Barrow-in-Furness Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled on the northwestern coast of England, Barrow-in-Furness is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, industrial heritage, and vibrant cultural experiences. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, this town is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic English experience.

Stepping into Barrow-in-Furness is like taking a journey back in time. The town's industrial past is evident in its architecture, with grand Victorian buildings and imposing shipyards that harken back to its days as a thriving manufacturing hub. Explore the Barrow Dock Museum, housed in a former dry dock, to learn about the town's shipbuilding legacy and get a glimpse into the lives of the workers who built these magnificent vessels.

For nature enthusiasts, the stunning Lake District National Park is just a stone's throw away from Barrow-in-Furness. Embark on a scenic drive through the rolling countryside, hike along picturesque trails, or simply enjoy a leisurely picnic by one of the many serene lakes. The park's breathtaking vistas and peaceful ambiance provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

History buffs will be enthralled by the ruins of Furness Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. Wander through the atmospheric remains of this once-vibrant religious institution, marvel at the intricate stone carvings, and imagine what life was like during medieval times.

Barrow-in-Furness also boasts a lively arts and culture scene. Visit the Forum, a vibrant arts center that hosts a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and workshops. Immerse yourself in the local music scene by catching a live gig at one of the town's cozy pubs or music venues. And no visit to Barrow-in-Furness would be complete without indulging in some traditional English cuisine at one of the town's charming eateries, where you can savor hearty dishes such as fish and chips or a sumptuous Sunday roast.

Alternative names: Area: 30.07 mi²Elevation: 62 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 54°6'50"N, 3°13'33"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Barrow-in-Furness Top Attractions

Barrow-in-Furness Attractions - What to See and Explore

Barrow-in-Furness offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dock Museum, Furness Abbey, South Lakes Safari Zoo, Barrow-in-Furness Town Hall. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Dock Museum
The Dock Museum is situated in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. Most of its exhibits concern the history of the town, focusing on the shipbuilding industry at VSEL, the steelworks industry — of which Barrow once had the world's largest, the Furness Railway and the World War II bombings of the town.
Remains of an expansive medieval abbey
Furness Abbey
Furness Abbey, or St. Mary of Furness, is a former Catholic monastery located to the north of Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England.
Outdoor activities • Park • Zoo
South Lakes Safari Zoo
South Lakes Safari Zoo is a 51-acre zoo established in 1994 by David Gill, and located in Cumbria, England. Its name refers to its proximity to the Lake District, though it lies entirely within the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness on the outskirts of Dalton.

City hall • Gothic Revival architecture • Architecture
Barrow-in-Furness Town Hall
Barrow-in-Furness Town Hall is a Gothic Revival style municipal building in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. The building, which serves as the base of Barrow Borough Council, lies within a Conservation Area with Grade II* listed status.
Forts and castles
Piel Castle
Piel Castle, also known as Fouldry Castle or the Pile of Fouldray, is a castle situated on the south-eastern point of Piel Island, off the coast of the Furness Peninsula in north-west England.
Park
Hindpool Retail Parks
The Hindpool Retail Parks are a set of four conjoined retail parks in the Hindpool area of Barrow-in-Furness, England, United Kingdom. Some thirty stores and leisure facilities contain a total of 43,000 m2 of retail space.
Bridge
Walney Bridge
Walney Bridge, officially Jubilee Bridge, is a bascule bridge in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. Completed in 1908, it spans Walney Channel, linking Barrow Island to Walney Island. The bridge carries the A590 trunk road, which has its western terminus on Walney.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
Saint Mary
St Mary the Virgin's Church is located on the Promenade, Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness. Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Barrow, the archdeaconry of Westmorland and Furness, and the diocese of Carlisle.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
St Mary of Furness Roman Catholic Church
St Mary of Furness is a Roman Catholic church located on Duke Street in Barrow-in-Furness, England. The congregation was founded in 1858, however the current building was constructed between 1866 and 1867. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Walney Lighthouse
Walney Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse located on Walney Island in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. The current building dates to the early 19th-century and is Grade II* listed as well as being the southernmost man-made structure in Cumbria.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
St George's Church
St. George's Church is in St George's Square, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. It is the oldest active Anglican parish church in the town.
Concerts and shows • Theater
The Forum
The Forum is a theatre, media and arts centre located in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. The complex is currently home to a large theatre and stage, several conference and function rooms, Barrow's main tourist information centre and a Costa Coffee outlet.
Cemetery
Thorncliffe Cemetery and Crematorium
Thorncliffe Cemetery and Crematorium is a 66-acre graveyard located on Devonshire Road in the Ormsgill ward of Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. The cemetery opened in 1872 and a crematorium was added to the site in 1962.
Park
Barrow Park
Barrow Park is a 45-acre public park in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. It is located entirely within the Parkside ward, to which the park lends its name, bound by Abbey Road, Park Drive, Greengate Street and Park Avenue.
Bridge
Michaelson Road Bridge
Michaelson Road Bridge is a road bridge connecting Central Barrow to Barrow Island in south Cumbria, England. The original high-level bridge was a swing bridge and then replaced by a pair of lift and roll bridges constructed between 1800 and 1884 then superseded by a more modern pair of bascule bridges in the mid 1960s.
Baths
Ramsden Hall
Ramsden Hall located at 48 Abbey Road in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England is a Grade II listed former public bath house. Funded by industrialist and local mayor Sir James Ramsden it was constructed in 1872 and was relatively small in comparison to other public baths in Barrow.
Bridge
Bow Bridge
Bow Bridge is a late medieval multi-span bridge located near Furness Abbey in Cumbria and built in the 1500s. It is made of local red sandstone stone and crosses Mill Beck. It has been a Scheduled monument since 1949.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
St. James' Church
St. James Church located on Blake Street in Barrow-in-Furness, belongs to the Church of England's Diocese of Carlisle within the ecclesiastical Province of York. The present church building dates from the mid-19th century and is Grade II* listed.
Island with nature reserves and wind farms
Walney Island
Walney Island, also known as the Isle of Walney, is an island off the west coast of England, at the western end of Morecambe Bay in the Irish Sea.

Day trips

Barrow-in-Furness – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Barrow-in-Furness, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Blackpool Tower (Blackpool), Harris Museum (Preston), Helvellyn (Lake District National Park).

22 milesS
Iconic tower with a seaside viewing area
Blackpool Tower, Blackpool
Blackpool Tower stands as an iconic landmark in the heart of Blackpool, England, offering visitors a quintessential British seaside experience. Opened to the public on 14 May 1894, the tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris and has since become a beloved...
33 milesSE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Harris Museum, Preston
Steeped in history and culture, the Harris Museum stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Preston, England. Situated in the heart of the city, this Grade I listed building is not only an architectural gem but also a treasure trove of art, history, and human...
30 milesN
Natural attraction, Hiking trail, Park
Helvellyn, Lake District National Park
Helvellyn, a majestic mountain nestled within the serene landscape of the Lake District National Park in the United Kingdom, stands as a beacon for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. As England's third-highest peak, Helvellyn rises to an elevation of 950 meters...
35 milesN
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Ullswater
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Ullswater is the second largest lake in England, renowned for its stunning beauty and tranquility. Stretching over nine miles, the lake is a serpentine body of water that mirrors the surrounding fells, offering a...
25 milesN
Climbing, Hiking trail, Park
Green Gable, Lake District National Park
Green Gable is a captivating fell nestled within the renowned Lake District National Park in the United Kingdom. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rugged charm, Green Gable offers a quintessential Lake District experience for those who seek the tranquility of...