Ulverston (about 9 miles away) is a pretty town with a brilliant selection of independent shops and a strong tradition of local arts and crafts.

Market Street is a long cobbled street full of lovely unusual shops to browse in.  Here’s a short post about it.

There’s plenty to see and take part in at different times of the year.  A selection:

St George’s Day celebrations on 23 April when there is often a street theatre show and free events.  Ulverston Walking Festival usually runs for the first two weeks in May – guided walks in the Ulverston area and often further afield.  Flag Fortnight also runs for the first two weeks in May – a fantastic array of flags, bunting and banners hung from buildings.  Printfest is an annual art event usually held in May at the Coronation Hall dedicated solely to the exhibition and sale of original contemporary print by artists from all around the UK.   www.printfest.uk  The Spring Buddhist Festival at Conishead Priory takes place over the last weekend in May with the summer festival during the last week in July and first in August www.manjushri.org  Ulverston International Music Festival is organised by internationally acclaimed concert pianist and Ulverstonian, Anthony Hewitt, and brings together some of the finest musicians in Europe.  The festival takes place in June.  www.ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk  Carnival Day is always the first Saturday in July with fun for the family.  Furness Festival of Tradition is a July weekend of folk music, song and dance performances around the town. www.furnesstradition.org.uk  North Lonsdale Agricultural Show takes place on the last Wednesday in July at the Bardsea Show Ground featuring classes for cows and sheep plus many equestrian events www.ulverstonandnorthlonsdaleshow.com  Ulverston holds a Beer Festival in the Coronation Hall during the first weekend in September www.furness.camra.org.uk  Ulverston Charter Festival – an annual celebration during the first two weeks in September culminating in the well known Lantern Procession on the final Saturday evening. The well known Dickensian Christmas Festival takes place over the last weekend in November.  A wonderful free event with festive stalls, free entertainment, period costume competition and Christmas lights switch on. A leaflet can be downloaded from www.ulverstoncouncil.org.uk  detailing all the town’s events.