The southern tip of the Furness Peninsula embraces one of England's most impressive monastic ruins, a superb Maritime Museum, nature reserves with an international reputation, a Medieval Castle and a premier shopping centre. Barrow-in-Furness is the historic maritime gateway to the Furness Peninsula. This ancient land has provided refuge and sanctuary to centuries of saints and sinners who have sought the peace of Furness Abbey. Founded in 1123, this magnificent ruin was once the second wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in England.  Visitors today can enjoy the fascinating story of the medieval monks' wealth, power and influence with an audio tour. In the 14th century, the monks built Piel Castle as a defensive stronghold on remote Piel Island, close to Barrow-in-Furness. Inspirational to Wordsworth and a safe haven for Lambert Simnel on his way to battle against Henry VII, this imposing site welcomes visitors by ferry from neighbouring Roa Island. 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 is the Lake District Peninsulas' Premier Shopping Centre where major national stores such as Debenhams, Littlewoods and Marks and Spencer mingle amongst local specialist shops. Barrow's indoor market is the largest in the Lake District Peninsulas, open every day except Thursdays and Sundays. There is an excellent choice of cafes, restaurants and pubs and when darkness falls, the best nightlife in Cumbria. Newly opened Hollywood Park offers ten-pin bowling, multiplex cinema, fitness centre and leisure club, restaurants and much more. There is a vibrant public arts programme with an award winning arts and entertainment centre at Forum 28, coupled with high quality street entertainment and festivals in Portland Walk Shopping Centre during the summer months. 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. Visit the Barrow-in-Furness Web site here. Download the Barrow-in-Furness 2007 information leaflet here. home | what's new | order a brochure | towns & villages attractions | accommodation | groups | events | cruise ships | getting here