Westmorland and Furness Council’s Dock Museum has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2025.
The Dock Museum has been announced as a finalist in this year’s Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category – one of 16 categories which recognise the breadth of the visitor economy from accommodation and attractions to food, drink and transport.
The prestigious awards aim to recognise the efforts of tourism and hospitality organisations across the county that continue to go above and beyond to provide world-class visitor experiences.
This is the second time the Dock Museum has been shortlisted in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category, having previously received a Highly Commended Award in 2024, and the third time the venue has been named a finalist overall.
Entries are judged against Visit England’s strict scoring criteria with shortlisted organisations demonstrating they are offering fantastic quality, service and care to our county’s visitors. As a finalist, the museum will now face another round of judging, with a visit from Cumbria Tourism’s mystery shoppers or judges before the winner of each category is announced at a ceremony on Tuesday 8 July in Kendal.
Eligible winners will then go on to represent Cumbria at the national Visit England Awards for Excellence 2026, providing further opportunity to gain recognition at a national level.
Councillor Virginia Taylor, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said:
“It’s wonderful news that the Dock Museum is yet again a finalist in these prestigious awards, and I’d like to congratulate all the team at the Dock Museum. The nomination recognises all that they do day after day, creating the best customer experience and showcasing this fantastic museum, and of course I thank them once again for making this a great place to visit, have fun, learn, and reminisce.
“I encourage anyone who hasn’t been already to visit soon. Barrow’s shipbuilding history comes to life, there’s a great playground, café, and what is more it’s free (and has a big carpark). Fingers crossed that the team are rewarded with the win they deserve!”
The museum is built over a 19th century dry dock in a channel-side location and boasts galleries exploring the history of the people and industries of the Barrow-in-Furness area, changing exhibitions, a gift shop and a café.
For more information about the Dock Museum, visit their website.