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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

Woof & Wag Dog Show

CancerCare will return to Abbot Hall Park on Saturday 22nd August to host our doggy-themed day out…

Rich Hall: Chin Music

"Chin Music" has two meanings. One is idle talk. The other is a brushback throw in basketball or…

Logan Paul Murphy

Following his sell out show in June 2026, Logan Paul Murphy is back at Barrow Town Hall with his…

Celine – My Heart Will Go On

Step into the world of Celine Dion like never before with My Heart Will Go On, a breathtaking…

RLPO presents – Philharmonic Tracks 2027

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

My Favourite Things – Celebrating 15 Years in Amateur Theatre

Charity concert celebrating local amateur musical theatre.

St Cuthbert, Aldingham

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

RLPO presents – Bolt's War

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

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote

Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote comes to Barrow with an interactive screening of the…

Heaven Can Wait – The Meat Loaf Concert Experience

Heaven Can Wait returns with a spectacular, high-octane production celebrating the 50th Anniversary…

RLPO presents – Pops Goes Classical

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

Family Silent Disco

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

RLPO presents – Under-5s Concert: Prehistoric Party

We're heading back through the musical mists of time to meet everyone's favourite prehistoric pals……

Tom Hingley of Inspiral Carpets

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

The Dock Museum

Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the…

Dave Rowntree: No One You Know

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

BounceFest

BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with…

Upbeat Beatles

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

South Walney Nature Reserve

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

CHRIS DIFFORD: An Intimate Evening of Stories and Songs with the Co-Founder of Squeeze

Armed with a new book, for an evening of classic hits, hilarious conversation and readings from the…

Voulez Vous ABBA Tribute

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

RLPO presents – Dementia Friendly Concert: An Invitation to Dance

Join presenter Claire Henry and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians for a concert…

Barrow AFC 125

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

Can you Catch a Serial Killer?

Step inside real-life cases through dramatised crime scene mock-ups, criminal profiling,…

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

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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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Rich Hall: Chin Music

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

"Chin Music" has two meanings. One is idle talk. The other is a brushback throw in basketball or cricket to intimidate the batter. Both describe Rich Hall's comedy. Idle but intimidating. Sharp, quick, splenetic, and sublimely improvisational.

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Logan Paul Murphy

Address

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

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Following his sell out show in June 2026, Logan Paul Murphy is back at Barrow Town Hall with his only show in Barrow in 2027!

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Celine – My Heart Will Go On

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Step into the world of Celine Dion like never before with My Heart Will Go On, a breathtaking concert experience that brings the legendary singer's iconic hits to life. This electrifying production has been wowing audiences across Europe for four…

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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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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 – 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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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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St Cuthbert, Aldingham

Address

Aldingham, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9RT

Ulverston

Aldingham church hugs the Cumbrian side of Morecambe Bay and is open to the wild beauty of the Bay, an area of designated county landscape importance and scenic beauty.

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Family Event: Mini Magic Flute

Address

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

Telephone
01539 266 200

boxoffice@ldsm.org.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Showtimes: 11am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm
Come with us on a fun, enchanting musical adventure inspired by Mozart's opera The Magic Flute. Led by a trio of opera singers and an accordionist, Mini Magic Flute…

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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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Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote

Address

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

Telephone
01229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote comes to Barrow with an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode "Paint Me a Murder". Jessica Fletcher visits the island hideaway of an artist friend, but soon there's a murder that…

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Heaven Can Wait – The Meat Loaf Concert Experience

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Heaven Can Wait returns with a spectacular, high-octane production celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Bat Out of Hell — the album that redefined rock theatre forever. This is not a tribute band. This is a full-scale rock concert experience.

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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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Family Silent Disco

Address

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

Telephone
01229 820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Join us for our fab, fun, family silent disco with the following channels to choose from:
Ch. 1 Child Friendly Music
Ch.2 Cheese
Ch.3 Guiltily Pleasures

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RLPO presents – Under-5s Concert: Prehistoric Party

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

We're heading back through the musical mists of time to meet everyone's favourite prehistoric pals… Together with presenter Claire Henry and musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Tom Hingley of Inspiral Carpets

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Tom Hingley is an accomplished singer songwriter and guitarist , best known as the Ex lead singer with Manchester's finest Inspiral Carpets, he sang on all the bands hits and was present at the height of their success.

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The Dock Museum

Address

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

Telephone
01229 876400

dockmuseum@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area. The museum is a great day out for all with a popular playground, attractive Channelside walks, cafe…

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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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BounceFest

Address

Island Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2SB

Telephone
+447725834699

info@hardysoftplayhire.co.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with giant bouncy castles, thrilling slides, obstacle courses, interactive games and a dedicated toddler area for little adventurers. Families book timed…

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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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