Barrow's history can be dated as far back as 1123 with the founding of Furness Abbey, the red sandstone walls and arches of which, still stand.Barrow's modern history began in earnest with the building of the Furness Railway and within less than 80 years the town developed from a fishing village to a world-famous ship-building port with 300 acres of docks and steel works.

Popular attractions are the Dock Museum that describes Barrow's involvement in shipbuilding and submarines and Piel Island, just off the Furness peninsula. Animal lovers will be interested in The South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Park House Animal Farm and The South and North Walney Nature Reserves.You can shop at Portland Walk in Barrow and nearby Dalton is a small attractive market town that also boasts its own Dalton Castle.