Pictures of Barrow in Furness

About Barrow in Furness

Barrow-in-Furnace is defined by three things, the glorious red Sandstone ruins of Furnace Abbey, founded by King Steven in 1132, its beautiful sea and coastline where visitors thrill to the exciting sight of tall ships competing in the Tall Ship's Festival, and the magical views of Lakeland's distant towering peaks.

The town itself is epitomised by its wide streets, central square with colourful flower filled round-a-bout and its many handsome buildings from its Victorian hey-day. Here visitors will find plenty to occupy them, churches, shops, pubs, cafe's and noted sea-food restaurants. In lovely Barrow Park, a pleasant place to rest following a few hours spent looking around the shops, you can see the town's impressive war memorial.

The large modern building containing the Dock Museum is located beside the sea where visitors can take advantage of picnic tables to enjoy an "al-fresco" meal. The museum tells the story of how Barrow, once a quiet fishing hamlet, developed into a major shipping centre. There is much to see and entertain, the museum has fascinating displays with something for everyone.

Barrow is noted for its maritime festivals, there is an annual Sea Festival, Tall Ship's Festival and many others. It has beautiful beaches for relaxing, with the little creeks surrounding the peninsular being ideal for boating and for reaching Roa Island and Piel Island. There is a nature reserve on Walney Island which is linked to Barrow by a bridge. Looking back from the road leading to Walney visitors get a good view of the town's dockland area.

Since the 18th century the town has had its own steelworks, by the 1870's these had developed into the largest steelworks in the world, and later Barrow was to be the place where many of Britain's nuclear submarines were built.

Today the town acts mainly as a resort town, its easy access to the Lake District National Park makes it a favoured destination for anyone wanting to enjoy a combination of sun, sea and sand, coupled with exploring the grandeur of romantic mountainous scenery covered with fascinating lakes and lofty tarns.