Askam-in-Furness

The seaside village of Askam-in-Furness lies on the northern coast of the Furness Peninsula, with a beautiful long sandy beach stretching in front that hosts spectacular sunset views to the west across the Irish Sea.

Walk along the windswept pier that stretches out into the River Duddon Estuary. It’s unusual surface hints at Askam’s industrial history, as it is made from a waste product, known as slag, from the old iron works. This is a great spot to watch for the beautiful birdlife that nest among the dunes with panoramic views to the Lakeland Fells and across the wild coastline.

Stop in at a cosy local pub or head to the beach with fresh fish and chips for a picnic dinner. Stroll around the village and visit the local farm shop, or view the elegant Victorian-era drinking fountain with its fluted columns.

Askam is easily accessible by rail, whether travelling south from Carlisle or west from Lancaster, Northern Trains offers a scenic coastal journey to Askam-in-Furness. Plus there are easy connections through Manchester and Preston. The town can be accessed by car via the A595.

Culture & Heritage

Askam-in-Furness was once famed as an industrial mining area. The discovery of significant iron ore deposits in 1850 turned out to be England’s second largest iron ore deposit. Over 7 million tonnes were extracted!

This brought hundreds of workers to the area from across Britain and put Askam on the map, with a railway station opening in 1851 and rows of terraced houses popping up to accommodate the influx of miners and their families.

Askam has since relinquished its mining days and is perhaps now better known for its abundance of wildlife and beautiful sand-dune nature reserves.

Surrounding Areas

Barrow-in-Furness –  Steeped in heritage and brimming with exciting attractions.

Furness Abbey – View the impressive remains of the abbey founded in 1123. Once the most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain.

Sandscale Haws – An outstanding national nature reserve, with beautiful sand-dunes and an abundance of wildlife.