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Barrow in Furness and London...

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Hello,
I am looking to take my 85-year-old mother to see the birthplace of her parents, Barrow in Furness (just outside the Lake District). I want to plan a 10-14 day trip. Neither of us has been to England before, and I would like to get as much out of our time as possible without overtaxing ourselves by rushing from here to there. Of course, I would love to take her and see it all - Scotland, Wales, London, and everything in between but I know this is impossible. She would also love to visit London and, of course, Buckingham Palace. I am overwhelmed with where to begin the planning and would love some insight into the best way to tackle this! I am not opposed to renting a car and driving. What I am trying to determine is:

  • Is it better to go from London to Barrow in Furness or the opposite?
  • How much time should we spend in each place?
  • What stops should we take along the way?
  • Would it be better to do a round trip from London? Manchester? Or arrive in one city and depart from the other?

I appreciate any thoughts you have on our itinerary!

Tara

Posted by
9111 posts

What you want to do is to arrive in Manchester and leave from London, or vice versa.
Two hours in every three there is an hourly direct train from Manchester airport to Barrow. The third hour it goes to Windermere.
There is a dearth of decent places to stay in Barrow, so look in nearby Ulverston or Dalton in Furness.
In Barrow the only good place to stay, and it is good, is the Abbey House Hotel close to Furness Abbey.
Take a look at Barrow on street view. The station was destroyed in the Barrow Blitz in the war so is modern. The town centre has suffered more than most from economic changes and is very sad.
I'm allowed to say that sad truth being from 40 miles away. In 50 years I have seen the gradual decline in detail.
From Barrow train at least hourly to Lancaster for a direct train to London Euston.
As for the night split I would say half and half. You are on the very edge of the Lake District. But also find out from your Mum where she wants to revisit.
I could give you a very long list. But do include Ulverston for Laurel and Hardy and Hoad Hill, also Dalton for the Castle, but check Castle opening days carefully.
You may also wish to visit Barrow Archives, and get to know their very helpful staff.
In Barrow the Dock Museum is a must.
To go and see Roa Island and much of rural Furness you will benefit from a car as the rural buses #10 and #11 of Barrow Corporation are a distant memory.
Try and be there in mid July for the Barrow Festival of Transport (a great weekend) or in early September for Heritage Open Days.
A!so do visit the Nature reserve on Walney Island.

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