Dalton in Furness Things to Do Tips by nickandchris

SOUTH LAKES WILD ANIMAL PARK

Look no further for a great day out.
A zoo actually built to put animals first where you can walk amongst exotic birds and animals, hand feed nine species of lemur and see over 80 lemurs roaming freely around.
Conservation talks daily.
Animal Feeding-----------watch the tigers leap up huge poles to "catch" their prey. An amazing sight.
Cafe
Gift shop Outdoor and indoor picnic areas
Safari train ride
Adventure playground.

The animal park has just grown and grown and is one of Cumbria's best major attractions.Not to be missed!!!


ADMISSION PRICES:
Adults £7.00
Children : £4.00
OAP's: £4.00
Under 3's: Free
Friend's of Park: £1.00

Prices change in April 2007 to £10.50 and £7.50.

For much more info look at www.wildanimalpark.co.uk

ADMISSION IS FREE THROUGHOUT THE WINTER OF 2010 UP UNTIL FEBRUARY 2011.

Address: South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Dalton-in-Furness, C

Directions: From junction 36 on the M6, follow ELEPHANT signs on the A590 to Barrow. Continue into Dalton and turn right at Tudor Square, along and up Broughton Rd. for half a mile. Zoo entrance is on right.
Dalton has a railway station and is on the Furness Line.

Phone: 01229 466086

Website: http://www.wildanimalpark.co.uk

Swimming in the Sea

Just a few miles from Dalton is Walney Island, accessed by a road bridge from Barrow-in-Furness. Walney is very flat and has two nature reserves and long, sandy beaches, complete with sand dunes.
After a spell of hot, dry weather the extensive sands warm up considerably, making the shallow sea amazingly tepid to swim in.
Nick and I snatched a lunchtime swim in July, before the schools broke up. We were fully prepared to find the water freezing but it was like a warm bath. Warmer than any Mediterranean sea I have swum in in May. What a pleasant suprise!

Address: Earnsie Bay, Walney Island

Directions: Cross the bridge from Barrow, turn right and drive along the prom. Turn right at signs for Earnsie Bay and airfield.

Guardian of Furness

Dalton castle was built to defend the people of Dalton and the approaches to Furness Abbey sometime in the early 14th century. It later became a courthouse and prison.
It is now the property of the National Trust and is open to the public, free of charge from Easter to September between 2pm and 5pm.
Dalton's castle stands above the town and is a prominent feature .

Address: Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Directions: Straight through the centre of Dalton. Do not turn left for Barrow but continue uphill and castle is on left. Free parking is available.

Other Contact: Mr. and Mrs. Pilkington (key hol

Phone: 01229 463330

Hoad Hill Views

Even if the monument is closed, it's worth the climb up the hill for the extensive views over the town of Ulverston and across the estuary. I even managed to photo a train crossing the viaduct enroute to Ulverston.
It was blowing a gale on top of the hill but we managed to shelter on the steps leading into the Hoad, for our coffee.

Address: Ulverston

Directions: Follow signs in Ulverston for Hoad Monument.

Hoad Monument

From Ulverston, 5 miles east of Dalton, there is a steep walk up a hill to visit the Hoad Monument. It takes about 40 mins to walk, whichever path you take. The back way is less steep but slightly longer.
The monument was built in 1850 in honour of Sir John Barrow, a local intrepid explorer. it is a replica of Eddystone Lighthouse and stands 100 ft high on top of the 430 ft. high Hoad Hill.
It was built from local limestone, quarried on Birkrigg Common. It is known locally as the pepperpot.
In summer, if the flag is flying, you can climb the spiral staircase inside and feel on top of the world. We visited this July and it was closed for refurbishment, or something. Still, it's worth the climb for the views across the estuary and town.
When I was small, every time we came into Ulverston by car, we made a game of watching the pepperpot disappear behind the hill.

Address: Ulverston, Cumbria

Directions: Follow signs for Hoad Monument in Ulverston. Only accessible by foot.

Website: http://www.sirjohnbarrowmonument.co.uk

Beach Walking

From Askam, a mere 3 miles from Dalton, you can walk along the estuary sands to the nature reserve at Roan Head. The sands are littered with many different types of shell and the views across the estuary to Black Combe are beautiful, especially on a nice day.
There are a few fishing boats moored in the channels near Askam pier awaiting the tide. Askam is also the home to the Duddon Inshore Rescue boat, a much needed service as people are often stranded on the sands, not realising how quickly the tide comes in.

Address: Askam sands

Directions: From Askam, take the beach road, (over the level crossing) and continue to the end where there is a carpark. Path onto the beach.

The Dock Museum

This museum is in Barrow, 4 miles from Dalton. It is built over an original Victorian dry dock.
There are exhibits of real model ships, built in the shipyard.
Computer interactives based on ships, excellent fun for the children.
There is a display of Barrow during the second world war, telling of the suffering during the blitz.
Shipbuilders to the World exhibition and film show.
Wonderful adventure playground. Cafe.
Free admission and free car parking.
Channelside walk, looking over Walney channel.
Open all year.

Address: Barrow-in-Furness

Directions: Enter Barrow and follow tourist signs.

Phone: 01229 894444

Website: http://www.dockmuseum.org.uk

Furness Abbey

One of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Set in the peaceful Valley of the Deadly Nightshade, between Dalton and Barrow.
It was home to a flourishing and wealthy order 700 years ago.
Explore the remains leisurely or take a free audio tour.
Open: ---April to Sept. 10am. to 6pm. daily.
October 10am. to 5pm. daily.
Nov. to March 10am. to 4pm.(Weds--Sun)

Admission:---Adult £3.00 Concession £2.30.
Children £1.50
Under 5's and English Heritage members free.

Address: Furness Abbey, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Directions: Through Dalton, Turn left for Barrow , continue for 1.5 miles to mini-roundabout, bear left for Barrow and in approx. 300 yards turn left through narrow arch and proceed downhill to Abbey.
Parking available.

Phone: 01229 823420

Website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk