Explore Barrow-in-Furness's maritime and industrial heritage through interactive galleries, changing exhibitions, and outdoor playgrounds perfect for families.

The Dock Museum offers families a comprehensive journey through the rich industrial and maritime history of Barrow-in-Furness. Visitors can explore fascinating galleries showcasing objects and stories spanning from Roman times through to the modern era, including exhibits on Viking settlements, Victorian Barrow, shipbuilding, railways, and both World Wars. The museum features engaging interactive elements such as fun quizzes with prizes that appeal to younger visitors. Beyond the indoor galleries, the museum provides extensive outdoor experiences ideal for families with children of all ages. A dedicated playground offers space for active play, while the surrounding dock area invites exploration with historic landmarks, fishing boats, and scenic walks along Walney Channel. The venue is equipped with family-friendly amenities including The Bridge Café for refreshments, free Wi-Fi throughout, and a gift shop. The museum caters specifically to families with pushchair-friendly facilities, dog-friendly policies, and regular changing exhibitions and events that provide reasons to visit repeatedly. Group visits and school visits are actively supported, making it an excellent educational destination. With free entry and both indoor and outdoor spaces, The Dock Museum delivers a well-rounded family day out combining learning with recreation.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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Matthew DeGrove

4 weeks ago

Excellent museum showcasing the role of Barrow and it's maritime heritage. Friendly and welcoming staff. Great experience from start to finish. The submarine video with Commander Jim Perks was the highlight for me. Legend!

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Trev Croft

a month ago

The story of Barrow and a superb collection of ship models on display, how long did it take to make one? Dont miss the video about life on a Dreadnought submarine, surely makes you think. 3hrs free parking and a great cafe next tomthe drybdock if younhave time for a stroll.

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Carollynn Porter

2 months ago

Dock museum is an excellent place to go for any age. Accessable for disabled and a lift to access all floors, very educational. Such an interesting place of maritime history to Barrow shipbuilding. Has a cafe when open is pleasant. Ouside has plenty parking, disabled parking too. There is also a childrens park, outside. It is also free, donations welcome but not manditory.

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Just Jak

3 months ago

A fascinating place which not only has local history but also has an exhibition space downstairs with different exhibitions all the time. This is the second visit and I thoroughly enjoyed both times

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Martin

a year ago

This is a fabulous informative museum with excellent displays of boat models and the local area of Barrow in furness and what it is so famous for making. The staff are super friendly, warm, and welcoming. The onsite cafe is clean, friendly, and very reasonable price. It's free to park and enter with great children's play area outside.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026