Ulverston is an historic market town. It was awarded a Market Charter in 1280 by Edward 1. Ulverston Town Council celebrates this event every year with the Charter Fortnight Festival which is held during the first two weeks in September.

The architecture is predominantly of Georgian style, and the cobbled main street is lined on either side by attractive buildings. The town centre is in a conservation area. The War Memorial is at the top of Market Street and honours residents of Ulverston and district who fell in the First and Second World Wars. The town is a market town. It has an livestock auction mart adjacent to the Canal, and has two street markets which are held every Thursday and Saturday.

Some famous people that were associated with Ulverston are

Stan Laurel who was born in Ulverston in 1890 of the famous Laurel and Hardy Films a museum is located in the town in his memory.

Lord Birkett Born in Ulverston he presided over the Nuremberg War Trials.

Sir John Barrow Born in Ulverston Second Secretary to the Admiralty.

George Fox lived in Ulverston he formed the Quaker movement.