Barrow in Furness (Travel Guide) - The Shipyard Town with Mountain Views and Spectacular Sunsets

Once compared to Chicago during its raucous 19th century boom years, Barrow has undergone many transformations over the years. Beginning as a sleepy hamlet in the mid 19th century it rose to become a powerhouse of iron and steel production with a world renowned shipyard. The steelworks are no more, and the shipyard is much reduced. However, what remains is not the post industrial wasteland so often suggested by lazy journalism. Under cover of the ship halls that dominate the town, a highly skilled workforce produces cutting edge nuclear submarines. The grid pattern laid out by the Victorian town planners is still evident, as are the impressive architectural masterpieces of the town’s heyday; the lofty Town Hall being the most visible. Although it was never developed to the extent of the original ambitious plans, Vickerstown on Walney Island remains a fine example of a marine garden city In industrial terms Barrow has suffered from its remote (in English terms) location. However, its location at the tip of the Furness peninsula, surrounded by sea and mountains is a bonus for residents and visitors alike. On a sunny day Barrovians have a choice of seaside pastimes or the pleasures of the nearby Lake District National Park. The ruins of Furness Abbey are majestic at any time of year, with a welcoming cafe if the weather turns inclement. This film provides a short history of the town as well as a tour of its main attractions, from the excellent Dock Museum (free entry) to a stroll amongst the blossom in Barrow Park; not forgetting independent shopping, an outdoor pint on Dalton Street and the local football and rugby league teams! Thank you to Martin Schofield (www.mjschofieldphotography.com) and Geoff Parkes of the Barrow Society of Artists. www.travelobscurer.com