Broughton-in-Furness is a Town in the county of Cumbria.
Broughton-in-Furness, a quaint market town nestled in the southwestern corner of the Lake District in Cumbria, England, boasts a rich history and a vibrant present. Rooted in medieval origins, Broughton’s layout and architecture reflect its long history, yet it seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary life. The town serves as a gateway to the Duddon Valley, an area renowned for its stunning landscapes, offering a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty that captivates both residents and visitors.
At the heart of Broughton-in-Furness lies its picturesque market square, distinguished by an obelisk, which was erected in 1810 to mark the jubilee of King George III. This central square is a focal point for community life, hosting a traditional market that has been a staple of the town since it was granted its market charter in 1575. Around the square, historic buildings house a variety of shops, cafes, and pubs, each adding to the town’s charming character.
Historically, Broughton-in-Furness was important for its iron ore processing and agriculture, contributing significantly to the local economy. While these industries have faded over time, the town has adapted, becoming a hub for tourism and a desirable location for those seeking the tranquility of rural life with the convenience of modern amenities.
The surrounding area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching. The Duddon Valley, just a stone’s throw from Broughton, is particularly popular among hikers and nature lovers for its untouched landscapes and the serene River Duddon running through it. The valley, immortalized in the poetry of William Wordsworth, remains one of the Lake District’s most unspoiled areas, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Cultural events and community gatherings play a significant role in Broughton’s calendar, with festivals and local celebrations bringing together residents and visitors. These events not only showcase the town’s rich heritage but also its vibrant community spirit and the warmth of its people.
Broughton-in-Furness is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing community that honors its history while embracing the future. Its blend of historic charm and natural beauty makes it a unique spot in the Lake District, offering a quieter, more intimate experience of this famed region. Whether it’s exploring the quaint streets, venturing into the surrounding countryside, or simply enjoying the warmth of the local hospitality, Broughton-in-Furness offers a delightful escape to those who discover it.
Broughton-in-Furness postcode: LA20 6JF
Retail in Broughton-in-Furness
There are great places to visit near Broughton-in-Furness including some great hills, hiking areas, villages, ancient sites, ruins, old mines, waterfalls, rivers and streams, lakes, woodlands, towns, mountains, castles, historic buildings, historic monuments, caves, bluebell woods, nature reserves, disused railway lines, airports and islands.
There are a number of hills near Broughton-in-Furness including Cartmel Fell, White Pike (Seathwaite), The Knott, Broughton Moor, Catbells, Orrest Head, and Haystacks.
The area around Broughton-in-Furness boasts some of the best hiking areas including Cartmel Fell, Coniston Coppermines Valley, Borrowdale, Styhead Tarn, Troutbeck, Orrest Head, and Wild Boar Fell.
The area around Broughton-in-Furness features a number of interesting villages including Eskdale, Coniston, Seatoller, Troutbeck, High Borrans, Kentmere, and Brigsteer.
There are a number of ancient sites near Broughton-in-Furness including Hardknott Roman Fort, The Hawk, Sunkenkirk Stone Circle, Castlerigg Stone Circle, High Borrans Romano-British Settlement, Mayburgh Henge, and Gunnerkeld Stone Circle.
Ruins to visit near Broughton-in-Furness include Bonsor East Mine Workings, Bonsor Dressing Floors, Penny Rigg Copper Mill, Appletree Worth, Stephenson Ground Limekiln (ruin), Water Yeat Limekiln (ruin), and Hebblethwaite Hall Gill.
Penny Rigg Quarry Adit, Three Kings Mine, Tilberthwaite Gill Head Waterfall Level, Horse Crag Quarry, Tilberthwaite Deep Level Adit, Cathedral Quarry, and Parrock Quarry are great places to visit near Broughton-in-Furness if you like old mines.
There are a number of waterfalls near Broughton-in-Furness including Tilberthwaite Gill, Rydal Falls, Hebblethwaite Hall Gill, Styhead Gill Waterfalls, Taylorgill Force, Aira Force, and Hell Gill Force.
Rivers and Streams to visit near Broughton-in-Furness include River Lickle, Appletree Worth Beck, Styhead Gill, Crowdundle Beck, Aira Beck, Hell Gill, and River Kent at Kentmere.
Tarn Hows, Thirlmere Reservoir, Derwentwater, Styhead Tarn, Windermere, Wastwater, and Ullswater are great places to visit near Broughton-in-Furness if you like lakes.
The area around Broughton-in-Furness boasts some of the best woodlands including Broughton Moor, Brigsteer Park, Cow Close Wood, Jeffy Knotts Wood, and Grubbins Wood.
Towns to visit near Broughton-in-Furness include Sedbergh, Bowness On Windermere, Ulverston, Penrith, Kendal, Ambleside, and Kirkby Stephen.
There are a number of mountains near Broughton-in-Furness including Scafell, Blencathra - Hallsfell Top, Skiddaw, Hartsop Dodd, Stony Cove Pike [Caudale Moor], Place Fell, and Wild Boar Fell.
There are a number of castles near Broughton-in-Furness including Brough Castle, Lowther Castle, Pendragon Castle, Lammerside Castle, Kendal Castle, Sizergh Castle, and Castlesteads (Lowther).
Acorn Bank, Acorn Bank Watermill, Church of St Peter Askham, St Michael’s Church at Lowther, Lowther Mausoleum, Askham Hall, and Smardale Gill Viaduct are some of Broughton-in-Furness best historic buildings to visit near Broughton-in-Furness.
The area close to Broughton-in-Furness boasts some of the best historic monuments including Fairy Steps.
Caves to visit near Broughton-in-Furness include Cathedral Quarry, Fairies Cave, Holy Well Cave, and Buttermere Tunnel.
There are a several good bluebell woods in the Broughton-in-Furness area like Cow Close Wood, and Jeffy Knotts Wood.
Smardale Gill Nature Reserve is one of Broughton-in-Furness's best, nearby nature reserves to visit in Broughton-in-Furness.
Places near Broughton-in-Furness feature a number of interesting disused railway lines including Smardale Gill Nature Reserve.
Broughton-in-Furness has some unmissable airports nearby like Barrow/Walney Island Airport, and Carlisle Lake District Airport.
There are a several good islands in the area around Broughton-in-Furness like Piel Island.
Broughton-in-Furness History
There are some historic monuments around Broughton-in-Furness:
Places to see near Broughton-in-Furness
History of Broughton-in-Furness
With Cumbria having retained its two-tier local authority structure, Broughton is located within the Cumbria County Council and the South Lakeland District Council areas. In 1976 the parishes of Broughton West, Seathwaite with Dunnerdale, and Angerton were merged, creating Duddon Parish Council.
