Discover Barrow-In-Furness

Barrow-In-Furness between coast and history

Barrow-In-Furness offers different ways to explore the area: a 60-kilometre coastline, wildlife watching and a rich industrial history. Buildings and historical walks also add their own character. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on coastal scenery, nature or history. This lets you plan your trip around your interests: views across Morecambe Bay, a walk to notable places and the history of a shipyard offer different ways to experience the destination.

Coast and wildlife watching

South Walney Nature Reserve is a shingle island nature reserve with views across Morecambe Bay. At high tide, you can see grey seals from the observation hides. The landscape and wildlife watching offer two distinct highlights: views of the bay are part of the reserve’s character, while seeing seals depends on the tide and is not guaranteed.

Piel Island also offers a connection to the coast. From Roa Island, you can reach the island by passenger ferry or, at low tide, as part of a guided mudflat walk. Walking across the sand independently is not safe. If you plan to take the ferry, factor the timetable into your trip; for the mudflat walk, low tide and a guide are conditions of access. The Ship Inn has its own tradition: each new landlord is crowned “King of Piel” in a ceremony. The origins of the ceremony are uncertain.

Industrial and architectural history

The history of the Barrow Shipbuilding Company began in January 1871, when the company was established following a meeting of financiers. In May 1873, the shipyard launched its first vessel, the steam yacht Aries. These two dates provide a timeline for the beginnings of the shipyard’s history, and the name Aries identifies its first ship.

The ruins of Furness Abbey are made of red sandstone. Surviving parts include the tower, the recently conserved east end of the great church, the chapter house and almost the entire east range of the cloister. An exhibition displays striking effigies of knights, the rare 12th-century gilded silver “Furness Crozier” and a gemstone ring from an abbot’s grave. The exhibition contents may change.

Walks and other experiences

The Barrow heritage trail explores ten notable places in the centre of Barrow-in-Furness. It begins and ends at Barrow Library and Archive. The ten stops and the shared start and end point help you find your way around the walk. A valid Archives Card is required to consult original archives at the Barrow Archive Centre.

Other options offer different experiences: Barrow Park has a boating lake, although the availability of boat rides may vary. A path runs alongside a historic dock at the Dock Museum. A cycling route starts at the Town Hall and follows a dedicated cycle path to Roa Island. Whether you prefer walking, cycling or looking out over a park lake, these options offer different ways to explore and can be chosen to suit your interests.

Getting there

Barrow can be reached via junction 36 of the M6 and the A590. By train, the West Coast line runs from Carlisle to Barrow; from Lancaster, the connection is via the Furness Line. Check the current timetable before departure if you are travelling by train.

Discover more destinations: Levens, Grange Over Sands, Crosby Garrett, Skinburness, Whitbeck, Coniston, Hawkshead, Cleator

For the regional travel overview: Cumbria.