Not all the visitor attractions in
Barrow are to be found in
history or nature. The many sports opportunities,
Portland Walk
shopping development, super stores,
Hollywood Park with its superbowl, multiplex
cinema, health club and restaurants, and
Forum 28 an award-winning
theatre pleasantly surprise many visitors.
The ancient market town of
Dalton, formerly the capital of Furness and
birthplace of George Romney the renowned portrait painter, lies a
few miles to the north and is home to
South Lakes Wild Animal Park and nearby Sandscale
Haws.
Horse back riding along the miles of
sandy beaches, bird sanctuaries and
nature
reserves offer a haven for those searching for peace and
tranquillity.
Discover The 'Real' Barrow
Barrow is a bustling Victorian
town with wide tree-lined streets and a wealth of fine buildings
typified by the imposing red sandstone Town Hall. The great
covered building of BAE Systems Submarine Solutions Devonshire Dock
Hall dominates the skyline in the southern part of the town and
symbolises its continued prosperity derived from a long association
with shipbuilding and maritime activities.
Many towns are affected by industry
intruding on residential districts but in Barrow, commercial and
industrial activity is restricted to areas along Walney Channel,
leaving the central, eastern and northern parts of the town
unspoiled.
The Port of Barrow serves in an
offshore support role as well as trading in other specialist
cargoes and as a cruise ship port. It is sheltered by the 10 miles
expanse of Walney Island.
Barrow is South Cumbria's Premier
Shopping Town where major national stores such as
Debenhams, New Look and Marks and Spencer mingle with
local specialist shops in a spacious pedestrianised town centre.
The big names can be found in Portland Walk and along Dalton Road
whilst Cavendish Street, Scott Street, Buccleuch Street, Rawlinson
Street, Crellin Street, and Portland Walk Arcade offer a wide
variety of independent retailers offering exceptional value,
variety and personal service.
For the bargain hunter,
Barrow's Indoor Market has over 80 stalls and is
open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm
and an outdoor market in the adjacent Portland Walk Market Square
is held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tel (01229)
876555.
Image of Buccleuch Dock supplied by
John Carroll (
www.stoptime.co.uk).
At the forefront of technological
progress, with a tradition of unparalleled engineering skills, the
town is strongly competitive in the international market. Despite
this success, Barrow retains a pleasant market town character
surrounded by countryside and sea. Many sites of interest are to be
found in and around the town, from the magnificent ruins of
Furness Abbey and the charming mysteries of
Piel Castle, to peaceful expanses at
Roanhead with breathtaking views of Black Combe
to the north.
Image of Roanhead Sunset supplied by
Furness Fine
Arts.
For connoisseurs of night life and
entertainment Barrow can boast a wealth of excellent restaurants,
good clubs, discotheques, lively pubs and an innovative arts
programme. Unique venues include the Princess Selandia and
the Canteen Media and Arts Centre. The people of Barrow are well
known for their friendly caring attitude and the visitor to the
district is soon made to feel at home.
A wide range of events and special
attractions, including carnivals and festivals, take place
throughout the year. For details contact the
Tourist Information
Centre. Tel: (01229) 876505, or see our
Events page.