Barrow In Furness

Barrow-in-Furness is situated at the southern tip of Cumbria, to the north of Morecambe Bay and set against the spectacular backdrop of the English Lake District Mountains. The surrounding area is a breathtaking sight for those who love natural beauty. This unspoilt region offers the best of British wildlife as well as pretty villages, interesting attractions and something for all the family to enjoy.

For those with a love of shopping, Barrow is the Furness Peninsulas Premier Shopping centre is the perfect place. National stores such as Debenhams, Littlewoods, Marks and Spencer, River Island and Next nestle alongside local craft and specialist shops in a spacious, well laid out, pedestrianised town centre area. The town centre also proudly boasts some of the best street entertainment in the country, with a wide range of events and special attractions taking place throughout the year.

Barrow Indoor Market is a real find, with over 80 stalls offering everything from fresh and cooked meats, fish, flowers, jewellery, cheese and preserves to clothing, shoes, lighting, domestic appliances, models, books, lingerie, fancy goods, toys, chinaware, haberdashery, household linen, rugs and carpets, fabricsbags, petfoods, cosmetics, computer games, eggs, hosiery, footwear. There are cafes too and it is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Just adjacent to Portland Walk is the Market Square, Barrow's Outdoor Market. Open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, it is another great place to find bargains and curios.

Built with a Victorian feel, Barrow is not only architecturally attractive, but is also offers excellent shopping, dining and entertainment along with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities. There is a choice of beaches including Earnse Bay, Biggar Bank, Roanhead and Rampside.

Once the last bastion of defence from the marauding Scots, Piel Castle on Piel Island is now in ruins, with only the King of the island and other visitors present. Built around 1327 it was mainly used as a fortified warehouse for the storage of grain and wool. In 1487 it was invaded by Lambert Simnel and over 2,000 of his followers at the start of their failed attempt to seize the crown from Henry VII. The only means of access is via the Roa Island ferry service. The castle has recently undergone extensive restoration and is well worth a visit. Amenities include a pub which rarely closes and where the landlord can bestow upon the visitor the title �Knight of Piel Island�. The cost of this title is a round of drinks for all in the bar, so perhaps best to visit at a quiet time! Piel Island is certainly worth including in your itinerary.

Barrow's modern history began in 1846 with the birth of the Furness Railway, built to transport local iron ore and slate out of the area. Barrow led the world in building ships and submarines and this enthralling story can be explored at the outstanding Dock Museum. This free attraction suspended in a Victorian Graving Dock offers spectacular audio-visual displays, an exhibition gallery and a themed adventure playground.

Barrow's coastal fringes boast two internationally renowned nature reserves including South Walney which is home to the largest mixed colony of herring gulls in Europe and North Walney Nature Reserve which protects the rare Natterjack Toad.

Barrow and the neighbouring Walney Island offer a number of scenic walks. Channelside Park is the gateway to the "Red Man Way" a new coastal footpath running along Walney Channel. The Cumbria Coastal Way and the Cistercian Way pass through the town, as does the Cumbria Cycleway.