Backbarrow: Motor Museum, Ironworks and River Leven Trails

Backbarrow combines fascinating motoring history with trails through the countryside along the River Leven. Those looking for a combination of a museum, industrial history and outdoor activity for a family holiday will find various opportunities here for an eventful day. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house in Backbarrow, it is therefore particularly useful to consider whether the focus should be on exhibitions, historical sites or walks.

Motors and Racing History in the Old Blue Mill

The Lakeland Motor Museum is located in the Old Blue Mill in Backbarrow. A particular focus is the exhibition on the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT). It traces the history of the race since 1907 with a hall of fame, video presentations and a timeline. Visitors can thus learn about the development of this traditional racing event through various forms of presentation.

The Blue-Bird collection also makes the museum visit memorable: On display are full-size replicas of the 1935 Blue Bird racing car, the 1939 Blue Bird Boat K4 and the 1967 Bluebird K7 jet-powered seaplane. The Lakeland Motor Museum café also offers views over the River Leven. From the Backbarrow stop, the museum can be reached on foot in a few minutes. Its railway history also includes the fact that it once transported iron ore for Backbarrow Iron Works.

Backbarrow Ironworks and the History Along the River

The remains of Backbarrow Ironworks lie on the River Leven. The site is protected as a Scheduled Monument and illustrates the town’s industrial past through several surviving structures. Visitors can see the surviving new furnace shaft from 1770, as well as the waterwheel pit and the later engine house. The furnaces in which exhaust gases were reheated to supply hot blast to the furnace are also among the visible elements of the site.

Another striking structure is Backbarrow Bridge. The stone arch bridge over the River Leven dates from the 17th or 18th century and was widened later. In Backbarrow, this places technological development, working history and historic architecture side by side as distinct themes to discover.

Walking, Steam Train and Excursions

For active days, the Haverthwaite-Heights-Greenwood Trail offers a varied route across woodland paths, fields and short stretches of road. The trail is accessible from the Whitewater Hotel. A branch leads down to Backbarrow and provides access to the River Leven and the Motor Museum. Those planning another walk can choose the route from Backbarrow Stone Bridge to High Dam Lake; it begins at the historic stone bridge in Backbarrow.

In the surrounding area, the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway offers a 50-minute return steam train journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside at the southern tip of Lake Windermere and back. At Haverthwaite’s Victorian station, a woodland walk and a forest play area are also available. This allows you to weigh up technology, railway history, a stroll and a hike when planning your day.

Choose Backbarrow as Your Base

A holiday apartment in Backbarrow is particularly suitable for travellers who want to combine their stay with specific discoveries: The Motor Museum offers exhibitions and replicas, the Ironworks tells the story of the area’s industrial history, and the trails provide different ways to enjoy outdoor activity. If you would like to compare other destinations besides Backbarrow, you can also find Pooley Bridge, Near Sawrey, Longtown, Spark Bridge, Ivegill, Patterdale, Allerdale District and Nether Wasdale.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cumbria.