A Stunning Lakeland Village on the Banks of the River Leven
Backbarrow sits at the southern tip of Lake Windermere.
This pretty, peaceful part of the Lake District offers a wide range of activities for all ages and interests.
From historic attractions and scenic train rides to outdoor adventures, the area has plenty to keep visitors entertained.
Related: Things to Do in Newby Bridge
Jump to an attraction (13)
- Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway
- The Dolly Blue Bar & Beer Garden
- Backbarrow Iron Works
- Horse Riding at Bigland Hall
- Afternoon Tea at the Whitewater Hotel
- Cliffhanger Escape Rooms
- Fell Foot Park
- Local Walking Trails
- Millerbeck Light Railway
- Vintage Traction Engine Driving
- The Riverside Restaurant
Relax at Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club
A minute’s walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club is the perfect place to unwind.
The facility includes a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
You can also make use of the well-equipped gym or book a relaxing treatment.
Click here to find out more about Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club
Website: https://www.whitewater-hotel.co.uk/spa-fitness/
Address: Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PY
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/VZ35PGHfkUFquH869
Visit the Lakeland Motor Museum
About 5 minutes’ walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
The Lakeland Motor Museum displays a large collection of classic cars, motorcycles and transport memorabilia.
A popular feature is the exhibition on the record-breaking Bluebird speed boats. It remains open throughout the year.
Website: https://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/
Address: Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8TA
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/kV77oDMVX2cpf1FV7
Ride the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway
About 2 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway runs through attractive countryside between Haverthwaite and Lakeside.
Passengers enjoy the journey on traditional steam trains while taking in pleasant views along the route.
Website: https://www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/
Address: Haverthwaite Station Nr, Ulverston LA12 8AL
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/ktqxMTJhko6CErLo9
Enjoy Food & Drink in the Dolly Blue Bar and Beer Garden
Right here in Lakeland Village, beside the River Leven
The Dolly Blue Bar and Beer Garden offers a convenient stop for drinks and meals.
The bar serves a good selection of drinks and food, with outdoor seating available in the beer garden during warmer weather.
Click here to find out more about The Dolly Blue Bar and Beer Garden
Website: https://dollybluebar.co.uk/
Address: Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PX
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/ptHWYsAdiaWuEG149
Explore Backbarrow Iron Works
About 5 minutes’ walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
Backbarrow Iron Works is an important industrial heritage site.
The preserved furnace and structures sit beside the River Leven.
Visitors can walk around the outdoor area and learn about more than 250 years of iron production.
Website: https://backbarrowironworks.org.uk/
Address: Ironworks Rd, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8RF
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZmZw2kBNMXANDKHK8
Horse Riding at Bigland Hall
About 7 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
Bigland Hall offers horse riding for all experience levels. Rides take place on estate land near the lake in attractive countryside.
Qualified instructors provide guidance throughout.
Website: https://www.biglandhall.com/
Address: Bigland Hall Equine Group, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PB
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/jM78kcYH1DGpAjXdA
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Whitewater Hotel
A minute’s walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
Afternoon tea at The Whitewater Hotel offers a classic British experience.
It includes a selection of delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, along with cakes and pastries.
A choice of fine teas is served in elegant surroundings.
Click here to book your Afternoon Tea at The Whitewater Hotel
Website: https://www.whitewater-hotel.co.uk/
Address: Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PX
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dafw8xe7hqzFsh4q7
Try the Cliffhanger Escape Rooms
About 2 minutes’ walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
Cliffhanger Escape Rooms offer fun, challenging themed experiences.
Groups work together to solve puzzles and complete missions in several different rooms.
This activity works well in any weather.
Website: https://www.cliffhangerrooms.co.uk/
Address: The Barn, Lakeland Village, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PX
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/To4buLKRZeMPqpAx9
Head to Fell Foot Park for Lake Activities
About 5 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
Fell Foot Park lies on the shore of Lake Windermere and is run by the National Trust.
The park offers space for picnics, walks and watersports.
Rowing boats, kayaks and paddleboards are available to hire during the season.
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/fell-foot
Address: Newby Bridge, Ulverston LA12 8NN
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/q7Y7U7yi6EoKWoqG8
Follow the Local Walking Trails
Several routes start close to the Dolly Blue Bar
Several walking trails start close to Backbarrow.
These paths lead through woodland, along the river and onto higher ground.
Options exist for different lengths and levels of difficulty.
The Best Walks from Backbarrow
The Best Walks From Newby Bridge
Ride the Millerbeck Light Railway
About 5 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
The Millerbeck Light Railway is a miniature steam and diesel line near Staveley-in-Cartmel.
It operates on selected public days and runs through attractive garden scenery.
This makes an interesting and unusual attraction.
Website: https://www.millerbeck.org.uk/
Address: Millerbeck House, Staveley-in-Cartmel, Newby Bridge, Cumbria LA12 8NH
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/vPgqEj2MLay8ehas8
Experience Vintage Traction Engine Driving
About 7 minutes by car from the Dolly Blue Bar
A traction engine driving experience is available nearby at Old Hall Farm.
Participants receive instruction on operating a full-size vintage steam traction engine.
This hands-on session offers a memorable insight into historic machinery.
Website: https://oldhallfarmbouth.com/
Address: Old Hall Farm, Bouth, Ulverston LA12 8JA
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/tF9pcz8ZS8yQY8R66
Enjoy a Meal with Lovely Views at the Riverside Restaurant
A minute’s walk from the Dolly Blue Bar
The Riverside Restaurant serves meals with views over the River Leven.
The menu features a range of carefully prepared dishes in a relaxed setting.
It makes an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
Click here to find out more about The Riverside Restaurant…
Website: https://www.whitewater-hotel.co.uk/food-and-drink/riverside-restaurant-newby-bridge/
Address: Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PX
Directions (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/SKtbAWbcnmaPTMWG7
Where to Stay On Your Trip to Backbarrow
The Whitewater Hotel offers comfortable accommodation right in the centre of Backbarrow.
Guests enjoy convenient access to local attractions and the Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club.
The hotel provides a practical and pleasant base for any visit.
Where is Backbarrow?
Backbarrow is a small village located at the southern tip of Lake Windermere in the Lake District.
It sits beside the River Leven in southern Cumbria, close to Newby Bridge.
This position gives easy access to the lake shore as well as the surrounding woodland and countryside.
The village serves as a practical base for visitors exploring this part of the Lake District.
Click here for directions to Backbarrow
Or use the map below:
Final Notes On Your Backbarrow Activities
Backbarrow may be small, but there’s plenty to do right on the doorstep. You can ride a steam train, explore the old iron works, take a boat out at Fell Foot or simply walk along the river.
Many of the attractions are only a few minutes’ walk from each other, and the rest are a short drive away.
When you’ve finished exploring, call in at the Dolly Blue Bar for food or a drink. On a fine day, the beer garden beside the River Leven is a lovely place to relax at the end of a day out.
Have a look at the Dolly Blue Bar menu before you visit.
