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Piel Castle

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

Piel Castle is a ruined 14th century fortress standing on an island at the entrance to Barrow-in-Furnes harbour. The castle is composed of a vey imposing stone keep, with inner and outer baileys and extensive curtain walls surounded by two moats. It was built in 1327 by the Abbot of Furness as a measure to guard Furness against attack by Scottish raiders or pirates.


The Bishop based his castle on the remains of an earlier simple fort established during the reign of King Stephen (1135-1154). The castle was partly dismantled in 1403, but was rebuilt in 1429. It was left to moulder after that, however, and by 1537 it was in ruins. It was later used as a fortified warehouse for storing grain and wool. The castle remains are generally in good condition, but the easternmost part of the site has fallen into the sea due to the effects of erosion.

A curious tradition persists on Piel Island. If you ask for the honour, the landlord of the Ship Inn can proclaim you a 'Knight of Piel Island'.
Piel Island, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England

About Piel Castle
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: Access by paid ferry from Barrow
Website: Piel Castle
English Heritage
Location map
OS SD232635
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Bow Bridge - 4.9 miles (Historic Property) Furness Abbey - 5.1 miles (Abbey) Dalton Castle - 6.5 miles (Castle) Swarthmoor Hall - 9.1 miles (Historic House) Hoad Monument - 10.4 miles (Historic Property) Campbell Legend Bluebird Exhibition - 11.5 miles (Museum) Holker Hall - 11.7 miles (Historic House) Cartmel Priory Church - 13.1 miles (Church)

Nearest Towns and Villages Ulverston - 9.8 miles away Grange - 13 miles away Ravenglass - 21.4 miles away Coniston - 21.6 miles away Kendal - 24.2 miles away Windermere - 24.6 miles away Kirkby Lonsdale - 25.2 miles away Ambleside - 25.4 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Piel Castle

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Dolphin Cottage - 11.2 miles from Piel Castle Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria Sleeps: 12 Stay from: £402

Hill Rise Barn - 11.2 miles from Piel Castle Flookburgh, Cumbria Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £185

Hill Rise Cottage - 11.2 miles from Piel Castle Flookburgh, Cumbria Sleeps: 8 Stay from: £250

More Self Catering near Piel Castle

Nearest Hotels

Roa Island Guest House - 0.7 miles from Piel Castle Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Stay from: £40.00

Brow Head Hotel - 4.1 miles from Piel Castle Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Stay from: £27.00

The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel - 4.3 miles from Piel Castle Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Stay from: £55.00

More Hotels near Piel Castle

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The Derby Hotel - 4.4 miles from Piel Castle Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria From: £35.00

Eeabank Lodge Licensed Guest House - 11.4 miles from Piel Castle Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria From: £105.00

Balmoral Guest House - 11.9 miles from Piel Castle Morecambe, Lancashire From: £27.00

More bed and breakfasts near Piel Castle

Barrow-in-Furness
Tourist Information Centre
Forum 28
Duke Street
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria
England
LA14 1HU
Tel: 01229 876 505
Fax: 01229 894 703
Email: touristinfo@barrowbc.gov.uk
Web: http://www.barrowtourism.co.uk/
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