About Ulverston

The town of Ulverston has a population of 11,800, based on 2021 census data. The Ulverston LA12 post code covers a considerably larger geographic area than just the town, and includes over 50 villages and hamlets, ranging from Gleaston and Scales in the south of the Furness Peninsula, up to Water Yeat and Nibthwaite on the shores of Coniston. Ulverston has a Town Council, with elected councillors representing four Wards, and many of the surrounding villages have their own Parish Councils.

The whole area has a rich heritage of traditional Lakeland agriculture, early rural industries (bobbin making, swill basket making, coppicing, charcoal burning, mills and tanneries), quarrying and mining (slate, limestone, iron ore), ironworks, shipbuilding, and trade by sea via Greenodd, Ulverston canal and piers, and Roa Island. 

Ulverston town centre has a friendly traditional feel, with a cobbled main street, independent shops, fantastic small pubs, and an indoor market hall. Outdoor markets take place in Market Street on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Supermarkets on the edge of the town include Booths, M&S, and Aldi. There are active business parks, mainly on the south side of the town, hosting a number of successful hi-tech companies, such as Oxley, Siemens, Marl, Orcina, Tritech, and Forge.

The main public hall is on County Square, and is known as “The Coro”. There are many other village and community halls throughout the area. The Roxy Cinema is very popular, and films still stop half-way through for an interval, when you can buy ice cream. There is a swimming pool and leisure centre in Priory Road.  

Ford Park, the Sir John Barrow Monument on Hoad Hill, and Birkrigg Common are popular leisure and walking places. Swarthmoor Hall is the birthplace of the Quaker movement, and Conishead Priory is a major Buddhist centre. The LA12 post code covers part of the Lake District National Park, and includes some spectacular outdoor locations, ideal for walking and cycling. The 70 mile Cumbria Way footpath starts in Ulverston at The Gill, and passes through the Lake District to Carlisle.