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The Hoad Monument – Ulverston

The Hoad Monument – Ulverston

The Hoad Monument is a 100-foot tower that stands on the summit of Hoad Hill, overlooking the town of Ulverston in Cumbria, England.

It is a Grade II* listed building and is one of the most prominent landmarks in the area.

The monument was built in 1850 by public subscription as a memorial to Sir John Barrow, a native of Ulverston who rose to become Second Secretary to the Admiralty.

Barrow was a staunch supporter of Arctic exploration and is credited with helping to launch the careers of many famous explorers, including Sir John Franklin and Sir John Ross.

The Hoad Monument is designed to resemble a lighthouse, although it never had a functional light. It is built of limestone quarried locally at Birkrigg Common and has a spiral staircase of 112 steps leading to a lantern chamber at the top. From the lantern chamber, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Ulverston, Morecambe Bay, and the surrounding countryside.

The Hoad Monument is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public on Sundays and Bank Holidays from April to October. It is also a popular spot for locals to walk and picnic.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Hoad Monument is also a valuable ecological site. The limestone cliffs and surrounding grassland are home to a variety of plants and animals, including several rare and endangered species.

How to get to the Hoad Monument

The Hoad Monument is located about a mile from Ulverston town centre. It can be reached on foot or by car. There is a car park at the foot of Hoad Hill, but it can be full on busy days.

If you are walking, there is a footpath that leads to the monument from the car park. The walk takes about 20 minutes and is relatively steep in places.

What to see and do at the Hoad Monument

The main attraction at the Hoad Monument is the tower itself. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the lantern chamber for stunning views of the surrounding area.