Often overlooked, the Furness Peninsula at the southern tip of Cumbria offers a fascinating contrast to the mountains of the central Lakes. Here you'll find a rich industrial heritage, a vibrant festival town, stunning coastal scenery, and some of the most significant historical sites in the North West. It's the perfect area to explore for a different perspective on the Lake District.
Ulverston: A Festival Town
Ulverston is a lively market town with a packed calendar of events, including the famous Dickensian Festival. It is most famous as the birthplace of Stan Laurel, and the Laurel and Hardy Museum is a must-visit for comedy fans. The town's cobbled streets are full of independent shops and pubs.
Looming over the town is the Hoad Monument, a replica of the Eddystone Lighthouse, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells.
Barrow-in-Furness & Industrial Heritage
Barrow is a town built on industry, famous worldwide for its shipbuilding and submarine construction. The story is brilliantly told at The Dock Museum, which is built over a Victorian graving dock.
Just outside the town lie the magnificent ruins of Furness Abbey, once one of the most powerful Cistercian monasteries in the country. A short ferry ride from Roa Island takes you to Piel Island, where you can explore the 14th-century Piel Castle and have a drink with the 'King of Piel' in the Ship Inn.
Getting There
By Car: From the M6 (Junction 36), the A590 is the main road that runs the length of the peninsula, leading directly to Ulverston and then on to Barrow-in-Furness.
By Public Transport: The Furness Line provides a direct rail link from Lancaster and the West Coast Main Line to both Ulverston and Barrow, making it very accessible by train.
Walks on the Furness Peninsula
Orrest Head and Lake Windermere
While not strictly on the peninsula, the classic walk up Orrest Head is easily accessible from its northern edge. This famous viewpoint offers one of the most rewarding panoramas in the Lake District for a relatively short and easy climb, making it a perfect introduction to the fells.
Discover Orrest HeadOld Man of Coniston
For those based on the Furness Peninsula who are looking for a true mountain adventure, the iconic Old Man of Coniston is just a short drive north. This challenging and rewarding walk provides some of the most dramatic scenery and history in the Southern Fells.
Climb The Old Man