Location:
BarROW - The gateway to the lakes
Where is Barrow?
Find out here
Steeped in a history of ship building
Barrow’s growth from a small hamlet began in 1846 with the birth of the Furness Railway. Not long after, its world-class reputation as a builder of ships and submarines began to grow.
Receiving its first naval vessel order from the British Admiralty in 1877, Barrow shipyard cut its submarine-building teeth nine years later on two vessels for the Swedish industrialist, Thorsten Nordenfelt.
Today, of course, the shipyard is thriving with BAE Systems Submarine Solutions looking to further increase its workforce over the coming year. For a fuller picture on Barrow’s maritime, social and industrial history, you can visit the fascinating Dock Museum.
At the southern tip of the Furness Peninsula, with Morecambe Bay to the south, Duddon Estuary to the north and only 25 minutes from the Lake District, Barrow is known as the ‘Gateway to the Lakes.’ With an exciting new Waterfront Marina complex underway, planned cruise ship facilities and an extensive programme of investment and regeneration, this vibrant town is set to become so much more.
The main commercial, retail and cultural centre for south west Cumbria, Barrow offers good shopping, dining and entertainment, not to mention a choice of lovely beaches.
It has some fine architecture too, with many old and distinctive buildings from the Victorian era like the Town Hall, the Nan Tait Centre and the Old Fire Station. Add this to a number of stylish, contemporary buildings, and you have a location that has something for everyone.
Come rain or shine
Whatever the weather and whatever the season, you’ll find there’s so much to do in Barrow and the surrounding areas, come rain or shine.
