Welcome to the borough of Barrow: a vibrant area on the southern tip of the Furness peninsula. This striking part of Cumbria has so much to offer, from beautiful beaches to friendly local high streets – and a few things which may surprise you! Read on for 14 things you may not have known about Barrow.
- It’s home to Cumbria’s only grey seal colony
Head to South Walney Island to see Cumbria’s only grey seal colony. Hundreds of grey seals live in the South Walney Island Nature Reserve, and can be seen from a number of footpaths on South Walney; or from the sea, thanks to the Piel Island Ferry.
- It was the birthplace of one of the Hairy Bikers
Famous duo The Hairy Bikers have a personal connection with Barrow: one half of the pair, Dave Myers, was born in Barrow-in-Furness. They visited his home town in 2021, with their road trip titled The Hairy Bikers Go North televised on BBC2.
- It’s home to one of the largest indoor markets in Cumbria
Barrow Market Hall can be found in the centre of Barrow-in-Furness, and is one of Cumbria’s largest indoor markets. Inside, you’ll find a fantastic variety of stalls manned by stall holders, selling everything from food and drink to arts and crafts.
- George Romney (famous artist) was born in Beckside, Dalton-in-Furness in 1734.
Painter George Romney made his fortune in London as a portraitist of influential, wealthy and well known figures. But did you know he was actually born over 200 miles north, in Dalton-in-Furness? The artist was born in Beckside, before being raised in what is today Barrow-in-Furness. He returned home at the end of his life, and his grave now lies at St Mary’s Church in Dalton.
- A Viking hoard was discovered here in 2011
Barrow has a rich Viking heritage, and in 2011 an exciting discovery was made by a metal detectorist: a Viking hoard consisting of 92 silver coins and various artefacts! The treasures, which were unearthed near Stainton, can now be seen at the Dock Museum, alongside a number of other Viking exhibits.
- It’s got it’s very own Monarch on Piel Island
That’s right: Barrow has its very own Monarch…of a sort! Piel Island is home to The Ship Inn, whose landlord is known as King or Queen of Piel Island and is responsible for its maintenance as well as that of the pubs. They’re also crowned by having beer poured over them!
- It’s (kind of) the home of Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas the Tank Engine creator VW Awdry took inspiration from Barrow when writing some of his iconic tales. The stories are based on the fictional Isle of Sodor – which is, in fact, located between Barrow-in-Furness and the Isle of Man; and can be reached via Barrow’s Jubilee Bridge!
In reality, Jubilee Bridge – also known as Walney Bridge – leads to Walney Island, which has plenty to discover.
- It’s got 60km of coastline
Overlooking the Irish Sea and Morecambe Bay, Barrow boasts 60km of coastline dotted with sandy beaches and areas of natural beauty. Along the way, discover cycling and walking trails like the 16-mile long Walney Coastal Path; as well as stunning sunset views and diverse coastal landscapes.
- Barrow is one of the top boroughs in England for the quality of its natural heritage assets
The Royal Society of Arts & Industry named Barrow the number 1 Borough in England for the quality of its landscapes and number of its Nature Reserves, in its 2016 Heritage Index – and it’s not hard to see why! South Walney Nature Reserve, Foulney Island and the Duddon Estuary SSI (made up of the North Walney Nature Reserve and Sandscale Haws) are all located here. Each offers an abundance of nature and wildlife to discover.
- It was once home to the largest & wealthiest monastery in north-west England
Cumbria once housed a number of Cistercian monks, with the Cistercian Way stretching across the south of the county. Furness Abbey stands along the path: once one of England’s largest, wealthiest and most powerful monasteries, it was destroyed in 1537 during the English Reformation. Today, its impressive ruins are open to visit and offer an insight into the area’s rich history.
- South Walney was once farmed by the monks of Furness Abbey
While the Abbey was in action, the monks farmed on South Walney, with views across to Piel Island – whose castle they built to maintain control over trade with the Isle of Man. Later, in the 19th & 20th centuries, salt, sand and gravel were extracted from South Walney. This left behind lagoons which still influence the landscape and its wildlife today.
- It’s great for surfing
Walney Island’s western coast enjoys a windy location – which makes it a great place for kitesurfing! Earnse Bay and The Tip are popular spots, with large sandy beaches; and flat water lagoons when the tide is out.
- Dalton-in-furness is home to its very own castle
Yep, Dalton-in-Furness has its very own castle – right in the town centre. Dalton Castle is actually a Pele Tower built in the 14th century, and once served as the manorial courthouse for Furness Abbey. It was here that the abbot would administer justice, and the building also acted as a prison for over 500 years between the 13th and 18th centuries.
- It’s just a stone’s throw from the Lake District
With the sea on three sides and the Lake District on the other, Barrow boasts a fantastic location. It’s a stone’s throw from the southern fringe of the Lake District, so you can enjoy all the town has to offer while remaining within easy reach of the National Park.
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