Barrow has a proud heritage of industrial innovation. This is the town that built Britain’s first submarine in 1886 and seaplane in 1911! Forged on iron and steel in the 19th century the town has never stood still. Today Barrow is home to BAE systems and the innovation in submarine building continues. It is also home to one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world!

Whilst the Borough has known mining and industry for centuries, it also embraces the importance of the natural environment. Many former industrial workings, such as the sand, salt and gravel pits on South Walney, have been sympathetically regenerated into stunning nature reserves. And nothing reflects that commitment to the natural environment better than the Borough being rated number 1 (out of 326 districts) in England for the quality of its natural heritage assets in 2016! It was also rated number 7 for the quality of its industrial heritage.

In the town centre you will find a wonderful blend of high street names and independent shops selling everything from eco products to model trains! The indoor market is the largest in Cumbria and it is easy to spend an hour browsing through the many stalls.

Take a moment whilst you are shopping to enjoy the Victorian heritage of the town. On Duke Street you will find beautiful sandstone buildings with the impressive town hall standing proud in the centre.