Things to do in Ulverston on a rainy day…

The Lake District is renowned for its wet weather, with rainy days often being the norm! Although we encourage you not to let the rain put you off, here are some indoor attractions in and around Ulverston for the days when heavy rain is really spoiling your outdoor plans… 

  • Stott Park Bobbin Mill

Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, around 20 minutes away from Ulverston town centre, the Stott Park Bobbin Mill is a popular indoor attraction built in 1835 and has produced millions of wooden bobbins over the centuries for Lancashire spinning and weaving industries. The mill is still operating today and is the oldest working bobbin mill left in the Lake District. The story of the Bobbin Mill is brought to life with tours and exhibits; visitors can watch bobbins being made on the original belt driven machinery. Children can take a step back in time and dress up as workers. Young boys were often drafted from workhouses to work in the mill often in arduous, dangerous conditions. Don’t leave your children unattended or they may be mistaken for workers!

  • Laurel and Hardy Museum

Ulverston is home to the world famous Laurel & Hardy Museum and is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the comedy pair. The museum began when owner Bill Cubin grew his collection of Laurel and Hardy memorabilia so large that he needed somewhere to display it all! The museum started out as little private showings in a quirky room before extending in 1983 and moving to the current site in 2009, ironically and suitably at a former 1930s cinema site! Ulverston was the birth town of Stan Laurel, making it a fitting area for the museum. Bills collection is believed to be the largest in the world including letters, photographs, personal items and furniture. The museum explores the history of Stan’s childhood in Ulverston alongside delving into the careers of the iconic duo through displays of Bills extensive collection. The attraction is still a popular site today and is situated in Roxy Cinema and ran by Bill Cubin’s family.

  • Lakes Glass Centre

The Lakes Glass Centre is the home of Cumbria Crystal, who manufacturer high quality full lead English Crystal supplying the precious glass to many of the UK’s most prestigious retailers. There is a factory shop where you can buy crystal products alongside the centre offering self-guided factory tours where you can watch the entire glass making process. Those taking a tour can have a look around one of the last working lead crystal factories and watch the 17-man team as they practice traditional glass making methods. The centre also offers the chance to go on a glass making experience course where you can blow your own glass!

  • Coronation Hall Theatre 

Locally known as ‘The Coro,’ the Coronation Hall Theatre is a magnificent 636 seat theatre in Ulverston offering excellent entertainment ranging from musical performances to theatre and opera. The building is a traditional theatre built at the beginning of the 20th century to commemorate the Coronation of King George V. The theatre is an ideal rainy day out and hosts events and showings throughout the year.