DISCOVER WALNEY ISLAND

Walney Island, juts out into the Irish Sea off the west coast of England and is connected to Barrow in Furness by Jubilee Bridge over Walney Channel. Walney is the largest island of the Furness Islands group and has a population in excess of 10,000.

The island of Walney contributed to the rapid expansion of Barrow in Furness in the nineteenth century. The island acted as a natural shelter, which allowed the development of Barrow’s large ship building yards. In the 1870s Biggar Bank became a popular seaside recreation site on Walney and day trippers and visitors would reach the island by ferry until Jubilee Bridge was constructed and became operational in 1908. Following the construction of the bridge, the island’s first housing estate was constructed and the facilities at Biggar Bank were developed.

BEACHES AND FAMILY FUN

Walney is an 11 mile long island and as such boasts a diverse range of beaches to enjoy or explore. The beaches at West Shore and North Walney offer wide expanses of sand at low tide and join North Walney Nature Reserve via a series of sandy dunes. They offer a great location for family play, exploring nature or enjoying one of the best sunsets in the UK.

Earnse Bay is a sand and shingle beach located on the Western Coast of Walney between West Shore Caravan Park and Furness Golf Club. The beach offers panoramic views across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and the Lake District mountains which silhouette against the wind turbines located in one of the biggest offshore windfarms in the world. Earnse Bay is home to the North West Kitesurfing school and is popular for watersports, walking and sunbathing during the summer months.

Sandy Gap and Biggar Bank adjoin with Earnse Bay and are popular with families. The coastal paths are ideal for family walks or cycling and Biggar Bank has a children’s playground near the Round House Hub & Café which serves drinks and refreshments throughout the day.

NATURE RESERVES

Walney has two nature reserves, the South Walney Nature Reserve has outstanding views out to the Irish Sea and across Morecambe Bay and provides an opportunity to view a variety of birds and wildlife. The reserve is best known for its Grey Seal colony, which is the only Grey Seal colony on the Cumbrian coast.

North Walney Nature Reserve is located next to Walney Airfield which is used to service BAE Systems. The nature reserve hosts a variety of flora and fauna including nesting geese and natterjack toads.

Find out more about Barrow’s coastal nature reserves here

STAY ON WALNEY ISLAND

Walney is a fantastic place to visit and stay for a weekend or week. There are lots of things to see, do and explore on the island or across the Furness peninsula.

South End Caravan Park is located near South Walney nature reserve and has a range of family-friendly facilities including; an indoor pool, games area, bar and dining, playgrounds and sports facilities. It is popular with nature lovers and families looking to explore outdoors.

A range of guest accommodation can be found on the island, including B&Bs and guest rooms. West Point House is a good example of the standard of accommodation that can be found on the island.