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Barrow-in-Furness Morecambe Bay

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Barrow-in-Furness

With the sea on three sides and the Lakes on the other, the bustling Victorian town of Barrow-in-Furness makes the most of its enviable location. There’s some great walking and cycling routes that start in the town centre, whose wide streets lined with impressive sandstone buildings are evidence of the town’s 19th century prosperity as one of the country’s major shipbuilding centres.

Barrow-in-Furness enjoys a stunning coastline and takes in two estuaries. With impressive coastal views you just have to stop for a while to take in the sheer expanse of Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary.

Things to do

Where to start? You are spoilt for choice with attractions, indoor and out, in Barrow-in-Furness.

Learn about the fascinating history of the town’s industrial and maritime past at the Dock Museum, which is free to visit and has a great outdoor adventure playground. Barrow also has a wealth of heritage buildings including Piel Castle, an imposing Victorian town hall, and Barrow Park.

Stay a while longer and enjoy some retail therapy. Barrow’s indoor market is one of the largest in Cumbria and featured on the Hairy Bikers Go North BBC2 series. The town centre is home to a vibrant array of quirky independent retailers who offer a friendly welcome and helpful customer service.

There's also a vibrant array of nature and wildlife to enjoy. A visit to Walney Island is a must: it's home to the North and South Walney Nature Reserves, the latter of which is home to Cumbria's only grey seal colony. It's also a great place for bird watching.

From Walney head along the north-western peninsula to Roanhead beach and sand dunes, alongside the Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve. A sun-trap on a bright day, families will love exploring the natural world and playing hide and seek among the dunes.

Culture & Heritage

Barrow can trace its heritage back thousands of years. It's Viking legacy can be seen in placenames like North Scale (from ‘skali' - Norse for summer dwelling), Biggar (from ‘bygg gar' meaning barley field) and Roa (red island). The name ‘Furness’ is derived from ‘Far Ness’ (or ‘distant headland’) – its remoteness being one of the main reasons why the monks chose to build an abbey here.

The establishment of Furness Abbey in 1127 had a major impact on the area. By the early 13th century, it was the second largest monastery in England. Piel Castle was also used by the monks as a warehouse to store grain and wool prior to shipment overseas.

For centuries Furness was part of Lancashire and being an isolated northern outpost it was left quietly undisturbed until the mid-19th century. The arrival of the Furness Railway in 1846 made it much easier to transport iron ore and slate out of the area. Within 40 years, Barrow went from being a small village on a remote headland to a large industrial town with railway, docks, iron/steelworks and a thriving shipyard.

Barrow’s growth was really down to the efforts of three men: local iron ore magnate Henry Schneider, Furness Railway Company general manager James Ramsden and Lord Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire, who put up most of the money.

Ramsden had the notion of using Barrow's steel to build ships and with money invested by the railway company and the Duke of Devonshire, the Barrow Shipbuilding Company was formed in 1871. Two years later the company launched its first sailing vessel and started building ships for clients all over the world. Over 1000 vessels, from warships to oil tankers and passenger liners, have been built here since 1873.

In 1897 the shipyard and engineering works were taken over by Vickers who ran it for nearly a century. The Company developed the model estate of Vickerstown on Walney in the early 1900s to provide homes for shipyard workers, complete with shops, churches, a farm and a park. At around the same time, a bridge was opened to link Walney with Barrow (re-named Jubilee Bridge in 1935).

Today, the steel industry has disappeared but shipbuilding is still at the economic core of the town with BAE Systems continuing to build submarines for the Royal Navy in the huge Devonshire Dock Hall that dominates the southern part of the town.

Surrounding Areas

Askam-in-Furness - Askam and Ireleth are villages just outside of Barrow.

Dalton-in-Furness - In medieval times Dalton was the administrative centre of Furness, with strong links to nearby Furness Abbey.

Walney Island - The Furness Peninsula is capped by Walney Island - a curving ‘whale tail' that has protected Barrow from the sea for centuries.

Did you know?

THE BARROW BLITZ

During World War II, Barrow was targeted by the Germans because of its ability to build warships and submarines. In May 1941 the Luftwaffe launched a mighty bombardment aimed at the shipyard and steelworks, which were left relatively unscathed. Instead, thousands of homes were either destroyed or damaged.

HOUSEWIFE, 49

Victoria Wood’s compelling drama ‘Housewife, 49’ charts the daily life of a Barrow housewife and mother through her diaries, written during the Second World War. The film won two BAFTA awards for the actress, comedian and writer.

DALTON CASTLE

The castle, built by Furness Abbey in the 14th-century as a courthouse and prison, was also used as a refuge for Dalton townsfolk and livestock during Scottish raids.

FURNESS ABBEY

Founded in 1127 Furness Abbey was one of the wealthiest Cistercian abbeys in England until it was ‘dissolved' by Henry VIII in 1537. Its treasures were removed, the lead stripped from the roof and the walls partly demolished to leave the ruins standing testimony to the Abbey's former glory days.

'LEADING LIGHTS'

The tall structure on the beach at Rampside is one of 13 ‘leading lights’ that were erected between 1850 and 1870 to guide ships through the Walney Channel. After being threatened with demolition, the brick-built ‘lighthouse’ is the only one of its kind and still flashes a light to ships at sea.

PIEL CASTLE

This 14th century stronghold on Piel Island, built by Furness Abbey as a warehouse to store grain and wool, was also the centre of a lucrative trade in smuggling organised by the monks. In 1487 the castle was invaded by Lambert Simnel and his followers as part of their abortive attempt to seize the crown from Henry VII. On the island is the Ship Inn where the landlord, known as the ‘King of Piel', can bestow the title ‘Knight of Piel Island' on visitors.

Highlights

RLPO presents – Philharmonic Tracks 2027

Discover symphonic sounds up close and personal, as musicians from the Orchestra dive into…

RLPO presents – Epic Worlds in Concert: Music of Films and Video Games

From the silver screen to legendary gaming worlds, experience unforgettable music that's shaped…

The Dock Museum

Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the…

St Mary the Virgin and St Michael, Great Urswick

St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly…

Bootleg Blondie

Following their sold out performance in January 2026, Bootleg Blondie returns to Barrow Town Hall!

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

Get ready, Barrow! As this Christmas, your fairy tale pantomime adventure returns as Sleeping…

RLPO presents – Beethoven in Barrow

Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan brings our Beethoven Celebrations to Barrow with a concert that's…

Abbey House Hotel & Gardens

A Premium Hotel & Wedding Venue based in Barrow in Furness in Cumbria. Set in 14 acres of private…

King Alfred Hotel

The King Alfred Hotel on Walney is a thriving community pub with 10 en-suite bedrooms. With rooms…

South Walney Nature Reserve

South Walney isolated position on the southern tip of Walney Island makes it a special place for…

Sleeping With Beauty Adult Pantomime

Forget the fairy tale you remember. This is the adults-only version, bursting with outrageous…

RLPO presents – Dementia Friendly Concert: An Invitation to Dance

Join presenter Claire Henry and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians for a concert…

Celine – My Heart Will Go On

Step into the world of Celine Dion like never before with My Heart Will Go On, a breathtaking…

The Dunes Hotel

40 comfortable bedrooms, breakfast available daily, free on-site parking and Coast Restaurant &…

RLPO presents – Reinventing Britten

Childhood and lullabies weave through this concert, which puts the spotlight on Benjamin Britten to…

Heaven Can Wait – The Meat Loaf Concert Experience

Heaven Can Wait returns with a spectacular, high-octane production celebrating the 50th Anniversary…

St Mary's Christmas Concert

Join St Mary's Hospice Christmas Concert for a night of joy, a special festive celebration bringing…

St Cuthbert, Aldingham

Aldingham church hugs the Cumbrian side of Morecambe Bay and is open to the wild beauty of the Bay,…

Upbeat Beatles

Celebrate 30 years of Up-Beatlemania with The Upbeat Beatles as they bring their special 30th…

A Foreigners Journey

Featuring the incredible vocals and stage presence of Adam J Oades, and cherry picking the very…

RLPO presents – Under-5s Concert: Prehistoric Party

We're heading back through the musical mists of time to meet everyone's favourite prehistoric pals……

Express Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes

Express Bar & Lounge serving International cuisine, ranging from pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches…

CHRIS DIFFORD: An Intimate Evening of Stories and Songs with the Co-Founder of Squeeze

Armed with a new book, for an evening of classic hits, hilarious conversation and readings from the…

Logan Paul Murphy

Following his sell out show in June 2026, Logan Paul Murphy is back at Barrow Town Hall with his…

Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of

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A Foreigners Journey

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Featuring the incredible vocals and stage presence of Adam J Oades, and cherry picking the very best and most iconic songs from each of the two bands, to create a carefully balanced set- list, including bonafide rock classics.

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South Walney Nature Reserve

Address

Coastguard Cottages, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3YQ

Telephone
01229 471066

mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org

Barrow-in-Furness

South Walney isolated position on the southern tip of Walney Island makes it a special place for wildlife and people. It is a haven for bird life, many of which nest on the shingle beaches in the spring. No dogs allowed because of risk to wildlife.

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Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes

Address

Holiday Inn Express Barrow-in-Furness, an IHG Hotel, Market St, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LE

Telephone
01229 444600

reservations@hiexbarrowinfurness.co.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Bright, modern hotel in the heart of Barrow in Furness with free WI-FI and breakfast included..

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Tourism For All

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Sleeping With Beauty Adult Pantomime

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Forget the fairy tale you remember. This is the adults-only version, bursting with outrageous innuendo, shameless double entendres, and enough cheek to make even the Fairy Godmother ask you to behave.

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RLPO presents – Bolt's War

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

An evening of music inspired by remembrance, resilience and hope, centred on the remarkable story of local composer and music director Alan Bolt.

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St Mary the Virgin and St Michael, Great Urswick

Address

Church Road, Great Urswick, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0TA

Ulverston

St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly carved crosses were found on the site and are now on display in the church.
The building's history is palpable and its setting is peaceful. Clues to…

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ADHD Unfiltered with Hester Grainger

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

ADHD Unfiltered is packed with laugh out loud stories, accurate observations and audience interaction, putting words to the everyday realities of life with an ADHD brain. From overthinking and impulsivity, to masking, burnout and the relief of…

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Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Get ready, Barrow! As this Christmas, your fairy tale pantomime adventure returns as Sleeping Beauty arrives at Barrow Town Hall, bringing a burst of magic, mischief, and full-on pantomime chaos.

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King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

With nearly 7,000 performances across 27 countries in 40 years, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys are one of the world's leading jump, jive and swing bands.

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RLPO presents – Philharmonic Tracks 2027

Address

Barrow Library, Ramsden Square, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1LL

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Discover symphonic sounds up close and personal, as musicians from the Orchestra dive into orchestral blockbusters, familiar favourites, some new discoveries – plus a few special surprises!

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RLPO presents – Under-5s Concert: Prehistoric Party

Address

Barrow Library, Ramsden Square, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1LL

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

We're heading back through the musical mists of time to meet everyone's favourite prehistoric pals… Together with presenter Claire Henry and musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Logan Paul Murphy

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Following his sell out show in June 2026, Logan Paul Murphy is back at Barrow Town Hall with his only show in Barrow in 2027!

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CHRIS DIFFORD: An Intimate Evening of Stories and Songs with the Co-Founder of Squeeze

Address

Barrow Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Armed with a new book, for an evening of classic hits, hilarious conversation and readings from the book itself.

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Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote comes to Barrow with an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode "Paint Me a Murder". Jessica Fletcher visits the island hideaway of an artist friend, but soon there's a murder that…

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King Alfred Hotel

Address

King Alfred Hotel, Ocean Rd, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3DX

Telephone
01229 471775

kingalfred@dorbiere.co.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

The King Alfred Hotel on Walney is a thriving community pub with 10 en-suite bedrooms. With rooms overlooking Walney Channel we are greatly situated for midweek contractors to anyone looking for a weekend get away with a difference. Walney Island…

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Abbey House Hotel & Gardens

Address

Abbey House Hotel & Gardens, Abbey Rd, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0PA

Telephone
01229 838282

enquiries@abbeyhousehotel.com

Barrow-in-Furness

A Premium Hotel & Wedding Venue based in Barrow in Furness in Cumbria. Set in 14 acres of private woodland and gardens with 59 beautifully decorated rooms with a rosette acclaimed Bar & Restaurant, Oscar's. It's one of the Lake Districts hidden gems…

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The Dock Museum

Address

The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2PW

Telephone
01229 876400

dockmuseum@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area. The museum is a great day out for all with a popular playground, attractive Channelside walks, cafe…

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RLPO presents – Beethoven in Barrow

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan brings our Beethoven Celebrations to Barrow with a concert that's bold, vibrant and buzzing with life to mark 200 years since the composer's death.

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RLPO presents – Dementia Friendly Concert: An Invitation to Dance

Address

Barrow Library, Ramsden Square, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1LL

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Join presenter Claire Henry and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians for a concert inspired by dance. This performance has been designed to be informal, engaging and enjoyable for people living with dementia, along with their friends,…

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RLPO presents – Reinventing Britten

Address

Barrow Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Childhood and lullabies weave through this concert, which puts the spotlight on Benjamin Britten to mark the 50th anniversary of his death.

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Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

THE BARROW BLITZ

HOUSEWIFE, 49

DALTON CASTLE

FURNESS ABBEY

'LEADING LIGHTS'

PIEL CASTLE

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