Great Urswick, with its two characterful pubs and restaurant, is a hidden gem, a lovely village just two miles to the south of Ulverston. Along with its neighbour, Little Urswick, they lie on opposite sides of the same tarn. The tarn is a wonderful wildlife habitat with a whole host of water birds occupying its sheltered corner. Birkrigg Stone Circle is one of several prehistoric settlement sites in the surrounding countryside. Locally, the start of the Haematite and Cumbrian Way footpaths can be found. Nearby Ulverston is an ancient market town, which still holds a street market every Thursday and Saturday. Facilities include a wide range of shops, pubs and restaurants, a cinema and a leisure centre. All of the attractions of the Lake District National Park are easily reached. The Furness Coast boasts sandy beaches and good birdwatching. Windermere and Coniston are within easy reach, and nearby family attractions include the Haverthwaite and Lakeside Steam Railway, the South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Muncaster Castle and the Aquarium of the Lakes.
