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Barrow in Furness the Lake District

With the sea to one side and the magnificent scenery of the Lake District on the other, Barrow-in-Furness enjoys a fabulous location. Whether you are staying in Barrow-in-Furness or one of the other towns or villages in the Lake District, accommodation is plentiful and suits all budgets.


Walking and cycling routes around the town of Barrow-in-Furness attract visitors from all over England, and if you are staying nearby you will find easy access to internationally-renowned wildlife sites, long sandy beaches and fascinating historical sites.

This lively Victorian town has a proud heritage of production and innovation, and was founded on the local iron ore and coal supplies. Barrow evolved into one of the major ship building towns in England during the 19th Century, and this is reflected in the layout and impressive architecture in the town.

As well as enjoying a perfect location on the edge of the Lake District, surrounded by some of the finest scenery in England, Barrow is also one of the premier shopping centres in the northwest, where high street names sit side by side with traditional shops selling everything for lovers of the countryside. The Market Hall boasts over 80 stalls, and you can also find some of the best pubs, bars and restaurants in the Lake District in Barrow.


Furness Abbey Barrow the Lake District


Furness Abbey was once one of the wealthiest Cistercian Abbeys in England, until it was dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1537. The treasures were removed, the lead stripped from the roof and the walls partly demolished to leave only ruins, which still stand testimony to the glory days of the Abbey.

The Dock Museum Barrow

The Dock Museum in Barrow is an award-winning museum which was built over a Victorian dry dock. Telling the story of the town, its industrial past and the history of the dock, the museum has informative displays about shipbuilding and a choice of films, shows and exhibitions. You will also find a children´s adventure playground outside, and walkways which link with the former dock area. Also, there is a café and gift shop onsite. The Dock Museum at Barrow is one of the best Lake District attractions to visit with the family.

St Michael´s Church Barrow

St Michael´s Church stands on the site of a much earlier chapel, which was built on a Saxon burial ground. The church was built in 1840, and is one of the most interesting places to visit if you are interested in the history and culture of the Lake District. Ancient artefacts have been found at St Michael´s Church, including Stone Age axes and a Viking Sword, which was discovered in a graveyard in 1909. Known as the ´Sailors Church´, many mariners are buried at St Michael´s.

Dalton Castle Barrow

Dalton Castle was commissioned to be built by Furness Abbey in the 14th Century as a courthouse and prison. It was also a refuge for residents of Dalton during Scottish raids. Inside the castle there is an interesting collection or armour and artefacts from bygone Britain. Whether you are staying in Windermere, Kendal, Barrow, Grasmere, Ulverston, Whitehaven, Penrith, Coniston or Ulverston, you will find some superb Lake District accommodation to suit your requirements. Windermere boutique hotels and Dalton guest houses are among the best in the county, and wherever you decide to stay in the Lake District you will find plenty of attractions nearby.

Piel Castle Barrow

Piel Castle is situated on the 14th Century stronghold of Piel Island, and was built by Furness Abbey, originally to store wool and grain. In 1487 the castle was invaded by Lambert Simnel and his army as part of their abortive attempt to seize the crown from King Henry VII. The Ship Inn is located on Piel Island, and Piel Castle is accessible by ferry from Roa Island during the summer months only.

Barrow Town Hall

Barrow Town Hall is an imposing Gothic building with a central clock tower. First opened in 1887, the town hall is one of the most impressive buildings in Barrow, and guided tours are available subject to availability.


Arts in Barrow the Lake District

If you enjoy the arts, you will be spoilt for choice in Barrow. Take a trip down to the Canteen Media and Arts Centre, where you can see alternative live music acts, stand-up comedy, film, theatre and art to suit all tastes. The Art Gene Gallery is an independently run project which showcases contemporary art exhibitions by British and International artists-in-residence, and is only open during exhibition periods. Barracudas Ltd is a carnival arts organisation, which offers workshops and training in music, dance and costume.

Barrow Lifeboat Station

Barrow Lifeboat Station was completed in 2000, and is a flagship for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The station uses the Tamar generation of slipway-launched lifeboats, and has been built further out to sea than previously, and is linked to Roa Island by an elevated walkway.


If you are looking for the best pubs, hotels, bars, nightlife, kids attractions, walks, hikes and accommodation in the Lake District you will have plenty of choice. If you are planning a weekend break in the Lake District or even a Christmas break by the lakes, you can enjoy Winderemere, Grasmere, Barrow, Kendal, Bowness, Coniston or Penrith, and wake up surrounded by the most beautiful scenery in England.

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