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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 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

Askham-in-Furness - Askham 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The Barrow Blitz
During World War II, Barrow was targeted by the Germans because of its ability to build warships and submarines.
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.

Highlights

10CCLO - The Greatest Hits of 10CC & ELO

"Remember these? Dreadlock Holiday, Mr Blue Sky, I'm Mandy Fly me, Living' Thing, Evil Woman, The…

Abbey House Hotel & Gardens

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

West Coast Photo

Experience a photographic exhibition of the stunning coastline and fascinating industrial landscape…

A Furness Yule

Barra Culture presents #AFurnessYule, recognising the town's Viking origins and providing an…

Cistercian Way

Grange over Sands to Roa Island (Barrow). A walk of 33 miles that follows the low hills of…

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

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

Barrow Public Park

Set in 45 acres, Barrow's award-winning park provides the perfect place to stroll on sunny…

A Furness Yule

Barra Culture presents#AFurnessYule, recognising Barrow's Viking origins and providing an…

South Walney Nature Reserve

A wild, exposed coastal reserve with thousands of breeding seabirds, wintering birds, grey seals…

Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes

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

A Furness Yule Spectacular at The Dock Museum

Join the Vikings inside and outside the Dock Museum for a day of Yuletide fun for all the family…

Celine - My Heart Will Go On

Experience the ultimate Celine Dion tribute Concert as it tours across the UK. My Heart Will Go On…

Furness Abbey

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

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

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Towns & Villages

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West Coast Photo Festival The Caravan Gallery Barrow Pride of Place Project

Address

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

Telephone
01229838592

helen@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

Barrow in Furness

Barrow Pride of Place Project will see The Caravan Gallery take over a stall in Barrow Market Hall to transform it into an alternative visitor centre.
The visitor centre will be activated by workshops open to all, including a 'Make Your Own Picture…

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A Furness Yule at The Forum, Barrow-in-Furness

Address

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

Barrow-in-Furness

The Vikings are returning to Barrow. You and your family are welcome to join them at The Forum for festive decoration making, Viking activities and helping to create Barrow's very own Yule Goat... All activities free of charge - no need to book,…

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Not: Lady Chatterley's Lover

Address

28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HH

Telephone
01229 820000

jboyd@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Happy Idiot in association with Worthing Theatres and Museum presents
Not: Lady Chatterley's Lover
A parody of Lady Chatterley's Lover by DH Lawrence.
"a hilarious watch, constantly charming and remains true to the spirit of DH Lawrence's work."…

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Festival of Transport

Address

Duke Street, Cumbria, Barrow, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
07955 816000

manager@barrowbid.co.uk

Barrow

The Stagecoach Sponsored Festival of Transport returns to Barrow Town Centre on 17th July 2021!
Following a year off due to the COVID pandemic, we are pleased to announce that the Barrow Festival of Transport is returning to the town centre if the…

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Abbey House Hotel & Gardens

Address

Abbey Road, 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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Barrow Christmas Lights Switch-On Event

Address

28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HH

Telephone
01229 820000

jboyd@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

A fun packed evening held outside the Forum. With an All-Star packed performance on the live stage, this event is sure to entertain. Get in the festive spirit as Barrow-in-Furness welcomes in the Christmas Season in style!

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Summer Festival 21

Address

Craven Park, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1XP

Telephone
07712202731

info@knightpromotions.co.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

SUMMER FESTIVAL IS BACK
Knight Promotions are proud to present Summer Festival 2021, back even bigger and even better!
Barrows biggest live music festival is back with some of the best local bands and DJ's, and this time for TWO DAYS live at The…

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A Furness Yule

Address

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

Telephone
07871 602405

info@barrowculture.org

Barrow-in-Furness

Barra Culture presents#AFurnessYule, recognising Barrow's Viking origins and providing an alternative to traditional festive celebrations.
#AFurnessYule, sponsored by BAE Systems, takes place in Barrow's town centre on Saturdays, November 27 and…

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Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes

Address

Market Street, Barrow in Furness, LA14 2LE

hello@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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West Coast Photo Launch Event

Address

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

Telephone
01229838592

helen@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

Barrow in Furness

Join for the launch of West Coast Photo Festival, the largest photography and digital art festival ever to explore the West Coast of Cumbria.
The exhibition launches in the brand-new spaces in 102 Abbey Road, Barrow's new venue for arts and…

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Luther

Address

28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HH

Telephone
01229 820000

jboyd@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

The World's premier show in celebration of 'The Velvet Voice' experience all the hits from his amazing career, culminating over 40 million album sales and eight Grammy awards including many of the greatest dance anthems and love songs ever written,…

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58th Model Railway & Transport Exhibition

Address

Walney School, Sandy Gap Lane, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3JT

Telephone
01229 829223

fmrc.chair@talktalk.net

Barrow in Furness

There will be 11 working layouts including a Thomas layout for the youngsters to drive.
The Rev W. V Awdry, famously set his Thomas Stories on the Island of Sodor, which is a fictitious expansion of Walney island
Other displays include; Preservation…

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West Coast Photo

Address

Cooke's Studios, Abbey Road, Abbey Road, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 5QR

Telephone
01229838592

helen@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

Abbey Road, Barrow in Furness

Experience a photographic exhibition of the stunning coastline and fascinating industrial landscape of the West Coast of Cumbria, the first ever major international photography festival in this part of the UK.
Leading photographers including Mishka…

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Cistercian Way

Address

-

website@cumbriatourism.org

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…

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Barrow Public Park

Address

Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 9BD

Telephone
01229 876564

gardensandparks@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-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!

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A Furness Yule Spectacular at The Dock Museum

Address

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

Barrow-in-Furness

Join the Vikings inside and outside the Dock Museum for a day of Yuletide fun for all the family including axe-throwing, fire acts and a stunning flying Norse goddess!
Sunday 5 December from 11-5 (drop in events and activities all day).
Arrival…

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Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave Up

Address

28 Duke Street, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HH

Telephone
01229 820000

info@barraculture.org.uk

Barrow-In-Furness

Barra Culture presents Big Fish Little Fish's 'Family Rave Up'
Award-winning family rave sensation Big Fish Little Fish are coming to The Forum, Barrow for a family rave up! The original family ravers bringing dance music to families since 2013…

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Celine - My Heart Will Go On

Address

28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HH

Telephone
01229 820000

jboyd@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Experience the ultimate Celine Dion tribute Concert as it tours across the UK. My Heart Will Go On is a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. Starring January Butler as 'Celine Dion' and an…

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The Magic of Motown

Address

28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HH

Telephone
01229 820000

jboyd@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town! Seen by over a million people, it's no surprise that the show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history…

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10CCLO - The Greatest Hits of 10CC & ELO

Address

28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HH

Telephone
01229 820000

jboyd@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

"Remember these? Dreadlock Holiday, Mr Blue Sky, I'm Mandy Fly me, Living' Thing, Evil Woman, The Things We Do for Love, Wild West Hero, Life is a Minestrone, Art for Art's Sake, Turn to Stone, I'm Not in Love, Roll Over Beethoven, Rubber Bullets……

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