The Best Hotels in Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow-in-Furness Hotels

Rising to prosperity in the Victorian era, Barrow-in-Furness is a thriving industrial seaport with a long history: iron was first smelted here in the 12th century. Nowadays, this Cumbrian town is better known for ship-building, and its ability to constantly reinvent itself has endowed it with a rich heritage. With the medieval ruins of Furness Abbey, the Victorian grandeur of the Town Hall, and the modern installations at Hindpool Urban Park, Barrow-in-Furness shows off creativity and innovation across the centuries.

Things to see

Arriving in Barrow-in-Furness, it’s impossible to miss the Town Hall, its clock tower rising above the rooftops. Built from the area’s distinctive red sandstone, this building is the centrepiece of the planned, Victorian town. It’s worth taking a look inside to see the beautiful oak panelling and shimmering stained glass windows. Down by the shipyards, you’ll find the Dock Museum, a sweeping modern structure, featuring a sculpture park and interactive exhibitions. Then go further back in time with a visit to Furness Abbey, where medieval monks set the foundations for the town’s iron industry. Today, the abbey is a ruin, but what remains is undeniably majestic. This varied heritage has been artistically woven together at the Hindpool Urban Park. Walk across mosaics, illuminated with LED lights, which create a flowing work of art tracing the rise of industry in the town. Mosaics by local schoolchildren form the Treasure Island Labyrinth.

Hotels in Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow-in-Furness boasts a unique selection of independent hotels, which are all influenced by the character and heritage of the area. The discount hotels in Barrow-in-Furness offer quality for a bargain price. Mostly, these are traditional guesthouses, with simple but pleasant furnishings. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided in the rooms, while a full breakfast is on offer in most hotels. Most provide free WiFi access. The more upmarket hotels in Barrow-in-Furness provide a mix of chic, self-catering apartments and spacious, modern hotel rooms, fitted out with flat-screen TVs. Onsite restaurants offer delicious menus inspired by local Lake District produce

Where to stay

Central Barrow-in-Furness has a good mix of budget and mid-range hotels to choose from, with some self-catering apartments available, suited to both families and couples. Staying in this area offers easy access to all the main attractions of the town, and there are also plenty of local shops, restaurants and pubs within walking distance. For a romantic, rural farm stay, one of the more secluded hotels near Ulverston or Kirkby-in-Furness is ideal. The hotels here exude country charm. You’ll be within striking distance of the Lake District National Park, but also just a short drive from the attractions of Barrow-in-Furness.

How to get to Barrow-in-Furness

Though the town may seem remote, perched at the end of the isthmus in the western reaches of Cumbria, Barrow-in-Furness is surprisingly well-connected. The closest international airport is Manchester, from where direct trains run frequently to Barrow-in-Furness. The journey takes just over 2 hours. It’s even a reasonable train journey from London – with fast trains from Euston to Lancaster, then a short onward journey to Barrow-in-Furness, the entire journey takes less than 4 hours. There are also bus and train services from elsewhere in the Cumbria network. Hiring a car is recommended if you plan to explore the rural areas.