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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
A Premium Hotel & Wedding Venue based in Barrow in Furness in Cumbria. Set in 14 acres of private…
This event has been rescheduled to Friday 3 June 2022 Current tickets will be valid for the new…
Rhinos, Tigers, Giraffes, Lions and Bears living in the heart of the Lake District….this is…
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
This event has been rescheduled again to Saturday 28 May 2022. Current tickets are valid for the…
Grange over Sands to Roa Island (Barrow). A walk of 33 miles that follows the low hills of…
The Barrow Festival of Transport event returns to Barrow town centre in 2022. The event attracts…
Set in 45 acres, Barrow's award-winning park provides the perfect place to stroll on sunny…
Community street party to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration.
A wild, exposed coastal reserve with thousands of breeding seabirds, wintering birds, grey seals…
We are delighted to have for viewing for you the International Garden Photograph of the Year…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
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Number of results: 33
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
The Dock Museum, North Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2PWTelephone
01229876400Barrow-in-Furness
An evening with the fantastic Sunderland Point Sea Shanty Crew here at the Museum. Fun, singing, laughter and dancing guaranteed.
Alcohol and non alcoholic drinks available on the night as well as light refreshments
Address
Barrow town centre, Barrow-in-Furness, Barrow, Cumbria, LA14 1LGTelephone
07871 602405Barrow
The Festival of Colours is an exciting mix of Indian arts and culture with creativity from Barrow and beyond, culminating in a coloured powder throwing Holi event.
The Festival of Colours, sponsored by BAE Systems, takes place at various venues in…
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
28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HHTelephone
01229 820000Barrow-in-Furness
Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. He is a favorite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he has enjoyed twelve years of sell-out success.
Louis explores…
Address
28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HHTelephone
01229 820000Barrow-in-Furness
This event has been rescheduled to Friday 3 June 2022
Current tickets will be valid for the new date, but if you are unable to attend a refund will be offered at a later date.
The seated allocation for this event has sold out, however there are…Address
28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HHTelephone
01229 820000Barrow-in-Furness
Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly both grew up in the same part of Texas. They recorded their earlier work in the Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, New Mexico, even at one point recording the same songs 'An empty cup' (and a broken date) as well as 'You've…
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
Cavendish Park, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2SBTelephone
03330 150 628Barrow-in-Furness
Strip off your socks and prepare your piggies for CancerCare's "hottest" event…ever!
Join us for a barefoot walk over burning coals and super-sharp shards of glass for a mind-over-matter experience for only the bravest of soles!
A team of fully…
Address
28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HHTelephone
01229 820000Barrow-in-Furness
The fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra under the musical direction of Chris Dean. This energetic Orchestra will bring you a glorious and exciting evening of Glenn Miller hits and other favourites from the Big Band era.
Enjoy the stunning…
Address
Abbey Approach, Furness Abbey, 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
28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HHTelephone
01229 820000Barrow-in-Furness
This event has been rescheduled again to Saturday 28 May 2022.
Current tickets are valid for the new date but if you are unable to attend refunds will be offered at a later date.
The seated allocation for this event has sold out, however there…
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
Duke Street, Town Square, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1RHTelephone
07377837842Barrow-in-Furness
MOON CONVOY is a fully sustainable armada of vehicles that appears and disappears at night and brings interactive and ultra-violet experiences to life. Expect cosmic transformations through live music and DJ sets, a giant squid (yes, one of nature's…
Address
Dalton Road, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1PUTelephone
07955 816000Barrow-In-Furness
The Barrow Festival of Transport event returns to Barrow town centre in 2022.
The event attracts over 150 classic, vintage and desirable vehicles to the town including, cars, motorbikes, scooters, buses and commercial vehicles.
A main arena will…
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
The Forum, 28 Duke Street, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HHTelephone
07955 816000Barrow-In-Furness
Barrow town centre will be transformed into the Jurassic period with the return of Barrow Dino Day.
Activities and shows will take place across Barrow town centre and the Forum Theatre with dinosaur themed activities for all ages.
Our Storytime…
Address
28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HHTelephone
01229 820000Barrow-in-Furness
Current tickets will be valid for the new date, but if you are unable to attend a refund will be offered at a later date.
Direct from The West End, experience the ultimate Whitney Houston tribute show as it tours across the UK performing over 100…Address
28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HHTelephone
01229 820000Barrow-in-Furness
The star of BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing is taking to the road with his debut solo tour! Join Craig as he talks about his life from Australia to the West End to Strictly, reveals a wealth of backstage gossip with his trademark wit and candour, and…
Address
Barrow Town Square, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1HHTelephone
01229 820000Barrow-in-Furness
Community street party to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration.
Address
28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA141HHTelephone
01229 820000Barrow-in-Furness
In a faraway land, a hard-working and lonely carpenter wishes for their puppet Pinocchio to come to life. By the magic of a wishing well their dream comes true! Pinocchio is playful and mischievous and must prove himself worthy of becoming a real…
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