On 13th September guests are welcome to visit our viewing platform within our working factory in Ulverston, Cumbria, and watch our artisans handcraft luxury crystalware. Exclusively on this day only, Cumbria Crystal’s CEO, Chris Blade, will lead two 30-minute talks (11.00 and 14.00) discussing the history of glassblowing and the heritage techniques we still use to this day. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and explore the finished pieces within the factory shop. The event is completely free, with free parking, suitable for all ages, dogs are welcome, and it is wheelchair accessible.
How does a handful of sand-like raw material become a luxury, crystal glass used by royalty, celebrities and film sets around the world? See firsthand how the incredible talent of our small team of craftspeople make this happen. Get up close and personal to glassblowing and glass cutting in action, with the chance to touch and see the sparkle and shine of a crystal glass.
Founded in 1976, Cumbria Crystal is rare in the heritage skills it still uses to craft crystalware making it completely handcrafted and British-made. We were delighted to recently to be crowned winners of the Makers and Producers Award at the 2023 Cumbria Tourism Awards. The factory can be found on the outskirts of Ulverston, alongside a shop where you can save up to 45% off regular prices. 121 glassblowing experiences are also available for a fee.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend reserving your free space by emailing shop@cumbriacrystal.com stating Heritage Open Day in the subject line and advising how many people are in your group and which talk you would like to attend (11.00 or 14.00). Our complimentary viewing platform is open Monday-Friday, 9-4pm during the Heritage Open Day Festival and beyond.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, says, “This is a fantastic opportunity to explore, celebrate, and enjoy England’s national heritage, and it’s wonderful that our players are helping to ensure Heritage Open Day events are accessible and free for all. In fact, Postcode Lottery players have now raised over £1.1 billion to support thousands of great causes, including this amazing event and many others run by the National Trust”.
