Ulverston's Laurel and Hardy Museum keeps Stan Laurel's hometown laughing

Ulverston has a claim to fame that brings visitors from all over the world. Stan Laurel was born in the town in 1890, and the Laurel and Hardy Museum has been celebrating him and his comedy partner Oliver Hardy for decades.

The museum began as the private collection of its founder, Bill Cubin, a devoted fan who opened it to the public in 1983. Today it is run by his grandson, Mark Greenhow, who is owner and curator.

In 2009 the museum moved into the Roxy, a cinema that first opened in 1937. The building's 1930s character suits the collection perfectly, and the Roxy is also home to other local businesses, including a gym and a production company.

The collection is described as probably the largest dedicated to Laurel and Hardy in the world, with memorabilia covering the pair's long career on stage and screen.

One of the most charming features is a small working cinema with around 15 seats, where classic Laurel and Hardy films play continuously. It is a lovely way to introduce a new generation to the duo's timeless slapstick.

The museum's place in British heritage was recognised in spring 2025, when it was featured by the Museums Association, which highlighted the scale of the collection and the family story behind it.

A visit pairs well with a wander around Ulverston itself, where a statue of the pair stands in the town centre and the streets are full of independent shops and cafés. The town also sits close to the southern Lake District and the Furness peninsula.

For fans, the appeal is the sheer depth of the collection and the affection with which it has been gathered over three generations of one family. For newcomers, it is a joyful introduction to two of the greatest double acts in film history, and to the market town where Stan Laurel was born.

Visitor reviews regularly describe the museum as informative and fun. Anyone planning a trip can check current opening arrangements through the museum and Ulverston's visitor information before setting off.