BARROW-in-Furness is where the Lakes meet the sea.

Perched at the southern tip of the Furness peninsula it is the maritime gateway to the area and the second biggest town in Cumbria after Carlisle.

Barrow has many Victorian links with some fantastic gothic architecture - particularly the sandstone town hall - and a proud heritage of innovation. On top of that it is surrounded by some beautiful beaches.

The town's shipbuilding history is well documented at the modern Dock Museum while its religious heritage can be explored at Furness Abbey, one of the wealthiest Cistercian Abbeys.

Down the road is the market town of Dalton-in-Furness, complete with a small 14th century castle that once served as the seat of justice in the district, with a dungeon and courthouse for Furness Abbey. It is open on Saturday afternoons and includes an exhibition about the work of renowned portrait artist George Romney, who was born in the town and buried at nearby St Mary's Parish Church.

On the outskirts of Dalton is the fantastic South Lakes Wild Animal Park - the only zoo in Britain where visitors can see both Amur and Sumatran tigers.

Main Attractions

Visit Dalton's South Lakes Wild Animal Park. Animals that can roam free are allowed to do just that in this park, allowing visitors to wander among lemurs, kangaroos and wallabies, while exotic parrots fly overhead.

Tour the vast and picturesque ruins of Furness Abbey, founded in 1127.

Shop in Barrow, which has both a full complement of high street favourites and all the out-of-town giants.

If it's wet...

Stop in at Barrow's Hollywood Park leisure complex, complete with multiplex cinema and ten pin bowling.

Walks

Short - Take a trip to Roanhead. This sandy, picturesque beach is situated three miles north of Barrow. Even though strong currents make it unsuitable for swimming, the coastal scenery is quite breathtaking.

Long - Head for Walney Island, two miles west of Barrow, and stroll around its important nature reserves, including sand dunes, heath, salt marsh, shingle and scrub. It's home to orchids and over 130 species of birds.

Events for 2004

Kid's Pond Dipping, July 28, Dubbon Estuary Sea Shanty Festival, August 14-15, The Dock Museum Birds of Prey Weekend, August 21-22, The Dock Museum Roa Island Boat Club Yacht Races, various dates until September, call 01229 830796

For more information

Barrow Tourist Information Centre on 01229-894784