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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 60km of 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.
What 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. Families will also love the nearby Safari Zoo at Dalton-in-Furness. Home to over 1000 of the rarest and most endangered species, the zoo’s collection is housed in unique natural environments which enable you to get as close as physically possible to some amazing creatures.
Barrow has a wealth of heritage buildings including Piel Castle and an imposing Victorian town hall. But you can’t come to Barrow without paying a visit to the impressive remains of Furness Abbey, which are located on the outskirts of town in an area once known as the ‘Vale of Nightshade’. The abbey was completed in 1123 and passed to the Cistercians in 1147, becoming the second richest and most powerful abbey in England. It is now managed by English Heritage.
Stay a while longer and enjoy some retail therapy. Barrow’s indoor market (open Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday) is the largest in Cumbria and recently featured on the Hairy Bikers Go North BBC2 series. The town centre is home to a surprising array of quirky independent retailers who offer a friendly welcome and helpful customer service.
The surprises just keep on coming! For all its industrial heritage in 2016 Barrow-in-Furness was rated the ‘Number 1 Borough in England’ for natural heritage assets by The Royal Society of Arts & Industry. For nature lovers, a visit to Walney is a must. And it’s not just birds to spot but an abundance of wildlife, including Grey (Atlantic) seals, thanks to its two nature reserves.
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 has come a long way since it was first occupied by the Vikings (the Romans, oddly, just bypassed the place altogether). The Vikings’ legacy is 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, as mentioned earlier, the abbey 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?
Piel CastleThis 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.- Furness AbbeyFounded in 1127 Furness Abbey was one of the wealthiest Cistercian abbeys in England until it was ‘dissolved' by Henry VIII in 1537.
- Dalton CastleThe 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.
- Leading LightsThe 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.
- The Barrow BlitzDuring World War II, Barrow was targeted by the Germans because of its ability to build warships and submarines.
- Housewife, 49Victoria 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.
Highlights
Classical concert series featuring local talent alongside brilliant young musicians from across the…
Come and join us over at South Walney for our springtime family fun day. We have a jam-packed…
Small one day music festival.
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
We are very excited to announce our latest exhibition is brought to you with a collaboration with…
A Premium Hotel & Wedding Venue based in Barrow in Furness in Cumbria. Set in 14 acres of private…
South Walney isolated position on the southern tip of Walney Island makes it a special place for…
Express Bar & Lounge serving International cuisine, ranging from pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches…
Set in 45 acres, Barrow's award-winning park provides the perfect place to stroll on sunny…
The Barrow Festival of Transport takes place in Barrow's town centre on Saturday 15th July 2023 and…
Our Furness Pride is an event to celebrate diversity and inclusion across our communities.
Have this special coastal nature reserve all to yourselves for an after-hours adventure! Track…
Bright, modern hotel in the heart of Barrow in Furness with free WI-FI and breakfast included..
Grange over Sands to Roa Island (Barrow). A walk of 33 miles that follows the low hills of…
Join The Bay team at sunset for a night time walk to learn about the natterjack toad. Experience…
On Saturday 20th May 2023 Barrow town centre will once again be transformed back to the Jurassic…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
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Towns & Villages
Accommodation
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Food & Drink
Accommodation
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What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 20
Address
St Marys Catholic Church, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141XWTelephone
07513633485Barrow-in-Furness
Classical concert series featuring local talent alongside brilliant young musicians from across the world. FREE ENTRY with donations going towards the musicians and the development of future concerts. Refreshments served. All are most welcome.
Address
South Walney Nature Reserve, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3XZTelephone
01539 816300Barrow-in-Furness
Come and join us over at South Walney for our springtime family fun day. We have a jam-packed programme full of wildlife and craft activities for you to get involved in, all based in and around our wonderful nature reserve.
With activities across…
Address
Askam United Football Club, Duddon Rd, Askam-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA167FDTelephone
07593437488Askam-in-Furness
Small one day music festival.
Address
The Dock Museum, North Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2PWTelephone
01229 876400Barrow-in-Furness
The incredible journey of Minnie Pratt was discovered in a scrapbook in an auction house in Carlisle during 2020. The exhibition follows the fabulous story that followed this find. The 100 year old scrapbook hide many secrets that where discovered…
Address
Furness Abbey, Manor Rd, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0PJTelephone
01229 823420Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
Address
The Dock Museum, North Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LDTelephone
01229876400Barrow-in-Furness
We are very excited to announce our latest exhibition is brought to you with a collaboration with BarrowFull. "Made in Barrow" is an exciting exhibition all about the art and creations the community has achieved over the last two years. We are an…
Address
Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0PATelephone
01229 838282Barrow-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…
Address
Coastguard Cottages, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3YQTelephone
01229 471066Barrow-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.
Address
Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 9BDTelephone
01229 876564Barrow-in-Furness
Set in 45 acres, Barrow's award-winning park provides the perfect place to stroll on sunny afternoons. Barrow Park..... always something going on, always something growing on!
Address
Barrow Town Centre, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HHTelephone
07955 816000Barrow in Furness
The Barrow Festival of Transport takes place in Barrow's town centre on Saturday 15th July 2023 and will see a wide range of vehicles line the streets in the heart of the town. Classic cars, vintage cars, prestige cars and modern classics will be…
Address
Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HHTelephone
01229812888Barrow-in-Furness
Our Furness Pride is an event to celebrate diversity and inclusion across our communities.
Address
South Walney Nature Reserve, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3YQBarrow-in-Furness
Have this special coastal nature reserve all to yourselves for an after-hours adventure! Track wildlife across the reserve using different equipment and techniques, with the help of our expert guides.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Melton Terrace, Lindal in Furness, Cumbria, LA12 0LUTelephone
01229 466086Lindal in Furness
Rhinos, Tigers, Giraffes, Lions and Bears living in the heart of the Lake District….this is something you need to see for yourself!
Address
Market Street, Barrow in Furness, LA14 2LETelephone
01229 444600Barrow in Furness
Bright, modern hotel in the heart of Barrow in Furness with free WI-FI and breakfast included..
Address
-Grange over Sands to Roa Island (Barrow). A walk of 33 miles that follows the low hills of Carboniferous Limestone that fringe the northern shores of Morecambe bay. An area rich in history, noted for its monastic connections, especially Furness…
Address
Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve, Hawthwaite Ln, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4QJTelephone
01539 816300Barrow in Furness
Join The Bay team at sunset for a night time walk to learn about the natterjack toad. Experience their unique chorus across the dune systems as we record the adult populations.
Please bring a torch and spare batteries, warm clothes and clean sturdy…
Address
Barrow Town Centre, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HHTelephone
07955 816000Barrow in Furness
On Saturday 20th May 2023 Barrow town centre will once again be transformed back to the Jurassic period with the return of Barrow Dino Day.
Walney Island
NCN 700 – From Walney Island near Barrow to Glasson Dock, Lancaster, this cycle route takes in breathtaking scenery of Morecambe Bay spectacular coastline, quiet roads, greenways, canal towpaths and promenades.
Address
West Shore Park, Walney, BARROW-IN-FURNESS, Cumbria, LA14 3YTBARROW-IN-FURNESS
West Shore car park provides free parking, an ideal place to do lovely coastal walks and the North walney nature reserve is well worth a visit too.
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