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Barrow-in-Furness Morecambe Bay

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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?

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.
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.
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.
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

West Coast Photo

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

South Walney Nature Reserve

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

Barrow Public Park

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

Holiday Inn Express Barrow - South Lakes

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

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

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

Abbey House Hotel & Gardens

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

W2W Cycle route Walney to Wear

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

West Coast Photo Festival Family Fun Day

A series of fun family-friendly activities and hands-on workshops as part of West Coast Photo…

Cistercian Way

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

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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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!

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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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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.

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Barrow Town Hall Guided Tours

Address

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

Telephone
01229 820000

rwood@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow Borough Council will be opening up the Town Hall as part of the national Heritage Open Days. Free guided tours will be available with access to areas usually closed to the public such as the Mayor's Parlour and Banqueting Hall.
Approximate…

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West Coast Photo Festival Family Fun Day

Address

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

Telephone
01229838592

helen@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

Barrow in Furness

A series of fun family-friendly activities and hands-on workshops as part of West Coast Photo Festival.
All family-friendly events are free and aimed at families with children aged 4-10 years.

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West Coast Photo Festival Vanessa Winship Masterclass

Address

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

Telephone
01229838592

helen@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

Barrow in Furness

Join contemporary British photographer Vanessa Winship for a morning masterclass as part of the West Coast Photo Festival 2021.
The session will include a tour of her latest exhibition in Cooke's Studios in Barrow-in-Furness. Plus an informal talk…

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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 Super Soapbox Challenge

Address

Barrow Town Centre, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1PU

Telephone
07955 816000

manager@barrowbid.co.uk

Barrow in Furness

The Super Soapbox Challenge returns to the streets of Barrow in Furness on Sunday 29th August 2021.
The event will see a variety of hand built gravity racers hurtle down Barrow's high street as they race to become the Barrow Super Soapbox champion…

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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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Furness Abbey

Address

Abbey Approach, Furness Abbey, BARROW-IN-FURNESS, Cumbria, LA13 0PJ

Telephone
01229 823420

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

BARROW-IN-FURNESS

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

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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.

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