Across The Bay From Blackpool Is A Coastal Gem With Local Eateries, Scenic Views, And Historic Ruins

Many people seem to overlook the fact that Great Britain is actually an island. Quaint towns are scattered around its endless coastline amidst scenic, windswept shores, just waiting to welcome travelers who are looking for a seaside getaway. A destination still rather off-the-beaten-track is Barrow-in-Furness, a former industrial town in England with centuries of history. Clinging to a rounded peninsula overlooking Morecambe Bay to the east and the Irish Sea to the west, a trip to Barrow (as the locals call it) will no doubt be filled with spectacular views.

Barrow's history began in the 12th century, when Cistercian monks came across a wooded clearing and built themselves a monastery, called Furness Abbey. When pirates began raiding the coastline nearby, the hardy Furness monks then built Piel Castle as a defense, which still stands today on its own little island. Hundreds of years later during the Victorian era, Barrow burst onto the scene with docks for building naval ships. Today, history fiends can delve into Barrow's layered past with a visit to the haunting ruins of Furness Abbey and Piel Castle, along with the Dock Museum. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can bask in Barrow's rugged coastal scenery. Head to the North Walney Nature Reserve for leisurely strolls along the beach, or wander the meadow trails down in the South Walney Nature Reserve. After the day's adventures, Barrow offers an array of local eateries to refuel. 

Anyone with an interest in medieval English history will delight in a trip to Barrow-in-Furness. Start the day sightseeing at Furness Abbey, which sits amidst dense woodlands not far north of the town center. Destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, a stroll through the eerie ruins offers a glimpse into what was once a prosperous religious site. The striking red sandstone walls and archways set against the surrounding green woodlands are a picturesque backdrop for exploring. "Great for kids too, since there's lots of space to run and play," says a previous visitor on Google Maps.

Your next stop should be Piel Castle, which rises majestically from a rugged headland on Piel Island south of the town center. The castle can only be reached by a public ferry, which operates from the spring until fall. Built in the 14th century, the castle was abandoned after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Explore the crumbling remains to admire the historic atmosphere and panoramic coastal scenery, and when the tide draws back, you can even walk around the shingle beach, according to a previous visitor on Google Maps.

Meanwhile, nature fiends can also bask in spectacular views around Barrow. Spread across a vast headland just over the water from Piel Castle is the South Walney Nature Reserve. Hikers can trek through the trails amidst windswept meadows, while wildlife enthusiasts can stick to the shoreline for a glimpse of shorebirds and grey seals splashing in the shallows, with the silhouette of Piel Castle in the distance. Rising up above the grassy landscape is a white lighthouse, which also creates a scenic backdrop for photos. If you haven't had your fill of scenic landscapes, make your way to Lake District National Park next, home to Windermere, England's largest lake.

Exploring the weathered ruins around Barrow will no doubt leave you craving a tasty meal. Head into the busy town center, where rustic local eateries are all around. For a typical English tavern atmosphere, stop at The Victoria. The red-brick facade with picnic tables out front welcomes customers into an old-timey saloon with a wood-paneled bar. Order dishes like chicken wings, gammon with eggs, or chicken tikka masala along with a pint of beer, and start up a game of pool while waiting for your food. "It's a good place to come alone, as there is always someone to talk to," says a previous customer on Google Maps.

If you're wandering around Piel Castle, stop for refreshments at the Ship Inn. Tucked within a whitewashed stone cottage overlooking the seafront, diners can head inside or grab a picnic table on the grassy lawn if the weather is pleasant. Hungry explorers can enjoy a menu of barbecue dishes, from bacon cheeseburgers and chili con carne to hotdogs. Meanwhile, anyone craving Mediterranean cuisine should head to Salvana's Restaurant in the town center. This Italian eatery is popular with locals for its friendly atmosphere and tasty dishes. Start with appetizers like roasted squid and lamb meatballs before filling up on mains like poached salmon and ribeye in wine sauce. "Amazing menu choices, just a little on the expensive side," says a previous customer on Google Maps. 

After exploring Barrow, make your way just a few minutes up the road to Morecambe, a charming coastal town with sea views, shops, and tasty restaurants. Not much further away is Heysham, another coastal village with beaches, local eateries, and Viking roots. Visitors can drive to Barrow from Blackpool in about 1.5 hours or take the train in roughly 2.5 hours. Meanwhile, Londoners can hop on a train from Euston Station for a journey of just under four hours.