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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.
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