as the top pub to visit in Ulverston.
Or, if you want something more multicultural than a bistro that offers Mediterranean tapas. From a selection of sharing plates, with seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes there’s a choice for every taste bud. You may be surprised by the size of these restaurant venues, but the quality of food would be incomparable.
Annually, the area hangs flags from the shops and businesses in the town centre to celebrate the spring. This is also at the same time as the Lantern festival, where lights take on the streets of the town. This is believed to be for celebrating the spring season.
The annual Dickensian festival which once was described as “probably the best Dickensian Christmas market in the country” takes place this year from 29th November to the 30th. Many dress up in the era of Charles Dickens and enjoy the amazing friendly atmosphere on the streets where musicians, magicians, fire eaters and many other entertainers perform.
There’s also so much history when it comes to the area. The limestone outcrops of Birkrigg Common are the earliest signs of human life which dates back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. In the past, the Furness Peninsula was covered with trees which over the centuries created space for farms, fields and woodlands that we can experience today.
The Hoad Monument is one of the most popular ventures to walk up and explore. One visitor rated it four stars and wrote on Trip Advisor: “Well worth the walk up. I went up on my own in the morning. Plenty of benches on the way up so you can sit and get your breath back and take in the stunning views. Went up the step way and walked back down the other way which takes you through the countryside. Later that day I went up again with my husband.”
There are also smaller gems around Cumbria such as Bardsea, which is a village that sits on the coast, showing an enlightening view looking at Heysham and Morecambe. Newbridge is onwards the end of the Lake Windermere which gives views right into the middle of the Lake District. Right next to this is Haverthwaite which has the famous Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam railway where you’re able to get regular steamer services.
The website says: “Festival-happy Ulverston knows how to celebrate events. The party capital of Furness hosts a series of specialist events throughout the year, where visitors also get the chance to sample the town’s wonderful collection of cosy pubs, traditional markets and cultural hotspots. Surrounding the town is the gently rolling farmland of the Furness Peninsula. Along the seashore are some lovely coastal villages; Bardsea, Baycliff, Aldingham and Newbiggin, these all have stunning views over Morecambe Bay.”
It added: “Ulverston’s cafés, bars and restaurants reflect this truly unique, festival market town and wherever possible the menus use both local and seasonal produce. Enter a different world of quirky cafés with certificates of excellence, selling homemade concoctions of oils, spices pickles and all manner of other curiosities.”
