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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 a 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.

Things 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. Barrow also has a wealth of heritage buildings including Piel Castle, an imposing Victorian town hall, and Barrow Park.

Stay a while longer and enjoy some retail therapy. Barrow’s indoor market is one of the largest in Cumbria and featured on the Hairy Bikers Go North BBC2 series. The town centre is home to a vibrant array of quirky independent retailers who offer a friendly welcome and helpful customer service.

There's also a vibrant array of nature and wildlife to enjoy. A visit to Walney Island is a must: it's home to the North and South Walney Nature Reserves, the latter of which is home to Cumbria's only grey seal colony. It's also a great place for bird watching.

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 can trace its heritage back thousands of years. It's Viking legacy can be seen 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, it 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?

THE BARROW BLITZ

During World War II, Barrow was targeted by the Germans because of its ability to build warships and submarines. In May 1941 the Luftwaffe launched a mighty bombardment aimed at the shipyard and steelworks, which were left relatively unscathed. Instead, thousands of homes were either destroyed or damaged.

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. The film won two BAFTA awards for the actress, comedian and writer.

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. Its treasures were removed, the lead stripped from the roof and the walls partly demolished to leave the ruins standing testimony to the Abbey's former glory days.

'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. After being threatened with demolition, the brick-built ‘lighthouse’ is the only one of its kind and still flashes a light to ships at sea.

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 organised by the monks. In 1487 the castle was invaded by Lambert Simnel and his followers as part of their abortive attempt to seize the crown from Henry VII. On the island is the Ship Inn where the landlord, known as the ‘King of Piel', can bestow the title ‘Knight of Piel Island' on visitors.

Highlights

Dave Rowntree: No One You Know

Through unheard stories alongside candid photos from his new bestselling book 'No One You Know',…

St Mary the Virgin and St Michael, Great Urswick

St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly…

RLPO presents – Philharmonic Tracks 2027

Discover symphonic sounds up close and personal, as musicians from the Orchestra dive into…

Wildlife Tracking After Hours at South Walney Nature Reserve with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Have this special coastal nature reserve all to yourselves for an after-hours adventure! Track…

Barrow AFC 125

We are excited to be working with Barrow AFC and Bluebird Supporters club to bring you the Barrow…

RLPO presents – Come and Sing 2026

Back by popular demand, Come and Sing returns to Barrow, bringing voices together for a fun,…

Upbeat Beatles

Celebrate 30 years of Up-Beatlemania with The Upbeat Beatles as they bring their special 30th…

A Foreigners Journey

Featuring the incredible vocals and stage presence of Adam J Oades, and cherry picking the very…

Sleeping With Beauty Adult Pantomime

Forget the fairy tale you remember. This is the adults-only version, bursting with outrageous…

Voulez Vous ABBA Tribute

It's 50 years since the release of Dancing Queen so we're celebrating this special anniversary,…

RLPO presents – Bolt's War

An evening of music inspired by remembrance, resilience and hope, centred on the remarkable story…

Manford's Comedy Club: September

Bringing award-winning live stand-up comedy to Barrow! Every show has a different line-up of four…

RLPO presents – Pops Goes Classical

An evening of iconic pop hits transformed through the sound of the Orchestra and performed by…

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

Get ready, Barrow! As this Christmas, your fairy tale pantomime adventure returns as Sleeping…

The Miss Rachel Experience – Summer Special

Step into a sunshine-filled world of fun, music and learning with The Miss Rachel Experience –…

Abbey House Hotel & Gardens

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

Tom Hingley of Inspiral Carpets

Tom Hingley is an accomplished singer songwriter and guitarist , best known as the Ex lead singer…

King Alfred Hotel

The King Alfred Hotel on Walney is a thriving community pub with 10 en-suite bedrooms. With rooms…

Family Silent Disco

Join us for our fab, fun, family silent disco with the following channels to choose from: Ch. 1…

'What the sea decides to give you' photographic exhibition

Photography exhibition about the Morecambe Bay fishing community by Tessa Bunney

South Walney Nature Reserve

South Walney isolated position on the southern tip of Walney Island makes it a special place for…

Bootleg Blondie

Following their sold out performance in January 2026, Bootleg Blondie returns to Barrow Town Hall!

What the sea decides to give you

We are very pleased to bring you a new exhibition to the Dock Museum, "What the sea decides to give…

St Cuthbert, Aldingham

Aldingham church hugs the Cumbrian side of Morecambe Bay and is open to the wild beauty of the Bay,…

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

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Dave Rowntree: No One You Know

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Through unheard stories alongside candid photos from his new bestselling book 'No One You Know', Dave Rowntree shares the tales behind Blur's formative years.

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St Mary the Virgin and St Michael, Great Urswick

Address

Church Road, Great Urswick, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0TA

Ulverston

St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly carved crosses were found on the site and are now on display in the church.
The building's history is palpable and its setting is peaceful. Clues to…

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RLPO presents – Philharmonic Tracks 2027

Address

Barrow Library, Ramsden Square, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1LL

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Discover symphonic sounds up close and personal, as musicians from the Orchestra dive into orchestral blockbusters, familiar favourites, some new discoveries – plus a few special surprises!

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Wildlife Tracking After Hours at South Walney Nature Reserve with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Address

South Walney Nature Reserve, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3YQ

Barrow-in-Furness

Have this special coastal nature reserve all to yourselves for an after-hours adventure! Track wildlife across the reserve using different equipment and techniques, with the help of our expert guides.

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My Favourite Things – Celebrating 15 Years in Amateur Theatre

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Charity concert celebrating local amateur musical theatre.

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Macbeth

Address

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

Telephone
01229 876400

info@handlebards.com

Barrow-in-Furness

Enjoy open air theatre with The HandleBards with their fun and fresh interpretation of Macbeth!
The show is suitable for all ages and will take place in the outdoor amphitheatre area so bring a picnic blanket or camping chair and enjoy a unique…

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Barrow AFC 125

Address

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

Telephone
01229 876400

jirving@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

We are excited to be working with Barrow AFC and Bluebird Supporters club to bring you the Barrow 125 Exhibition. This year, our football club is 125 years and this exhibition takes you on a journey through the history of the club. The Museum is…

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RLPO presents – Come and Sing 2026

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Back by popular demand, Come and Sing returns to Barrow, bringing voices together for a fun, relaxed and friendly singing workshop.

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Upbeat Beatles

Address

Town Hall, Duke Street, barrow-in-furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

barrow-in-furness

Celebrate 30 years of Up-Beatlemania with The Upbeat Beatles as they bring their special 30th Anniversary Tour to audiences in 2027.

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A Foreigners Journey

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Featuring the incredible vocals and stage presence of Adam J Oades, and cherry picking the very best and most iconic songs from each of the two bands, to create a carefully balanced set- list, including bonafide rock classics.

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Woof & Wag Dog Show

Address

Cumbria, DALTON-IN-FURNESS, Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria, LA15 8EH

Telephone
01524 381820

fundraising@cancercare.org.uk

Kirkland, Kendal

CancerCare will return to Abbot Hall Park on Saturday 22nd August to host our doggy-themed day out for the whole family, with dog, puppy or pack invited, too!
Running from 12noon, Woof & Wag promises to be an action-packed afternoon with a host of…

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Sleeping With Beauty Adult Pantomime

Address

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

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Forget the fairy tale you remember. This is the adults-only version, bursting with outrageous innuendo, shameless double entendres, and enough cheek to make even the Fairy Godmother ask you to behave.

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Voulez Vous ABBA Tribute

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

It's 50 years since the release of Dancing Queen so we're celebrating this special anniversary, with our Having The Time Of Your Life theatre tour!

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RLPO presents – Bolt's War

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

An evening of music inspired by remembrance, resilience and hope, centred on the remarkable story of local composer and music director Alan Bolt.

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Manford's Comedy Club: September

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Bringing award-winning live stand-up comedy to Barrow! Every show has a different line-up of four top comedians, all chosen by Jason Manford!

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Reactor

Address

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

Telephone
+441229838592

info@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

102-104 Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness

REACTOR is a new multimedia installation by Felicity Hammond, launching on Thursday 28th May at 6pm.
Set against the backdrop of Barrow's defence industry, as the home of the UK's only nuclear submarine manufacturer, REACTOR imagines a fictional…

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RLPO presents – Pops Goes Classical

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

An evening of iconic pop hits transformed through the sound of the Orchestra and performed by candlelight in the stunning surroundings of the Town Hall.

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Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Get ready, Barrow! As this Christmas, your fairy tale pantomime adventure returns as Sleeping Beauty arrives at Barrow Town Hall, bringing a burst of magic, mischief, and full-on pantomime chaos.

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Reactor Felicity Hammond

Address

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

Telephone
01229 838592

jennifer@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Reactor, by Felicity Hammond, is a new multimedia installation exploring the possibilities of the autonomous submarine. This exhibition marks a new collaboration with Hammond, following her 2017 Signal commission In Defence of Industry, which won…

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The Miss Rachel Experience – Summer Special

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Step into a sunshine-filled world of fun, music and learning with The Miss Rachel Experience – Summer Special! This interactive show will have your little ones singing, dancing and smiling from the very start.

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Barrow-in-Furness

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Did you know?

THE BARROW BLITZ

HOUSEWIFE, 49

DALTON CASTLE

FURNESS ABBEY

'LEADING LIGHTS'

PIEL CASTLE

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