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  1. Barrow-in-Furness town centre shopping district
    Barrow-in-Furness Morecambe Bay

You are here: Home > Explore > Areas of Cumbria > Morecambe Bay > Towns and Villages > Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow-in-Furness

With the sea on one side 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 wealth of wide, tree-lined streets lined with sandstone buildings (including a particularly imposing town hall) are evidence of the town’s 19th century prosperity as one of the country’s major shipbuilding centres.

For centuries Furness was part of Lancashire and being an isolated northern outpost it was left quietly undisturbed until the mid-19th century, in fact 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.
 

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 establishment of Furness Abbey in 1127 had a major impact on the area. By the early 13th century, 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?

  1. Example Page
    The Barrow Blitz
    During World War II, Barrow was targeted by the Germans because of its ability to build warships and submarines.
  2. Example Page
    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.
  3. Example Page
    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.
  4. Example Page
    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.
  5. Example Page
    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.
  6. Example Page
    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.

Highlights

Express Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
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
Barrow Public Park

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

Walking in the Lake District, Cumbria
Cistercian Way

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

Cycling in the Lake District Cumbria
W2W Cycle route Walney to Wear

A 160 mile cycling adventure across the Lake District Peninsulars, North Pennines and Land of the…

The Dunes Hotel
The Dunes Hotel

The Dunes hotel consists of 40 rooms in total; all rooms are designed with our guests and their…

South Walney Nature Reserve
South Walney Nature Reserve

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

Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes

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

The Townhouse.211
The Townhouse.211

Stunning boutique hotel in the centre of Barrow in Furness with 12 luxury studio style rooms and a…

PrevPrev
  • 1Express Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes
  • 2Barrow Public Park
  • 3Cistercian Way
  • 4W2W Cycle route Walney to Wear
  • 5The Dunes Hotel
  • 6South Walney Nature Reserve
  • 7Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes
  • 8The Townhouse.211
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Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of

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Number of results: 14

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  1. Barrow Dino Day
    Barrow Dino Day

    Address

    Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

    Telephone

    07955816000

    manager@barrowbid.co.uk

    On Saturday 22nd August Dinosaurs will be roaming the streets of Barrow town centre. This family-friendly, FREE event will see a wide range of dinosaurs and themed activities in the heart of Barrow.

    Children will love this Roarsome event.

    Add Barrow Dino Day to your Itinerary

    More Details
  2. Barrow Public Park
    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!

    Add Barrow Public Park to your Itinerary

    More Details
  3. Safari Zoo
    Safari Zoo
    Safari Zoo

    Address

    Melton Terrace, Lindal in Furness, Cumbria, LA12 0LU

    Telephone

    01229 466086

    ENQUIRIES@CUMBRIAZOO.CO.UK

    Lindal 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!

    Add Safari Zoo to your Itinerary

    More Details
  4. Walking in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Walking in the Lake District, Cumbria
    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…

    Add Cistercian Way to your Itinerary

    More Details
  5. Cycling in the Lake District Cumbria
    Cycling in the Lake District Cumbria
    W2W Cycle route Walney to Wear

    Address

    -

    website@cumbriatourism.org

    A 160 mile cycling adventure across the Lake District Peninsulars, North Pennines and Land of the Prince Bishops. The route is part on public roads and part on traffic free sections.

    Add W2W Cycle route Walney to Wear to your Itinerary

    More Details
  6. The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel
    The Dunes Hotel

    Address

    Hawthwaite Lane, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4QW

    info@theduneshotel.co.uk

    Barrow-in-Furness

    The Dunes hotel consists of 40 rooms in total; all rooms are designed with our guests and their comfort and needs in mind.

    Add The Dunes Hotel to your Itinerary

    More Details
  7. South Walney Nature Reserve
    South Walney Nature Reserve

    Address

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

    Telephone

    01229 471066

    mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org

    Barrow-in-Furness

    A wild, exposed coastal reserve with thousands of breeding seabirds, wintering birds, grey seals and coastal Flora. Four miles of trail and 8 hides give amazing views of Morecambe Bay.

    Add South Walney Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    More Details
  8. Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Rooms at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Rooms at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Ensuite rooms at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Easy check-in at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Express Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Express Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Express Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Ensuite Rooms at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Rooms at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Rooms at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Ensuite rooms at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Easy check-in at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Express Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Express Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Express Bar & Lounge at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    Ensuite Rooms at Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness
    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..

    Add Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes to your Itinerary

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  9. Festival of Transport
    Festival of Transport

    Address

    Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

    Telephone

    07955816000

    manager@barrowbid.co.uk

    The Barrow Festival of Transport is a celebration of motorised vehicles past and present. The event attracts cars, motorcycles, scooters, buses, trucks and even a ride on train to Barrow's town centre streets. Also hosts kid's activities.

    Add Festival of Transport to your Itinerary

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  10. The Townhouse.211
    The Townhouse.211

    Address

    211-215 Dalton Road, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1PH

    Telephone

    01229 834519

    info@thetownhousebarrow.co.uk

    Barrow in Furness

    Stunning boutique hotel in the centre of Barrow in Furness with 12 luxury studio style rooms and a brasserie restaurant and bar.

    Add The Townhouse.211 to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

    Tripadvisor Traveller Rating - 280 reviews280 reviews
    More Details
  11. West Point House
    West Point House

    Address

    Solway Drive, Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3XN

    Telephone

    01229472356

    info@westpointhousewalney.com

    Barrow-in-Furness

    West Point House self catering accommodation for groups, or large families with 36 bedrooms and lots of space. Private parking and lovely walled garden, a 7 minute walk to the beach and stunning natural environment.

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  12. Furness Abbey
    Furness Abbey

    Address

    Abbey Approach, Furness Abbey, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0PJ

    Telephone

    01229 823420

    customers@english-heritage.org.uk

    Barrow-in-Furness

    Impressive red sandstone remains with ornately decorated chapter house. Once the second most prosperous Cistercian abbey in England.

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  13. Bay Cycle Way
    Bay Cycle Way

    Address

    Sandy Gap, Walney Island, Cumbria, LA14 3JP

    Telephone

    01539 734888

    info@morecambebay.org.uk

    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.

    Add Bay Cycle Way to your Itinerary

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  14. Askam-in-Furness Train Station
    Askam-in-Furness Train Station

    Address

    Dudden Road, Askham, Cumbria, LA16 7EN

    Askham

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