The Beauty of Barrow

Nature and heritage jostle for attention on the approach to Barrow-in-Furness, with bustling towns and picturesque Cumbrian villages nestling against a scenic backdrop of countryside and coast.

“It is a truly unique part of our region and absolutely deserves to be given the accolade of being filming Location of the Month,” says Yvonne Burrows, Cumbria Film Liaison Officer for Northwest Vision and Media.

“Barrow was recently used in an ITV documentary Islands of Britain, presented by Martin Clunes,” explains Yvonne. “The programme covered a traditional ceremony, The Crowning of the King of Piel, during which the new tenant of Piel Island’s public house, The Ship Inn, is formally installed as ‘King.’ I’m sure the programme will keep viewers fascinated when it’s aired early next year.

“This is just one example of the wonderfully diverse locations and landscapes which Barrow has to offer.”

Situated 100 miles north of Manchester on the coast of Cumbria, just 34 miles west of the M6 motorway, Barrow is also accessible by air with Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool Airports all within easy reach. Located just 20 minutes from the Lake District, Barrow has also been referred to as a 'gateway to the lakes and the sea' a status which will soon be enhanced by its new Waterfront marina complex and planned cruise ship facilities.

Barrow-in-Furness is the historic maritime gateway to the Furness Peninsula, an ancient land providing refuge and sanctuary to centuries of saints and sinners who have sought the peace of Furness Abbey. “Founded in 1123, this magnificent ruin was once the second wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in England,” explains Val Holden, a regeneration officer for Barrow Borough Council.

“In the 14th century, the monks built Piel Castle as a defensive stronghold on remote Piel Island, which is close to Barrow-in-Furness. Inspirational to Wordsworth and a safe haven for Lambert Simnel on his way to battle against Henry VII, this imposing site was also a firm favourite with Martin Clunes when he filmed here,” confides Val.

Among the many other productions filming in the town this year was award-winning Victoria Walters drama, Housewife 49, and several visits from The Hairy Bikers – as biker David Myers comes from the town.

“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, but although these traditional industries have now gone the town still has much to offer, with work recently starting on a £1.5 million creative industries centre,” explains Val.

Barrow is also the Lake District Peninsulas' Premier Shopping Centre and there’s a vibrant public arts programme with an award winning arts and entertainment centre at Forum 28, coupled with high quality street entertainment and festivals in Portland Walk Shopping Centre.

”Barrow's coastal fringes also 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,” explains Val. It’s this landscape which no doubt contributed to Barrow’s recent accolade of being named one of the happiest places to live in Britain.

Researchers looked at factors such as education, employment, health and crime rates, as well as lifestyles and what people thought of their own wellbeing. The findings didn’t come as a shock to the great and good of Barrow. “Barrow is a fantastic place to live, and a tremendous location in which to film,” says Val. “It’s also a very close-knit community, and everyone is very proud of the town – keen to show it off to our visitors.

“Looking back to when I was growing up, the freedom and security we felt and the variety of natural places to explore made me feel contented, and still does,” she adds.

“It’s that kind of feeling which I’d love others to experience, which is why we’re hoping to increase filming in the region so that more people can experience what the people of Barrow enjoy every day.”