Swarthmoor Hall

There is no bar. There is no restaurant for evening meals. There are no televisions in the bedrooms. So, why choose Swarthmoor Hall? This Quaker mansion on the outskirts of Ulverston does not have the glitz and glam of a city centre hotel, which for many visitors is the reason behind much of its appeal. Instead, Swarthmoor Hall offers an idyllic retreat, somewhere that guests can escape to away from the humdrum of modern life in search of inner peace.

The hall was built in the Elizabethan era and played an important role in the founding of the Quaker movement, for it was here that George Fox, a dissenting preacher from Lancashire, began to host regular meetings with his first followers. The house soon became the nerve centre of the rapidly growing Quaker movement, and today, the house remains in ownership of the Society of Friends, AKA, the Quakers. The house offers a mixture of self-catered and B&B style accommodation, as well as hosting numerous courses, events, and pilgrimages that focus on issues of spirituality and the Quaker movement. Part of the historic house is also open for tours.

Accommodation

Swarthmoor Hall has a mixture of bed and breakfast style accommodation and self-catered accommodation. Not all of the accommodation is housed in the hall, with some being located in various outbuildings around the estate. Rooms are very basic, but immaculately presented with large windows that let in plenty of light. Standard single, twin, and double rooms are available, all with en-suite showers. It should be noted that toiletries are not provided. Superior double rooms have more space, with a small seating area, and many benefit from period features such as fireplaces. In addition, the B&B part of the hall has a ground floor suite with two twin rooms with a shared wet room shower, aimed at guests who have limited mobility. None of the rooms are equipped with televisions, however, all B&B guests have access to the shared living area where there is a lounge with a television, kitchen, and dining area. There is Wi-Fi available throughout the accommodation.

Alternatively, Swarthmoor Hall has a selection of self-catered accommodation available to hire for short or longer breaks. The Firbank Fell Suite has an open plan sleeping and lounge area with twin beds, en-suite shower, and kitchen area. The Hampsfell Suite is a fully accessible ground floor suite with two twin bedrooms and open plan living area with lounge, television, fully fitted kitchen, and dining room. The lounge area also has a sofa bed. The Wansfell Suite is the largest accommodation, situated within a detached house overlooking the grounds of the hall. There are four bedrooms in total. Three on the first floor (a double and two singles) all with en-suite facilities, and a fourth double bedroom on the ground floor with an en-suite. There is a spacious open plan living area with a fully fitted kitchen, dining table, and lounge.

Restaurants & Bars

Swarthmoor Hall does not have a restaurant or bar. There is a small café within the grounds that is open to members of the public. It is open Thursdays to Sundays from 10.30am to 4pm and serves a selection of hot drinks, sandwiches, and cakes.

For guests staying in the bed and breakfast portion of the hall, there is the option to include a “breakfast basket” for £7.50. The baskets are delivered to the shared kitchen area and include cereals, bread, jams, and fresh eggs to cook as you please. For evening meals, Ulverston town centre is a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive and here you will find a good number of pubs and restaurants.

Additional Facilities & Services

Swarthmoor Hall holds regular courses throughout the year on a range of topics that will interest those looking to delve deeper into issues of spirituality or learn more about the Quaker movement, including its fascinating history.

Given the role that that building has played in the establishment of the Society of Friends, the hall has some rooms open for visitors to tour and these are filled with interesting artefacts and period features. The opening hours are limited, particularly during the winter months. The hall also has a library with books available to borrow and there are large gardens that guests are free to explore.

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