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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

Follow the Money

Follow the Money is a musical comedy based on the memories of women who were the frontline…

The Dock Museum

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

The Terminal (2004)

An Eastern European visitor becomes a resident of a New York airport terminal when a war breaks out…

BarrowFull

BarrowFull is an arts organisation led by Barrow-based partners with the aim of increasing…

South Walney Nature Reserve

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

Festive Quiz + Pie and Peas

Get your friends, family, or workmates together and join us in the beautiful Drawing Room at Barrow…

The Forum

You will find a diverse range of events and activities at The Forum, as we again aim to bring…

Furness Music Centre - In Time for Christmas

Following last year's sell out performance, FMC presents another concert filled with festive fun.

ARTIST LAB EXHIBITION

SIGNAL proudly presents its first major group exhibition in their newly refurbished gallery spaces.…

Wedding Open Day 3rd January 2026

Wedding Open Day

Abbey House Hotel & Gardens

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

Home Alone (1990)

An eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of…

Sinatra - The Spirit of Swing

The Spirit of Swing featuring Stevie Kay is the epitome of the UK's Frank Sinatra tribute scene.…

Jack Frost (1998)

Michael Keaton is a rock 'n roll dad who gets one last chance to fine-tune his life - and prove…

St Cuthbert, Aldingham

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

Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes

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

Bellwethers Exhibition

A multimedia exhibition at the Dock Museum from 5th December to 23rd February exploring local…

Sapeurs

A stunning piece of musical theatre which tells the real story of people who come to Barrow as…

Wildlife Tracking After Hours at South Walney Nature Reserve with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Have this special coastal nature reserve all to yourselves for an after-hours adventure! Track…

Santa's Grotto - The Forum

Make your child's Christmas wishes come true this year with a special visit to see Father Christmas…

Shipyard Town Gallery

We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…

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…

Furness Abbey

Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…

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

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

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

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Follow the Money

Address

193-197 Duke St, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1XS

Telephone
01229430636

nicole@theatrefactory.org

Barrow-in-Furness

Follow the Money is a musical comedy based on the memories of women who were the frontline workforce of Barrow's banks.
The ladies who stamped the cheques, counted the cash and kept the wheels of industry turning from the 1960s to the 1990s…

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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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The Terminal (2004)

Address

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

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

An Eastern European visitor becomes a resident of a New York airport terminal when a war breaks out and erases his country from the map, voiding his passport. He makes friends with the airport staff and falls in love with a flight attendant.

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BarrowFull

Address

Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HH

Telephone
07840 730 521

info@barrowfull.org.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

BarrowFull is an arts organisation led by Barrow-based partners with the aim of increasing participation in the arts. We work with the people of Barrow, enabling creative experiences to happen across the town including a vibrant programme of public…

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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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Festive Quiz + Pie and Peas

Address

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

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Get your friends, family, or workmates together and join us in the beautiful Drawing Room at Barrow Town Hall for a night of festive fun, food, and a few laughs along the way! Test your Christmas knowledge (and maybe your teamwork skills!) in our…

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Festive Afternoon Teas

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow In Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
01229 820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow In Furness

Indulge yourself with a sumptuous smorgasbord of seasonal treats! Enjoy a festive get-together with your friends and treat yourself to some delicious food and drink in the stunning surroundings of our Banqueting Hall!

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The Forum

Address

The Forum, 28 Duke St, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HH

Telephone
01229 820000

ghetreed@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

You will find a diverse range of events and activities at The Forum, as we again aim to bring exciting entertainment to Barrow-in-Furness. There should be something for everyone during the current season and we are very proud to welcome…

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Furness Music Centre - In Time for Christmas

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Following last year's sell out performance, FMC presents another concert filled with festive fun.

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ARTIST LAB EXHIBITION

Address

Signal Film and Media, Cooke's Studios, 102-104 Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 5QR

Telephone
+441229838592

info@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

102-104 Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness

SIGNAL proudly presents its first major group exhibition in their newly refurbished gallery spaces. Their ARTIST LAB EXHIBITION showcases bold new work shaped by landscape and protest from 14 emerging artists connected to Cumbria and the wider North…

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Wedding Open Day 3rd January 2026

Address

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

Telephone
+441229838282

donna@abbeyhousehotel.com

Abbey Rd, Barrow-in-Furness

Wedding Open Day

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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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Tourism For All

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Home Alone (1990)

Address

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

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

An eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.

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Sinatra - The Spirit of Swing

Address

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

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

The Spirit of Swing featuring Stevie Kay is the epitome of the UK's Frank Sinatra tribute scene. Timeless and sophisticated, Stevie embodies the essence of Sinatra, exuding that unmistakable swagger and authenticity reminiscent of the genre's…

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Model Railway Exhibition

Address

Chetwynde School, Rating Lane, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0NY

Telephone
01229 829223

fmrc.chair@talktalk.net

Barrow-in-Furness

This year we are grateful to be hosted by
Chetwynde School
The New Venue for our
62nd Exhibition.
As Usual there will be working layouts including a Thomas layout for the youngsters to drive.
Other displays should include; Preservation stands,…

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Jack Frost (1998)

Address

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

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Michael Keaton is a rock 'n roll dad who gets one last chance to fine-tune his life - and prove that ice guys finish first - in this wild fantasy adventure frosted with a blizzard of special effects! On the verge of making it big, long-struggling…

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St Cuthbert, Aldingham

Address

Aldingham, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9RT

Ulverston

Aldingham church hugs the Cumbrian side of Morecambe Bay and is open to the wild beauty of the Bay, an area of designated county landscape importance and scenic beauty.

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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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Bellwethers Exhibition

Address

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

Telephone
+441229876400

jirving@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

A multimedia exhibition at the Dock Museum from 5th December to 23rd February exploring local stories of fragility & survival - of nature, of people - in South Cumbria. Through sound, film, images and words, an unseen, unheard world emerges. A world…

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25 Words - The true story of a Barrow family in World War Two

Address

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

Telephone
01229430636

nicole@theatrefactory.org

Barrow-in-Furness

It is 1944. Barrovian soldier, Michael Lowden, has been captured at the fall of Singapore.
The prisoner of war ship he is on is torpedoed and he is left floating in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile back in Barrow his father, Charles, launches an…

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Barrow-in-Furness

Things to do

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

THE BARROW BLITZ

HOUSEWIFE, 49

DALTON CASTLE

FURNESS ABBEY

'LEADING LIGHTS'

PIEL CASTLE

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Tourism For All

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Tourism For All

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