Take junction 36 from North or South on the M6, then follow A590 toward Barrow-in-Furness. After passing through the village of Lindal-in-Furness you will come to a roundabout, take the second exit along the Dalton by-pass. At the next roundabout take the second exit signposted Barrow-in-Furness Continue down the hill until you come to another roundabout, take the first exit left, following the signs for Furness General Hospital. At the mini roundabout take the second exit, right, half a mile further, past the hospital on the right hand side lies the Chetwynde Hotel.

If travelling from the West Coast, follow the A595 toward Askam-in-Furness. Pass through Askam-in-Furness until you reach the roundabout at step 3, take the third exit at the roundabout.

Click map for more detail

Local Attractions

Dock Museum www.dockmuseum.co.uk
The Dock Museum is a spectacular modern building built over an historic grade II listed dry dock, with displays on the social and industrial history of the town, as well as a vibrant temporary exhibition and events programme.

Laurel & Hardy Museum www.laurel-and-hardy.co.uk
The world famous museum devoted to Laurel & Hardy in Ulverston, the town where Stan was born on 16th June 1890.

South Lakes Wild Animal Park www.wildanimalpark.co.uk
One of Europe 's finest conservation animal park's housing some of the world's rarest species. Uniquely to Britain it is home to both Sumatran and Siberian tigers, as well as African lions. There are animals from many continents, some free roaming, and informative talks featuring endangered species such as rhino's and tigers are a highlight of the day.

Grizedale forest www.grizedaleforestpark.co.uk
Great for walks and mountain biking, there is sculpture to see along the many walks. Also the exhilarating 'Go Ape'.

Aquarium of the Lakes www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk
From mountain-top to Morecambe Bay the award-winning Aquarium of the Lakes takes you on an amazing voyage of discovery.

More than 30 spectacular, naturally-themed habitats bring the natural history of the Lake District vividly to life. Enjoy close encounters with hundreds of amazing creatures including trout, eels, pike, perch, giant crabs, rays and many more.

A little history
Built with a Victorian feel, Barrow is not only architecturally attractive, but is also offers excellent shopping, dining and entertainment along with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities. There is a choice of beaches including Earnse Bay, by far Barrow's most popular beach and the ideal place to take the family. This sandy beach is served by local buses and becomes very busy during the summer months. Car parking facilities are available and there are refreshments and attractions here. Biggar Bank is an award winning beach located on the exposed west coast of Walney Island , a mixture of smooth pebbles and sand makes up this softly contoured coastline. Ample car parking facilities, refreshments and attractions here too. Over at Roanhead, situated three miles north of Barrow you will find this sandy, picturesque beach. Even though strong currents make it unsuitable for swimming, the coastal scenery is quite breathtaking. Car parking facilities are available. Rampside is an easily accessible pebble beach, approximately four miles south-east of Barrow. It is ideal for those with a liking for water sports and there is plenty to do. A causeway leads to Roa Island, which has toilets, bus stop, pub and cafe. Visitors can take the ferry to the famous Piel Island. The long stony beach is situated on the coast road heading towards the market town of Ulverston.

Once the last bastion of defence from the marauding Scots, Piel Castle on Piel Island is now in ruins, with only the King of the island and other visitors present. Built around 1327 it was mainly used as a fortified warehouse for the storage of grain and wool. In 1487 it was invaded by Lambert Simnel and over 2,000 of his followers at the start of their failed attempt to seize the crown from Henry VII. The only means of access is via the Roa Island ferry service. The castle has recently undergone extensive restoration and is well worth a visit. Amenities include a pub which rarely closes and where the landlord can bestow upon the visitor the title ‘Knight of Piel Island'. The cost of this title is a round of drinks for all in the bar, so perhaps best to visit at a quiet time! Piel Island is certainly worth including in your itinerary.

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'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 that take you to some incredible places with outstanding scenery.