Would you visit Barrow-in-Furness??

[matticus]

Planning a northern England tour in June. Barrow is the one corner of Cumbria I've never been to, and I'm kinda curious to see where the massive subs are built ...
... but I'm not sure if it will be worth the diversion.

Nice place to visit? To ride in/out of? Will we see any subs?!?

 

[markemark]

I went many years ago when up in the lakes. Not much to see.

 

[chriswoody]

My daughter was born in Barrow much to her dismay! As for seeing the subs, I doubt very much you'll catch a glimpse, now and again sections are moved across town from one dockyard building to another. Once in a blue moon they also sail completed ones out through Walney channel, but again you'd be lucky to see that happening.

Whilst there's very little to commend Barrow itself as a destination, nearby is Walney Island which is a pleasant place to visit. I used to Sea Kayak out from Roa Island towards Peil Island for a pint in the the pub, then on to the Southern tip of Walney to watch the seals. The landlord of the Piel Island pub is also designated the King of Piel island. I also spent many a happy hour wandering the nature reserves there, whilst I lived in nearby Ulverston. Ulverston is also a very pleasant little town, or at least it was, I've not been back since I lived there in the early noughties.

 

[Baldy]

Just like Chris I've been there sea kayaking, paddled around Walney island. You have to get the tides just right to get all the way around. Visited the pub on Peil island which was nice. All you can see of the docks is a big shed. Other than that it was a bit run down.

 

[matticus]

There should be a big sub there, but we probably won't see it!

https://www.navaltoday.com/2025/03/21/bae-systems-keel-laid-for-uks-first-dreadnought-submarine/

 

[Ian H]

I visited there about 65 years ago. Memories of the place are a bit hazy. I don't recall any subs.

 

[Drago]

Not been there for maybe 30 years. Lingering memories of it being not a bad place per se but with no redeeming features or interest.

Didn't the bus station once feature in a Chewits ad?

 

[annedonnelly]

There's going to be an event in Barrow soon to celebrate the life of Hairy Biker Dave Myers. If you're planning a visit to might want to time it to coincide with that (or not). I don't know anything else except that my brother is involved with some sort of vintage bus thing over that weekend - probably including rides somewhere.

 

[Time Waster]

Planning a northern England tour in June. Barrow is the one corner of Cumbria I've never been to, and I'm kinda curious to see where the massive subs are built ...
... but I'm not sure if it will be worth the diversion.

Nice place to visit? To ride in/out of? Will we see any subs?!?

Nice place to ride out of... As fast as you can!

There's been plans to build a bridge and tidal barrage from Heysham to Barrow for decades.. Every time it comes up for government discussion they think better. Best not make it easier for the Barrovians to escape. Same thoughts about the A590 upgrade to dual carriageway.

Seriously if you want to see a boat get down to Barrow any time in the next year or so. There's one visible from the bridge onto Barrow Island. If you stand around too long the security boat crew will move in front of it and check you out with big bins!

Barrow is a bit like Yorkshire in that the best thing about it is the road out of it! I am of course being unfair here. Barrow is not that bad!

If you do come here take the train to Ravensglass and ride La'al Ratty with your bikes, book on advance so they put the disabled carriage on for your bikes. Then take the Eskdale trail back.

Also pop round to see sellafield. Avoid Excremont up the coast though. The only place to make Barrow look good.

Prepare for rain. Barrow likes rain, well they have no choice most of the year.

 

[Time Waster]

There's going to be an event in Barrow soon to celebrate the life of Hairy Biker Dave Myers. If you're planning a visit to might want to time it to coincide with that (or not). I don't know anything else except that my brother is involved with some sort of vintage bus thing over that weekend - probably including rides somewhere.

And don't forget to visit the statue of the more famous Barrovian, Emlyn Hughes.

Barrow seems to have a tendency to knock down it's more interesting and historic buildings then put up monstrosities in its place, Furness building society building for example. Or burn it down in alleged insurance job, according to locals that is.