Ford Park
1 / 10

Ford Park

4.6
·731 reviews·, United Kingdom

A charming park with a walled garden, cafe, and a rewarding climb to the Hoad Monument offering panoramic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Ford Park

Ford Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming park with a walled garden, cafe, and a rewarding climb to the Hoad Monument offering panoramic views.

4.6
(731 reviews)

"Outstanding views of Ulverston and beyond from the Hoad Monument."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk to the Hoad Monument

The climb offers amazing views! Wear comfy shoes.

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy a coffee and snack in the lovely walled garden.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walled Garden & Cafe

Walled Garden & Cafe

End of the park

A charming, tranquil walled garden with a delightful cafe. Perfect for a peaceful break.

Hoad Monument Walk

Hoad Monument Walk

At the back of the park

An energetic climb to the monument offers outstanding panoramic views of Ulverston and beyond.

Outdoor Gym & Play Area

Outdoor Gym & Play Area

Main park area

Modern play equipment for younger children and an outdoor gym for fitness enthusiasts.

Wildflower Section

Wildflower Section

Designated area

A beautiful, vibrant section dedicated to wildflowers, adding a splash of natural color.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Ford Park offers a mix of gardens, play areas, and walking trails. To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings. The outdoor gym and play areas are popular with families, so consider visiting outside peak school hours for a more relaxed stroll.

Navigating Ford Park's Amenities

This park boasts a lovely walled garden with a cafe and trails leading to the Hoad Monument. Plan your visit to include time for exploring these distinct areas. Handy parking is available through the main gates.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (outside school hours)
Why
Play areas less busy
Crowd
Medium
When
Clear days
Why
Best views from monument
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk to the Hoad Monument

The climb offers amazing views! Wear comfy shoes. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy a coffee and snack in the lovely walled garden. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Zones

Designated areas for dogs off-lead and for children ensure everyone enjoys the park. Reddit

🤸‍♀️ Kids' Play Paradise

New play equipment is a hit with children of all ages. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk to the Hoad Monument

The climb offers amazing views! Wear comfy shoes. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy a coffee and snack in the lovely walled garden. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Zones

Designated areas for dogs off-lead and for children ensure everyone enjoys the park. Reddit

🤸‍♀️ Kids' Play Paradise

New play equipment is a hit with children of all ages. Reddit

🚗 Convenient Parking

Easy parking available when entering through the main gates. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(731 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ford Park is a beloved local gem, praised for its charming walled garden, cafe, and the invigorating walk to the Hoad Monument offering stunning views. Families rave about the new play equipment, and dog owners appreciate the designated off-lead areas. While generally well-loved, some visitors might find the climb to the monument strenuous.

"Great little old school garden place nice small cafe right next to if then for the hill walker the hoad light house 🏠 at the back with outstanding views of ulverston and beyond"

Graham Whittle

"Lovely little park. Outdoor gym and play area. At the end of the park is a lovely walled garden that you can walk around, and there is a cafe. Carry on ahead and walk up to the monument if you are feeling energetic. Great views on a clear day, we managed to spot Blackpool Tower."

Lesley Sinclair

"Great park and venue for Midfest. Good walk to top of Hode"

Eric Earnshaw

What People Like

Lovely walled garden
Hoad Monument views
New play equipment

What People Dislike

Strenuous monument climb

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ford Park is located in Ulverston. It's easily accessible by car, with handy parking available through the main gates. Public transport options may be available to Ulverston town center, followed by a short walk to the park. Reddit

Yes, there is convenient parking available when you enter the park through the big gates. Reddit

If you are in Ulverston town, Ford Park is within walking distance. The park itself is also a great starting point for walks, including the climb to the Hoad Monument. Reddit

While specific accessibility details for all areas aren't detailed, the main park paths and the walled garden are generally accessible. The climb to the Hoad Monument involves stairs. Reddit

Ulverston town center has bus and train services. From there, it's a pleasant walk to Ford Park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ford Park is generally a free public park. There are no admission fees mentioned for general entry. Reddit

As a public park, Ford Park is typically open from dawn till dusk. Specific opening hours for the cafe or any ticketed events would need to be checked separately. Reddit

The walled garden is part of Ford Park and is usually accessible without an additional fee. Reddit

Ford Park has been a venue for events like Midfest. It's best to check local listings or the park's official channels for upcoming events. Reddit

Information on booking Ford Park or its facilities for private events is not readily available in general reviews, but inquiries can likely be made through local council or park management. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Ford Park offers a variety of activities including exploring a walled garden with a cafe, walking up to the Hoad Monument for views, enjoying the children's play area, and using the outdoor gym. There's also a lovely wildflower section. Reddit

Absolutely! Families love the new play equipment and the safe environment. Parents can easily supervise children playing. Reddit

Yes, Ford Park is dog-friendly and has designated areas for dogs off-lead, ensuring a good experience for both pets and other visitors. Reddit

On a clear day, the views from the Hoad Monument are outstanding, offering panoramic sights of Ulverston and beyond, including landmarks like Blackpool Tower. Reddit

Yes, there is a nice small cafe located within the lovely walled garden area of Ford Park. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The walled garden offers picturesque scenes, especially with its wildflowers. The panoramic views from the Hoad Monument on a clear day are also spectacular for photography. Reddit

The wildflower section and the general greenery of the park make it a pleasant spot for nature photography, particularly during blooming seasons. Reddit

Yes, the Hoad Monument is a prominent landmark and a popular subject for photography, both up close and from a distance with the surrounding landscape. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. Clear days are essential for capturing the best views from the Hoad Monument. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted in public parks. For commercial photography or specific events, it's advisable to check with park management. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ford Park is a fantastic destination for families. The new play equipment is a major draw, keeping children entertained for hours. Parents will appreciate the safe and open spaces for kids to run around and play, with good visibility from most areas. The nearby cafe is perfect for grabbing snacks and drinks. Reddit

Consider visiting during weekday mornings or after school hours to avoid the busiest times at the playground. The park also offers a pleasant walk to the Hoad Monument, which older children might enjoy as an adventure. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers

For those who enjoy a good walk, the climb to the Hoad Monument is a must. It's a moderately challenging ascent that rewards you with spectacular panoramic views. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially on warmer days. Reddit

Beyond the monument, the park itself offers pleasant walking paths, including through the charming walled garden. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the different sections of Ford Park and its surroundings. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Ford Park is a great spot for dog walkers, with designated areas for dogs off-lead. This ensures that both dog owners and other park visitors can enjoy their time comfortably. The open green spaces are perfect for your furry friends to stretch their legs. Reddit

Remember to be mindful of other park users and keep your dog under control, especially in shared areas. The walk up to the Hoad Monument can also be a good outing for well-behaved dogs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Hoad Monument

The Hoad Monument, also known as the Sir John Barrow Monument, is a prominent landmark perched on a hill overlooking Ulverston. A walk up to the monument is a must-do for many visitors. It's a moderately energetic climb, rewarding those who make the effort with outstanding panoramic views of the town, Morecambe Bay, and on clear days, even Blackpool Tower can be spotted. The monument itself is a replica of the Eddystone Lighthouse and offers a unique historical and visual experience. Reddit

Visitors often describe the walk as invigorating and the views as breathtaking. It's recommended to wear comfortable footwear for the ascent. The monument is a fantastic spot for photography, capturing both the structure and the expansive landscape. Plan to spend some time at the top to fully appreciate the scenery. Reddit

The Charm of the Walled Garden and Cafe

Nestled within Ford Park is a lovely walled garden, offering a serene escape from the more active areas of the park. This tranquil space is perfect for a peaceful stroll, surrounded by carefully tended plants and flowers. Adjacent to the garden is a nice small cafe, providing a convenient spot to relax and refuel. Visitors often praise the cafe for its pleasant atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy refreshments amidst beautiful surroundings. Reddit

This area is ideal for those seeking a quieter experience, perhaps with a book or simply to enjoy the ambiance. The combination of the charming garden and the accessible cafe makes it a popular spot for visitors of all ages. It’s a testament to the park’s ability to cater to diverse preferences, from active exploration to gentle relaxation. Reddit

Family Fun at Ford Park

Ford Park is a hit with families, largely thanks to its modern play equipment and spacious green fields. The park has been updated with new play structures that children absolutely love, ensuring hours of entertainment. Parents appreciate that the layout allows for easy supervision, so they can watch their children play while still being able to relax. Reddit

Beyond the playground, the park offers open spaces for running around and picnics. The designated areas for dogs and children also contribute to a harmonious environment for all visitors. The presence of the cafe nearby means parents can easily grab a drink or snack while the kids play. Reddit

You may also like