Ulverston - Laurel's Lakeland Town

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Ulverston, with Explorers following Stan Laurel's clues after he has hidden an unreleased Laurel & Hardy film somewhere in town, all to track down the missing masterpiece.

The quest covers 2.4 miles and should take around 2.5+ hours to complete. You'll start in County Square at Coronation Hall, known locally as 'The Coro', explore the centre of town, pass through Smith's Court, head towards Hoad Hill and Ford Park, then loop back to County Square where the search continues.

This Trail is suitable for pushchairs, but not suitable for wheelchairs. The route goes along pavements and paths, with a sloped pathway, a path with steps or a slope, a gate and one street with only one pavement.

There are some crossings of main roads, including a traffic-light crossing, so keep Mini Explorers close and take care around busier stretches. After Clue 13, there is an optional detour of 0.5 mile up Hoad Hill to the Monument, which is well worth climbing on a clear day for spectacular views.

Getting There

By car: Begin your treasure hunt in County Square at Coronation Hall, known locally as 'The Coro' (LA12 7LZ). The nearest parking to the start point is Theatre Street (LA12 7AU). Stockbridge Lane (LA12 7BE) is a cheaper parking option further out.

By public transport: Make your way to County Square at Coronation Hall, known locally as 'The Coro' (LA12 7LZ), to begin the quest. The circular route returns to County Square where you began.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets can be found at The Gill car park around Clue 09, making this a handy comfort stop during your film-finding expedition.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the adventure. 🐾

The route follows pavements and paths, with main road crossings, one street with only one pavement, a gate and a path with steps or a slope. Keep canine companions close around traffic and busier town stretches, and be ready for an extra climb if you tackle the optional detour up Hoad Hill.

Food & Drink Stops

Tracking down an unreleased Laurel & Hardy masterpiece calls for proper provisions. There are plenty of places to pick up supplies near the centre of town, and there are great pub stops along the route too.

If you're packing your own treasure-hunting rations, Hoad Hill around Clue 13 or Ford Park around Clue 14 are recommended picnic spots.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Laurel & Hardy Museum at the Roxy Cinema

For Explorers chasing Stan Laurel's missing film, this is a perfectly themed extra. The Roxy Cinema is home to the Laurel & Hardy Museum, which first opened in 1983, outgrew its original home and moved here in 2009. Check out the museum and some of the films once your own screen-worthy quest is wrapped up.

Hoad Hill and the Sir John Barrow Monument

After Clue 13, an optional scenic detour of 0.5 mile takes you up Hoad Hill to the Sir John Barrow Monument. On a clear day, the climb is rewarded with spectacular views. The route's Location Intel also reveals that Ulverston was isolated for many centuries by the treacherous sands of Morecambe Bay, before access improved after Britain's shortest, straightest and deepest canal was built in 1796 and then the arrival of the railway in 1857.

Ford Park

The route goes through Ford Park, making it an easy place to slow the adventure down for a picnic around Clue 14. Tiptoe past the buildings, unpack the supplies and let your crew recharge before continuing the hunt.

Smith's Court

Smith's Court gives Explorers a glimpse of older Ulverston. It is one of the few remaining alleyways typical of the town's conditions in the 19th century, when small cottages and workshops were packed tightly together. Keep a lookout for the Town Gaol along here too.