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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

King Alfred Hotel

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

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote

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

RLPO presents – Epic Worlds in Concert: Music of Films and Video Games

From the silver screen to legendary gaming worlds, experience unforgettable music that's shaped…

The Miss Rachel Experience – Summer Special

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

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

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

Barrow AFC 125

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

RLPO presents – Beethoven in Barrow

Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan brings our Beethoven Celebrations to Barrow with a concert that's…

Dave Rowntree: No One You Know

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

Upbeat Beatles

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

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…

The Unseen Child

The Unseen Child is the story of a young carer who escapes his daily life through fantasy worlds…

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…

South Walney Nature Reserve

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

Voulez Vous ABBA Tribute

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

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys

With nearly 7,000 performances across 27 countries in 40 years, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys…

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

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

Logan Paul Murphy

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

'What the sea decides to give you' photographic exhibition

Photography exhibition about the Morecambe Bay fishing community by Tessa Bunney

RLPO presents – Come and Sing 2026

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

RLPO presents – Dementia Friendly Concert: An Invitation to Dance

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

Manford's Comedy Club: September

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

Can you Catch a Serial Killer?

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

Celine – My Heart Will Go On

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

Furness Country

A celebration of homegrown Country and Americana artists, with local Furness acts bringing you a…

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

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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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King Alfred Hotel

Address

King Alfred Hotel, Ocean Rd, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 3DX

Telephone
01229 471775

kingalfred@dorbiere.co.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

The King Alfred Hotel on Walney is a thriving community pub with 10 en-suite bedrooms. With rooms overlooking Walney Channel we are greatly situated for midweek contractors to anyone looking for a weekend get away with a difference. Walney Island…

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Tourism For All

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
241 reviews
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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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RLPO presents – Epic Worlds in Concert: Music of Films and Video Games

Address

Furness Academy, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 9BB

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

From the silver screen to legendary gaming worlds, experience unforgettable music that's shaped generations. Hear iconic scores brought to life in a powerful performance by the Orchestra filled with adventure, emotion and nostalgia.

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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 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 – Beethoven in Barrow

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan brings our Beethoven Celebrations to Barrow with a concert that's bold, vibrant and buzzing with life to mark 200 years since the composer's death.

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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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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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What the sea decides to give you

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 very pleased to bring you a new exhibition to the Dock Museum, "What the sea decides to give you" by photographer and artist, Tessa Bunney.
Tessa has previously had exhibitions displayed around Morecambe Bay, but this is her first exhibition…

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The Unseen Child

Address

102-104 Abbey Rd, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 5QR

Telephone
01229 430636

hello@theatrefactory.org

Barrow in Furness

The Unseen Child is the story of a young carer who escapes his daily life through fantasy worlds and battling mythical beasts in a quest to keep his family together.
Once there was a young prince, who was master of all he surveyed. His parents…

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

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

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

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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

South Walney isolated position on the southern tip of Walney Island makes it a special place for wildlife and people. It is a haven for bird life, many of which nest on the shingle beaches in the spring. No dogs allowed because of risk to wildlife.

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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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King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys

Address

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

Telephone
+441229820000

John.boyd@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

With nearly 7,000 performances across 27 countries in 40 years, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys are one of the world's leading jump, jive and swing bands.

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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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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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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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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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'What the sea decides to give you' photographic exhibition

Address

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

Telephone
01229 876400

dockmuseum@barrowbc.gov.uk

Barrow-in-Furness

Photography exhibition about the Morecambe Bay fishing community by Tessa Bunney

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Did you know?

THE BARROW BLITZ

HOUSEWIFE, 49

DALTON CASTLE

FURNESS ABBEY

'LEADING LIGHTS'

PIEL CASTLE

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