Ulverston Accommodation

The Rather Gothic Conishead Priory near Ulverston

Ulverston Tourist Information Conishead Priory Cumbria UK

Cistercian Monks were particularly active in the Lake District Peninsula and they've left their mark also with the beautiful Furness Abbey and Piel Castle. Check out Conishead Priory in Cartmel.

Conishead Priory, now a Buddhist Retreat near Ulverston

Conishead Priory as it exists today dates from the 19th century, and is currently a Buddhist centre, defined as 'The Mother Centre of the New Kadampa Tradition'. If you fancy a bit of Tantra check out their website below. It's also a 'mother' of gargantuan Gothic architecture! The current 19th century structure stands on the ruins of a 12th century Augustinian priory, in contrast to the nearby Cistercian Furness Priory.

Apparently there was quite a bit of religious rivalry between the two groups. It started as a hospital in 1160, achieving priory status in 1188. Conishead won the day in 1338 however when Edward II gave it a royal charter, ensuring that Conishead rather than Furness got all the dosh!.

Dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1537 pushed it into favoured private hands. More recently it's been a hotel, and was purchased by the current owners in 1976. There's a rather nice 'World Peace Caf�' on-site. Pop upstairs for a bit of meditation.

Manjushri Centre, Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQ, England. Tel +44 (0) 1229 584029

The Industrial Revolution - Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Newby Bridge & Gleaston Water Mill

Stott Park Bobbin Mill, dating from 1835, has been preserved largely intact and was integral to the cotton spinning and weaving industry in Lancashire, providing wooden bobbins. At one time it made a _ million bobbins per week. It kept running until plastic bobbins established their monopoly in the early 1970s.

This bobbin mill is a marvel, as it's completely working and preserved, retaining all Victorian quirks and workings! There's also a working steam engine operated by guides on the designated days of Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Inclusive in entrance is a fascinating 45 minute tour, which includes not just detailed knowledge of the workings of machinery, but also stories of the people that worked here. An accompanying exhibition explores the history further, plus there's a small shop and it's all set in beautiful country context so take your picnics with you.

Opening times: 1 Apr to 30 Sept 10am-6pm, 1 to 31 Oct 10am-5pm. Admission Adult �3.80, concs. �2.90, Children �1.90, family �9.50

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