Set in 14 acres of private woodland and gardens on the outskirts of Barrow In Furness Cumbria, the hotel takes its name from the neighbouring ruins of one of the greatest Cistercian foundations in the country, Furness Abbey. The Furness Abbey is accessible from the grounds.
Set in 14 acres of private woodland and gardens, the Abbey House hotel was designed in 1910 and built in 1914 by Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869 – 1944).
The original sandstone mansion was the private home and guest house of Commander Craven, Chairman of Vickers Ship Building. Many dignitaries came to stay, including King George V the Prince of Wales, The Queen mother whilst she was the Duchess of York, and even the Prince of Siam. They visited for the launching of ships and for conferences and enjoyed the local hospitality.
The Great Hall has remained the same, Oscar’s main bar area was the original billiard room, Oscar’s main restaurant was the drawing room, Abbots Bar was used as the dining room, and the Garden Room was a private sitting room and just off the main restaurant was used as the card room. The reception area of the hotel and back office were used as the servants’ hall.
In 1951 the building was taken over by Barrow Borough Council and was primarily used as a home for the elderly. We still have the occasional visitor who remembers it as this. The home was closed in 1983 as it was deemed to be uneconomical and fell into disrepair.
Tim and Loretta Kilroe bought the premises in March 1986 and converted the main building into a hotel. The new extension was added and opened in 2000, ensuring that the original style and elegance of the building were preserved throughout. Tim Senior and Loretta’s son, Tim and his wife Karen now own the hotel and have continued to transform it into the beautiful hotel you see today. The latest addition being in 2025, a stunning new Wedding Garden for outdoor ceremonies
Our luxury Cumbria hotel and wedding venue is an ideal base for your special day or the perfect place for you to explore the surrounding area and beyond.
With fantastic train and transport links you can easily explore the wider the Lake District if you did want to leave the hotel!
Things to Do Ideas for a great stay
Ulverston Town
The party capital of Furness hosts a series of specialist events throughout the year.
Lakeside Railway
At Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, travel back in time when you climb aboard our steam train.
Furness Abbey Ruins
While excavating the grave of a prosperous medieval abbot, a hoard of medieval treasures was discovered at Furness Abbey.
Lake Coniston
Above its western shore, the mountain of the Old Man of Coniston towers above the lake and the village.
Lake Windermere
Windermere in the Lake District is England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long, that’s just over 18 km.
Hawkshead
Hawkshead is an ancient township that has flourished since Norse times, belonging to Furness Abbey until the 12th Century.
Ambleside
At the northern end of Windermere is the popular market town of Ambleside, perfectly located in the heart of the national park.
Dock Museum
Come and visit our unique museum, suspended over a 19th century dry dock in an channel-side location.
Walney Island Nature Reserve
There are two atmospheric nature reserves on Walney, one at either end of the nine mile-long island.
Ulverston Golf Club
The course offers spectacular views over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells making it one of the most picturesque golf courses in Cumbria.
Barrow Golf Club
The course is designed to provide exciting and challenging golf to test players of all standards.
Accommodation
Exquisite Rooms & Suites Stay with us
59 beautiful rooms await
All designed with comfort in mind, some with views of our beautiful gardens and luxurious free standings baths
