Furness Abbey

Remains of an abbey founded by Stephen, later King of England, including an east end & west tower of
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Set in the picturesque 'Vale of the Deadly Nightshade', Furness Abbey was once the second largest Cistercian Monastery in the country. Today the imposing Abbey stands in spectacular ruin along the 'Cistercian Way'. The site has been celebrated for it's beauty and visitors are left in awe at the peace, tranquillity and ambiance of this magnificent hidden gem. Our visitor centre offers an informativ

e display and an amazing collection of stone carvings and artefacts. Our children's education room and special monk's habits are available to all visitors free of charge; and we offer free educational visits to schools, colleges and other organisations. The Furness Abbey gift shop holds a vast array of gifts, children's toys, traditional wines and books. We offer regular alcohol and food tastings, so why not pop in and see what we have on offer. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff look forward to welcoming you.

31/05/2026

🗓 Coming soon: on Sunday 21st June, join us for a Tai Chi session, led by local instructor Caroline Arnold. 1pm - 2pm

Furness Abbey provides the perfect setting for steady breathing, flowing movement and quiet connection 😌❤

For further info and to book please contact Caroline on 07968243685.

Admission charges to the Abbey grounds apply - Free entry for English Heritage members and residents of postcodes LA13, LA14, LA15 and LA16 (proof of address required).

27/05/2026

✨️ Members' Week is well underway ✨️

English Heritage members get 20% off in the shop until 31 May, and can bring a friend for free!

Not a member yet? No problem! Join on site today and access Members' Week offers straight away!

We're open 7 days a week, 10am-5pm 🥰

24/05/2026

We love the attention to detail at Furness Abbey ❤️ Here's just a few of the masonry details hidden around the site - how many do you recognise?

🔍 Why not see what you can find on your next visit? We are open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm 🤩

20/05/2026

👀 Coming soon: Members' Week, Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st May

English Heritage members get 20% discount in the shop, and can bring along a friend for free, throughout Members' Week 🎉🥳

Not an English Heritage member yet? No problem! Join on site today to access these exclusive Members' Week offers. Whats more, you can take advantage of our '15 for 12' offer on annual direct debits, and get 3 months extra membership at no additional cost 😎

16/05/2026

🥃 Happy World Whisky Day! 🥃

Have you tried the Filey Bay 'Heritage' Edition whisky?

Available to purchase in the gift shop, produced exclusively for English Heritage by Filey Bay Whiskey.

A field to bottle Single Malt Whisky produced entirely with their own farmed barley and water from below their farm in North Yorkshire 🚜

15/05/2026

🐿 Today is Save Our Reds Day 🌰

The red squirrel population declined following the introduction of the non-native grey squirrel in the 1870s.

Through the commitment and dedication of local groups, red squirrel numbers have been maintained in Cumbria.

No red squirrels spotted at Furness Abbey.... yet. We're keeping our eyes peeled 👀

11/05/2026

Majestic goose spotted whilst opening up this morning by Visitor Assistant Charlie 🪿🪿

We're open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm (majestic goose sightings not guaranteed!)

10/05/2026

Have you been to Piel Castle? 🏰

The castle, situated on a small tidal island, dates from the 14th century and was originally constructed as a private retreat by Abbot John Cockerham of Furness Abbey.

🚤 The island is accessible by a small ferry boat (not operated by English Heritage).

📚 Did you know the Furness Abbey guidebook also covers Piel Castle? Pick up a copy from the Furness Abbey Visitor Centre before heading over!

Piel Castle is one of over 300 free to enter English Heritage sites. But free to enter doesn't mean free to maintain. Donate today to help protect them for tomorrow: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/our-appeals/yourplacesappeal/

06/05/2026

✨️ The West Tower ✨️

The west tower may have been designed by the early 16th century master mason Christopher Scune, who likely also built the tower at Fountains Abbey, which has a similar design.

A stair turret in the south-west corner led to the now-lost upper floors that likely housed the abbey bells 🔔

02/05/2026

👀 Looking for something to do this weekend? We've got you covered!

Furness Abbey is open 10am-5pm 7 days a week, including over the bank holiday weekend!

We can't wait to see you ❤️

Address

Furness Abbey, Abbey Approach, Furness Abbey
Barrow In Furness
LA130PJ

Telephone

01229 823420

Website

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/furness-abbey/

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