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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

ADHD Unfiltered with Hester Grainger

ADHD Unfiltered is packed with laugh out loud stories, accurate observations and audience…

Celine – My Heart Will Go On

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

Dave Rowntree: No One You Know

Through unheard stories alongside candid photos from his new bestselling book 'No One You Know',…

Family Silent Disco

Join us for our fab, fun, family silent disco with the following channels to choose from: Ch. 1…

Logan Paul Murphy

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

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…

Voulez Vous ABBA Tribute

It's 50 years since the release of Dancing Queen so we're celebrating this special anniversary,…

A Foreigners Journey

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

Bootleg Blondie

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

Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes

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

Manford's Comedy Club: September

Bringing award-winning live stand-up comedy to Barrow! Every show has a different line-up of four…

St Cuthbert, Aldingham

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

RLPO presents – Dementia Friendly Concert: An Invitation to Dance

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

Abbey House Hotel & Gardens

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

Sleeping With Beauty Adult Pantomime

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

The Miss Rachel Experience – Summer Special

Step into a sunshine-filled world of fun, music and learning with The Miss Rachel Experience –…

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys

With nearly 7,000 performances across 27 countries in 40 years, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys…

The Unseen Child

The Unseen Child is the story of a young carer who escapes his daily life through fantasy worlds…

Tom Hingley of Inspiral Carpets

Tom Hingley is an accomplished singer songwriter and guitarist , best known as the Ex lead singer…

RLPO presents – Under-5s Concert: Prehistoric Party

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

King Alfred Hotel

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

Furness Country

A celebration of homegrown Country and Americana artists, with local Furness acts bringing you a…

RLPO presents – Beethoven in Barrow

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

Woof & Wag Dog Show

CancerCare will return to Abbot Hall Park on Saturday 22nd August to host our doggy-themed day out…

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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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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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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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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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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Heaven Can Wait – The Meat Loaf Concert Experience

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Heaven Can Wait returns with a spectacular, high-octane production celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Bat Out of Hell — the album that redefined rock theatre forever. This is not a tribute band. This is a full-scale rock concert experience.

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The Miss Rachel Experience – Summer Special

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Step into a sunshine-filled world of fun, music and learning with The Miss Rachel Experience – Summer Special! This interactive show will have your little ones singing, dancing and smiling from the very start.

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Dave Rowntree: No One You Know

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Through unheard stories alongside candid photos from his new bestselling book 'No One You Know', Dave Rowntree shares the tales behind Blur's formative years.

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Reactor

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

REACTOR is a new multimedia installation by Felicity Hammond, launching on Thursday 28th May at 6pm.
Set against the backdrop of Barrow's defence industry, as the home of the UK's only nuclear submarine manufacturer, REACTOR imagines a fictional…

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Family Silent Disco

Address

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

Telephone
01229 820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Join us for our fab, fun, family silent disco with the following channels to choose from:
Ch. 1 Child Friendly Music
Ch.2 Cheese
Ch.3 Guiltily Pleasures

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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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Manford's Comedy Club: September

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Bringing award-winning live stand-up comedy to Barrow! Every show has a different line-up of four top comedians, all chosen by Jason Manford!

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Woof & Wag Dog Show

Address

Cumbria, DALTON-IN-FURNESS, Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria, LA15 8EH

Telephone
01524 381820

fundraising@cancercare.org.uk

Kirkland, Kendal

CancerCare will return to Abbot Hall Park on Saturday 22nd August to host our doggy-themed day out for the whole family, with dog, puppy or pack invited, too!
Running from 12noon, Woof & Wag promises to be an action-packed afternoon with a host of…

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BounceFest

Address

Island Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2SB

Telephone
+447725834699

info@hardysoftplayhire.co.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with giant bouncy castles, thrilling slides, obstacle courses, interactive games and a dedicated toddler area for little adventurers. Families book timed…

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

Address

Furness Academy, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 9BB

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

From the silver screen to legendary gaming worlds, experience unforgettable music that's shaped generations. Hear iconic scores brought to life in a powerful performance by the Orchestra filled with adventure, emotion and nostalgia.

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RLPO presents – Come and Sing 2026

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Back by popular demand, Come and Sing returns to Barrow, bringing voices together for a fun, relaxed and friendly singing workshop.

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Family Event: Mini Magic Flute

Address

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

Telephone
01539 266 200

boxoffice@ldsm.org.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Showtimes: 11am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm
Come with us on a fun, enchanting musical adventure inspired by Mozart's opera The Magic Flute. Led by a trio of opera singers and an accordionist, Mini Magic Flute…

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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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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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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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Barrow-in-Furness

Things to do

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Did you know?

THE BARROW BLITZ

HOUSEWIFE, 49

DALTON CASTLE

FURNESS ABBEY

'LEADING LIGHTS'

PIEL CASTLE

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