Furness Line
Have a day out by train along the Furness Line to experience a wide range of tourist attractions!Introduction
The Furness Line
The railway between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster passes through the towns of Ulverston, Grange-over-Sands and Carnforth, offering spectacular views across Morecambe Bay and the Kent Estuary. The short journey from Lancaster to Morecambe takes you to one of Engalnd's classic seaside towns with its backdrop of the Lakeland Fells.Information
Tickets
Purchase one of our Day Ranger and hop on and off trains all day along the Furness Line and beyond.Where to purchase
Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices at any staffed station or from conductors on trains when starting your journey from unstaffed stations or where the ticket office is closed.Tourist Information
Barrow-in-Furness: touristinfo@barrowbc.gov.ukwww.barrowtourism.co.uk
Cumbria: www.golakes.co.uk
Lancaster & Morecambe: www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk
Locations to Visit
Arnside
Arnside is an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). The picturesque viaduct across the Kent Estuary provides rail passengers with spectacular views over the bay. The town of Arnside provides the starting point for Cross Bay, Westmorland Way and Limestone link walks.
Barrow-in-Furness
Barrow-in-Furness, historic maritime gateway to the Furness Peninsula, boasts one of England's most impressive monastic ruins, Furness Abbey, open to the public all year. In the 14th Century, the monks built Piel Castle on remote Piel Island, accessible to visitors by ferry from neighbouring Roa Island. Barrow's modern history begand with the birth of the Furness Railway; later the town led the world in building ships and submarines. This enthralling story can be explored at the outstanding Dock Museum.
Cark & Cartmel
Cark & Cartmel station is only about a mile from Cumbria's premier stately home, Holker Hall, with stunning gardens. Close to Grange-over-Sands is the historic village of Cartmel. The 12th century priory church is one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in the North of england. There are guided tours every Wednesday throughout the summer. Cartmel has one of the most picturesque racecourses in the country, with meetings on the late May and August Bank Holidays.
Carnforth
Carnforth is a busy, friendly town with a good selection of shops, famous for its associations with the film 'Brief Encounter'. Just over a mile away is the village of Warton, which has connections with the family of George Washington. The winding paths of Warton Crag Nature Reserve take visitors through a wealth of wildflowers and foliage to the Beacon at the top, where there are superb views across the sands.
Dalton-in-Furness
Dalton, the ancient capital of Furness, became the judicial and economic centre for the monks of Furness Abbey. Dalton Castle, a 14th century Pele Tower, is now a National Trust property (open on Saturday afternoons in the summer). Close by is the South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Britain's top Tiger Conservation Centre.
Grange-over-Sands
Grange-over-Sands, situated between the hills and the sea, was transformed in Victorian and Edwardian times into a fashionable seaside resort. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, visit the colourful Ornamental Gardens and patronise the plentiful supply of specialist shops and cafes. Newby Bridge, linked to Grange by a regular bus service, is close to Lakeside at the tip of Windermere where three premier attractions can be visited - the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the Aquarium of the Lakes and the National Trust's Fell Foot Park.
Kents Bank
The view from this station must be one of the most beautiful in the country. Kents Bank serves as the finishing point for the guided cross-bay walks, and in the nearby village, visitors can enjoy good food and refreshment at the Guide Over Sands pub. Within reach for the more adventurous walker is the local beauty spot Humphrey Head, ideal for a well-earned picnic.
Lancaster
From the towering ramparts of the castle and quiet calm of the priory across to the doomed Ashton Memorial and Williamson Park, Lancaster just begs to be explored. A walk through Lancaster and a visit to the City Museum and Maritime Museum (on the quayside) enables you to discover more of this ancient town. The Judge's Lodgings Museum houses a fine collection of Gillow furniture, and its elegant rooms recreate life as it was in the 18th century. Lancaster's Market Hall sells everything from organic carrots to picture frames, and a traditional street market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Morecambe
Morecambe has something for everyone. The station is just a stone's throw from the level promenade, with its iconic Eric Morecambe statue and stone jetty. The views across the bay are stunning, and there are many tea shops, cafes and restuarants. On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday you're sure to find a bargain at Morecambe Market. A spectacular programme of events takes place during the summer. Alight at Bare Lane for Happy Mount Park - an ideal setting for picnics.
Silverdale
Set in the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, the station is just over a mile from Silverdale village, but only a few minutes' walk from the RSPB Nature Reserve at Leighton Moss. The swathes of reed bed are a haven for both local and migratory species. The Visitor Centre houses a gift shop and tea room.
Ulverston
Ulverston, South Lakeland's Festival Town, has a number of claims to fame, such as being the birthplace of Stan Laurel; it has the shortest, widest and deepest canal in Britain; and boasts the striking Hoad Monument resembling a lighthouse build to commemorate Sir John Barrow, another famous son of the town. Visitors can enjoy the Laurel and Hardy Museum, the Lakes Glass Centre, Lanternhouse (Welfare State International's centre for celebratory arts), and an interesting shopping experience amongst the town's cobbled streets, tards and ginnels. Outdoor markets are held every Thursday and Saturday, and the indoor market is open five days a week (closed Wed and Sun).
Connections
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