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Barnsley

Barnsley is a large town in South Yorkshire in the north of England, nowadays a metropolis. It grew up as a linen-making town, but then in the 18th and 19th century made its living from coal-mining, glass-making and steel. All those heavy industries have gone but Barnsley continues with light industry and as a commuter area for Sheffield and to some extent Leeds. In 2021 the population was just under 100,000.

Understand
Some 300 million years ago, a vast triangle of swamp and forest became buried, and morphed into the York-Derby-Notts coalfield, with one large component being the South Yorkshire coalfield. The coal outcropped in the west towards the Pennines, becoming deeper to the east beyond Doncaster, so it was easily mined around Barnsley from medieval times. First excavations were simple pits dug into outcrops, deepening into "drifts", then "room and pillar" techniques, then sideways-creeping tunnels for long-wall mining and total extraction. The "Barnsley Bed" coal was suitable for coking to support glass and steel manufacture, and the seam was up to ten feet thick. Profit! Whatever the height of the seam, that's what the miner has to work in, since the rock above and below is unprofitable. The colliery owners made vast fortunes and built colossal mansions, some of which still stand near town and can be visited, as can some of the surface workshops. It all came to an end in the late 20th century with the exhaustion of the better seams, cheaper foreign imports, the long bitter miners' strike, the "Dash for Gas" in electricity generation then the shift to non-carbon fuels. And so away went much of Barnsley's livelihood. It's struggled to reinvent itself since.

See Yorkshire for the mysteries of local speech, which is perhaps more distinctively Yorkshire here than in the other large towns. Those other towns have had more population mix; Barnsley has seen outflow but in modern times little inflow, with limited employment opportunities. However the dialect is perfectly comprehensible, and if someone uses traditional terms like "thou" or "thee" they're either over 70 or being ironic.

Get in
The M1 runs a couple of miles west of town, use jcn 37 onto A628.

By train
Trains from London St Pancras run to Sheffield twice an hour, change there for frequent trains to Barnsley heading for Leeds or Huddersfield; travel time is just under 3 hours. Change in Sheffield or Leeds for most other destinations, but there's also an hourly train from Leeds via Wakefield Kirkgate, Barnsley and Sheffield to Nottingham, and a train three times a day from York via Pontefract to Barnsley and Sheffield.

is the transport hub, with both the railway and bus station. Barnsley is not on the Sheffield tram network. The railway station has a staffed ticket office and machines, and toilets but no waiting room. There is step-free access via lifts to both platforms. Plusbus is available here.

By bus
National Express NX560 runs twice a day from London Victoria to Barnsley, taking just over 5 hours. For other routes change in Sheffield or Leeds. Megabus doesn't serve Barnsley.

Stagecoach Bus X2 runs from Sheffield to Barnsley M-Sa every 30 min, taking an hour. On Sundays Bus 2 plies the same route hourly and takes 90 min.

Bus 22X runs between Rotherham and Barnsley taking 70 min. It runs M-Sa every 10-20 min, hourly on Sundays.

Bus X19 runs between Doncaster and Barnsley taking 45 min. It runs M-Sa every 30 min, hourly on Sundays.

Local buses meander through the lanes, burbs and industrial estates from Wakefield (Bus 59) and Pontefract (Bus 28).

By plane

 * Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) closed in Nov 2022.

 * Manchester Airport has global connections and competitive fares. From the airport take the hourly train heading for Cleethorpes, and change in Sheffield.

 * East Midlands Airport near Nottingham has flights from across western Europe and the Med. You can take the train from East Midlands Parkway Station.

 * Leeds-Bradford has similar flights to East Midlands but is the far side of congested Leeds, with no rail link.

Get around

 * The town centre is compact, you can walk it.
 * For Silkstone take Bus 20 (heading for Penistone) which runs hourly, taking 20 min.
 * For Elsecar take Bus 66, which runs every 20 min, taking 35 min. Or take the train for Sheffield, which runs twice an hour and takes 10 min to Elsecar, then it's a ten-minute walk to the Heritage Centre.
 * Taxis: operators include Veezu (+44 01226 244444), A-line Taxis (+44 1226 285999) and Uber.

See

 * is the scrappy ruin of a Cluniac monastery, active 1154-1538. It's two miles east of town at the junction of A628 and A633. It's open Th-Su 10AM-3PM, free.
 * Cannon Hall Open Farm is next door to the Hall.
 * Flashes are areas of land that sank and became flooded when the coal beneath them was extracted; nowadays they're often parkland and wildlife habitats. There's a string of them along the River Dearne, such as "The Fleets" half a mile north of town centre.
 * is an attractive little village four miles west of Barnsley: "Sylc" was probably the name of its Anglo-Saxon farmer. The coal seam here was near the surface, so there has long been mining. Part of the wagonway for coal tubs has been preserved, a scenic walk; but the sombre background is the Huskar Pit disaster of 1838 when the pit flooded and drowned 26 workers, all children aged 7-17. All Saints Church, dating from the 12th century, is where they are buried; there's a stain-glass commemorative window. Pot House Hamlet just east of the village was a pottery and glassworks, and is nowadays an artisan and retail mall. The village pub and restaurant is The Bells Steakhouse.
 * Wentworth Woodhouse is not to be confused with the castle: it's a mansion few miles further south towards Rotherham.
 * is a former coal-mining and steel-making village with many well-preserved buildings. The Heritage Centre in a former foundry is basically a retail mall, open daily 10AM-4PM. The Heritage Railway is a standard-gauge line a mile long, with trains (often steam-hauled) on Sundays. There's also a static Newcomen Beam Engine in working order. The village has several eating places and pubs, and a regular bus and train service.
 * North just over the boundary into Wakefield are:
 * -, with work by big names such as Elisabeth Frink, Barbara Hepworth, Antony Gormley and Henry Moore.
 * - National Coal Mining Museum along A642, where you descend into the same coalfield that was mined in Barnsley.
 * is a former coal-mining and steel-making village with many well-preserved buildings. The Heritage Centre in a former foundry is basically a retail mall, open daily 10AM-4PM. The Heritage Railway is a standard-gauge line a mile long, with trains (often steam-hauled) on Sundays. There's also a static Newcomen Beam Engine in working order. The village has several eating places and pubs, and a regular bus and train service.
 * North just over the boundary into Wakefield are:
 * -, with work by big names such as Elisabeth Frink, Barbara Hepworth, Antony Gormley and Henry Moore.
 * - National Coal Mining Museum along A642, where you descend into the same coalfield that was mined in Barnsley.

 * East just over the boundary into Doncaster are Conisbrough Castle, Brodsworth Hall and the hamlet of Hooton Pagnell.

Do

 * What's on: read the listings in the Barnsley Chronicle online or in the Friday print edition. Local radio station Dearne FM broadcasts on 102 FM and 97.1 FM.

 * Metrodome Leisure Complex and Calypso Water Park are a quarter-mile east of the Interchange.
 * Listen to a brass band, the most famous being Grimethorpe Band from that village five miles east. They used to be miners at the village colliery, but kept playing when it closed in 1993; they featured in the film Brassed Off (1996) which depicted the decline of colliery, band and community.
 * Walk or cycle the Transpennine Trail and other routes. Use OS Landranger Map 111 (Sheffield-Doncaster) for the area round town, and Map 110 (Sheffield-Huddersfield) for Silkstone and the hills to the west.
 * Walk or cycle the Transpennine Trail and other routes. Use OS Landranger Map 111 (Sheffield-Doncaster) for the area round town, and Map 110 (Sheffield-Huddersfield) for Silkstone and the hills to the west.
 * Football:
 * Cricket is played at Shaw Lane by Barnsley Woolley Miners, in the Yorkshire South Premier League. Famous names who've played for the club are Geoff Boycott, Michael Parkinson and Dickie Bird. In winter Barnsley's rugby union team play here.

Learn

 * Barnsley Central Library has a large collection of books (fiction and non-fiction), a reference section, and a learning centre that offers self-study courses on a wide range of topics. Public internet access is also available. The library is on Shambles Street (almost opposite the top of Market Hill).
 * Barnsley College offers vocational subjects, A levels, night classes and degrees.
 * The University Centre is a campus of the University of Huddersfield in Barnsley based on Church Street next to the town hall.

Buy

 * Barnsley Market is just south of the Interchange. It's open M-Sa 8:30AM-5PM, individual traders vary but the main market days are Wednesday and Saturday.
 * The Market adjoins Alhambra Shopping Centre south and The Arcade north, with the usual High Street stores.
 * Other central retail areas are along Queen Street and Cheapside.
 * Peel Retail Park is the main mall, half a mile northeast of the centre at the junction of A61 and A635.
 * Visit attractive Silkstone for Pot House Hamlet artisan and retail outlet.
 * Meadowhall is an enormous shopping mall at junction 34 of M1 on the northeast edge of Sheffield. People from Barnsley drive there for their "big shop" and for big-ticket items, and this has sapped the viability of their town's own shops.

Eat

 * Barnsley Steak (or chop or "double") is actually lamb. It goes well with green beans and new potatoes, and a big chug of red wine.
 * The main strip of eating places is along Peel St and Wellington St. As well as the fast food chains, there's 1 Momento, Lemon Tree, Bistro Romano's, Supper Club and Favela Brazilian Grill. Another little cluster on Pall Mall includes Grille Steakhouse, Pinnocchio's and Istanbul Kitchen.

Drink

 * The Joseph Bramah is a JD Wetherspoon pub on Market Hill, open daily 8AM-midnight. It's named for the prolific and successful inventor Joseph Bramah (1748-1814), who grew up in Silkstone before settling in London. His many inventions include an improved flush toilet (one served Queen Victoria in Osborne House, Isle of Wight, and is still in use), tamper-proof locks (offering 200 guineas for anyone who could pick the "challenge lock", a reward not claimed for 67 years), the hydraulic press and many other hydraulic devices, a machine to print banknotes with sequential numbers, and extrusion processes for lead pipes. All this was underpinned by his novel standards for engineering precision and quality control that made possible the high-pressure steam engines of the Victorian period. He died of a cold caught while supervising his machine for uprooting trees.
 * Other pubs in town centre are The Court House on Regent St; Annie Murray's, White Bear and Garrison near the market; and Treadle's Winebar, Chennell's and The Shakespeare along Wellington St.
 * Local breweries are Geeves, Acorn, and Outhouse.

Sleep

 * Premier Inn is a reliable budget chain in town centre off Sackville St.
 * Ibis Styles is at M1 jcn 37 two miles west of town centre.
 * Travelodge is two miles southeast of town, opposite Aldi at the junction of A633 and A635.
 * Wombwell and Brampton four miles southeast of town have a cluster of accommodation including OYO Churchill, Premier Inn, and Holiday Inn just across the boundary into Rotherham.
 * Travelodge is two miles southeast of town, opposite Aldi at the junction of A633 and A635.
 * Wombwell and Brampton four miles southeast of town have a cluster of accommodation including OYO Churchill, Premier Inn, and Holiday Inn just across the boundary into Rotherham.

Connect
As of April 2022, Barnsley has 4G from O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from EE and Three.

Go next

 * For big city attractions, the obvious choices are Sheffield and Leeds, all within an hour by train; it's not much further to Manchester.
 * York and Lincoln are well-preserved historic cities.
 * The most scenic countryside, south of Sheffield, is the Peak District.

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Barnstable

Barnstable is in Massachusetts on Cape Cod. The Town of Barnstable includes seven villages. Each village has unique and significant cultural and historical qualities. Barnstable was the first place to be settled on Cape Cod; in 1639. Several Crocker family houses and farms from that period still exist today.

Understand

 * and West Barnstable, are on the north side and has a working harbor and several small beaches.
 * is on the north side, and is primarily residential. The West Barnstable Train Station is the only operating train station left on the Cape.
 * , on the south side, is mostly residential and has beautiful beaches.
 * is on the south side, is residential, with a charming town center and a coast that includes inlets and harbors for boating and fishing.
 * is the town's commercial district including town offices and several shopping malls. Hyannis has a fine harbor and is also a fishing village. The harbor provides ferry access to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Islands. The regional airport and bus terminal are also here.
 * is primarily residential and is on Route 28.
 * is a village on a peninsula on the south side with several small beaches.

Get in
Please see village of Hyannis guide, it's the commercial center of Cape Cod and is home to the most transportation options, the largest hospital, and the largest mall. Many see the villages of Barnstable as separate towns, with Hyannis as the largest "city" on the Cape.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Barnstable


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Barnstable Village

Barnstable village is a village in Barnstable on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Barnstable village is the most historical of the seven Barnstable villages with an old-time feel due to the many old residences and municipal buildings in the village. Several of Plymouth's surviving Pilgrim families moved here to settle. The village's sheltered harbor made it a natural place for commerce.

Get in
Barnstable village lies on Route 6a along the north shore of Cape Cod on Cape Cod Bay. Access Route 6a from exit 6 (Route 132) and go north, at Route 6a turn right (eastbound).

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Barolo

Barolo is a small town in the Piedmont region of north west Italy. It is part of the larger Langhe wine growing region. It is world famous for the red wines made there from the nebbiolo grape.

Get in
Barolo is located south of Alba. While there is bus service from Alba or other nearby cities, you need a car to get to Barolo and get around the area effectively.

From Milan, take the A7 Autostrada toward Turin. Near Tortona, exit onto the A21 Autostrada toward Asti Est. Exit A21 at Asti Est and follow the signs to Alba. 146km.

From the Turin Sud entrance to the A6 Autostrada, take A6 in the direction of Asti. Exit onto the A33 Autostrada. Exit A33 at Cherasco onto SP 12. From SP12, make a left onto SP 3 in the direction of Barolo. Continue on SP3. 71km.

From Alba, follow the signs on SP3 south to Barolo. It is 15 km from Alba to Barolo.

There is a free car park on the left as you enter the town. You can park there and get to any of the sights in Barolo in a few minutes on foot. The streets are quite narrow, so parking in the car park is a good idea.

Get around
Barolo is easily walkable, although some of the streets are quite steep. You can walk the entire town in 30 minutes.

See
Barolo is a world famous wine city. It is the namesake city for the "king of wines and the wine of kings." Barolo is a very scenic small town. The surrounding countryside is spectacular. There are some very panoramic views from the Castello Falletti. However, if you are not interested in wine, there is not much to see or do in Barolo. For the non-wine lover, it is probably not worth the drive up from Alba.

The most scenic spot in town is the Castello Falletti which is located in the center of town. The Castello Falletti contains a number of interesting sights, including a museum and an enoteca. The Castello was built in the 10th century for protection against marauding Huns. Parts of the original 10th century keep are still standing, although much of the original structure was destroyed by the Savoyards in 1544.

A number of the most famous Barolo crus (specific vineyards) are located just outside the town of Barolo. For example, the cru Cannubi is on the south facing hillside on your right just before you enter the town on the road from Alba.

Do
Taste wine. Taste more wine. Buy wine. There are several good wine shops in town, and a number of famous producers have tasting rooms in the town. Many of the wine shops in town stock aged Barolos from as far back as the 1980s. The owners of wine shops typically have bottles open for tasting, and may open a specific bottle for tasting on request.

One prominent producer with a tasting room in the town is Marchesi di Barolo, Via Alba 12, Tel. 0173/564400, Fax: 0173/564444.

Do some hiking in the surrounding countryside.

Buy
There in an enoteca in the basement of the Castello Falletti, the Enoteca Regionale del Barolo.. You can't miss the Castello Falletti - it's the castle at the top of the hill in town and it appears in almost every picture of the town. This enoteca has a lot of local wines from recent vintages and charges for tasting three wines and  for one wine.

There are a number of other good wine shops in town, located near the Castello Falletti. Other shopping in Barolo is limited. This is not a shopping town, it's a wine town.

Drink
There are a couple of small bars in town, but wine is the main attraction.

Go next
Visit nearby wine towns:

 * La Morra
 * Serralunga d'Alba

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Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is in South Australia and is one of the best wine-producing regions on the Australian mainland with a rapidly-growing international reputation, around an hour from Adelaide. Many wineries in the region are open for tastings, with many also serving food and beer.

Understand
The evidence of the original German settlers can be seen in the steeply sloping roofs of the older buildings. The local cuisine is very heavily influenced by German cuisine. For example, meats such as Mettwurst, Bratwurst and a range of other tasty and old-fashioned sausages are found throughout the region. On the dessert side, heavy cream cakes are very popular, including Bienenstich and cream buns of all sorts of forms.

There is also a Celtic influence in the Scottish Angaston region. You will be able to see the differences between this town and the surrounding Germanic towns, in the architecture and even by the family names that can be found on war memorials, etc.

Religion in this region is predominantly Lutheran, so expect to see many churches made from stone, with beautiful silver spires reaching to the sky. The quality architecture is testament to much loving care and fine masonry skills lavished on the building of the churches in the past 150 years.

It is now possible to say with truth and pride that the Barossa is one of the finest wine producing regions in the world. It has great soils, family farms where the wine-growing traditions have been passed down through the generations and local oenologist courses at such places as Roseworthy College are ensuring that winemakers are highly educated and skilled in their winemaking. Many of the local schools also include winemaking courses as part of their agricultural studies curricula.

Talk
Unsurprisingly, as part of Australia, English is the main language spoken in the Barossa Valley. However, due to its history of German settlement, a local dialect of German knowns as Barossadeutsch developed in the area as well, and is still spoken by a handful of elderly residents. This dialect is, however, moribund, and most younger people only speak English.

By car
Getting to the Barossa from Adelaide or the airport is considerably easier than traveling to Australia's other major wine regions (Hunter Valley from Sydney - about 2.5 hours; Yarra Valley from Melbourne - about 1.5 hours; or Margaret River from Perth - about 3.5 hours).

The Northern Expressway (M2) provides direct access to the Barossa from Adelaide. It is a 110 km/h, limited-access freeway. From Adelaide take the Port Wakefield Highway (A1) to the north, then onto the M2 Northern Expressway, bypassing the town of Gawler and entering the Barossa at Greenock in the Northwest of the valley. Allowing 60–75 minutes between the airport and Barossa winery tasting rooms is realistic.

The scenic driving route to the Barossa is via the Adelaide Hills just east of the city, and then north through the hills enjoying country roads and sleepy towns. Perhaps drive through Inglewood Houghton and Williamstown to arrive in the Valley at Lyndoch. If time permits, the whispering wall, a reservoir wall at Williamstown is worth a visit. Similar to the sound effect in the dome of St Pauls London, but on a far far larger scale, whispered sounds, inaudible a few feet away are miraculously focussed by the wall to be perfectly audible half a kilometre or so away.

By bus
Link SA run coach transfers Gawler and the Barossa four times daily, with two services extending to Adelaide.

Get around
Public transport isn't that good within the valley, which is a shame given the opportunities to drink excellent wine, usually for free. Hotels can arrange transfers to and from the airport if that's what you want. Car hire is available in Adelaide for all budgets ranging from the major brands, down to rent-a wreck cheapies.

You can cycle between the towns, and some cycle facilities are being constructed. Bike hire is available from Barossa Bike Hire.

See

 * Whispering Wall. via Yettie Road, Williamstown. A dam built to create the Barossa Valley reservoir in 1903, that has an unusual design and quality of build that allows people to whisper against one end of the dam wall, and be heard perfectly at the other end 144 metres away.
 * Whispering Wall. via Yettie Road, Williamstown. A dam built to create the Barossa Valley reservoir in 1903, that has an unusual design and quality of build that allows people to whisper against one end of the dam wall, and be heard perfectly at the other end 144 metres away.
 * Whispering Wall. via Yettie Road, Williamstown. A dam built to create the Barossa Valley reservoir in 1903, that has an unusual design and quality of build that allows people to whisper against one end of the dam wall, and be heard perfectly at the other end 144 metres away.

Eat
Many of the local restaurants and cafes serve "traditional" German-heritage food, and food made with locally-grown fresh ingredients. Examples include 1918 in Tanunda and the Krondorf Cafe at Kabminye Wines. Fine dining choices include Appellation in Marananga and Vintner's Bar and Grill in Angaston.

Many of the vineyards also serve food, from cafe style casual to full service restaurants.

Plan on eating at structured times (noon to 2PM and 5–8PM), as many restaurants, pubs and vineyards do not serve meals through the afternoons. Most vineyard restaurants open only for lunch.

Drink
If you're coming to the Barossa Valley, the wine is probably part of the attraction. Most bars will serve a good selection, and most of the wineries have a cellar door with free tastings. The main restaurants feature a wide range of Barossa vintages, as well as a surprising breadth of offerings from the rest of Australia and international iconic wines.

Wineries
The Barossa Valley is famous for wines and many wines are internationally known. The following list contains some of the larger and commonly recognized wineries.

Stay safe
The Barossa Valley is a pretty safe area. The usual travel precautions always apply though.

You should be very careful not to drink and drive. The police are very vigilant as this region has a high rate of car accident deaths amongst young men. The roads can be very windy and large gum trees in these region often front onto the road, which can make coming at one very daunting as you round a corner. Stick to the speed limits and keep safe.

Go next
The Barossa can either just be a short trip from Adelaide or a day or two diversion to see some of the remainder of South Australia. Continue on north to the Yorke Peninsula or the Eyre Peninsula. Outback South Australia and the Flinders Ranges are also closer than you think.

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Barra

Barra (Gaelic: Barraigh) is an island in the Outer Hebrides or Western Isles of Scotland. The main village is the ferry port, Castlebay. A causeway links Barra to the island of Vatersay, and further south are the uninhabited islands of Pabbay, Sandray, Mingulay and Berneray.

Understand
The resident population was about 1200 in 2011; two-thirds of them speak Gaelic but everyone speaks English.

Barra is predominately Catholic, so there are fewer restrictions on Sunday activities (e.g. shop opening) than on the islands further north. There are also some wayside shrines, unusual for Scotland.

Castlebay gets its name because Kisimul Castle, the seat of Clan MacNeil, sits on a rock out in the bay. (And Kisimul in turn is from Gaelic ciosamul meaning "castle island", so it's all very logical.) A Clan McNeil gathering takes place on Barra every two years, reuniting their diaspora from around the world.

Visitor information

 * Barra information.

By boat

 * six miles north of Barra has ferries from Eriskay, a small island linked by causeway to South Uist. There are five ferries M-Sa year round, taking 40 min; Apr-Oct has five Sunday ferries and Nov-Mar has two. Until end of March 2025, return fares are £25.30 per car, £7.30 per adult including driver, and £3.70 per child. A bus connects on Barra between Castlebay and Àird Mhòr, and on Eriskay a bus connects all the way north via Lochboisedale on South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist and Berneray, where another ferry crosses to Harris. So you can travel within a day between Barra and Stornoway on Lewis. The traditional ferry route between Castlebay and Lochboisdale no longer sails.
 * Small craft: Castlebay Marina has 16 visitor berths for yachts and other small craft, open April to September. Showers, laundry and bike hire are available.
 * Small craft: Castlebay Marina has 16 visitor berths for yachts and other small craft, open April to September. Showers, laundry and bike hire are available.

Get around
Castlebay is a small walkable place. The whole island is ten miles long by six miles wide, with its sights and settlements strung along the 13-mile coastal loop of the A888. This "main road" is just a single-track lane with passing places, but well-paved. So you'll also need bike, bus or car.

 * Barra Bike Hire (+44 7985 637957) is based in Castlebay. Bike Hire is also available at Castlebay Marina or through Visitor Information at Bùth Bharraigh.
 * Buses run M-Sa, with a single fare of £1-3.
 * Bus W32 circles the island either clockwise (north from Castlebay via Borve on the west coast) or anti-clockwise (via Brevig on the east coast) to Northbay. Here it takes the side lane north to Àird Mhór for ferries to Eriskay), the airport, and Eoligarry; then it retraces its route to Northbay and completes the circuit to Castlebay. There are four regular buses 7AM-1:30PM plus occasional extras.
 * Bus W33 runs south from Castlebay across the causeway onto Vatersay, where it serves Caolas, the Uidh promontery, and the main settlement of Vatersay to the south. Just two buses, at 9:30AM and noon, a third in school holidays, and you need to book.
 * And see Outer Hebrides for connections by bus and ferry beyond Eriskay up the chain of islands to Stornoway on Lewis. Or click on the above Bus link to find all timetables.

 * Car hire: Isle of Barra Car Hire Contact Hugh on 01871 890313 or 07410 544014 (WhatsApp) Car Hire Hebrides (+44 1871 890313) can pick up at the airport or either ferry pier.
 * Taxi: There are 3 taxis on the island. Cursty Peigi 07531 352767  Neil James 07837 603321  Asti  07957 280392

See

 * Our Lady, Star of the Sea is the Roman Catholic church overlooking the ferry port. It was completed in 1888 when development as a herring port brought a Catholic workforce to Barra. Mass is held here Saturday and Sunday mornings, and around the island midweek.
 * on the west coast is Barra's best beach. The medieval ruin on the islet in the bay is "McLeod's Tower" or "Sinclair Castle". There's a small standing stone near the roadside at Borve, and the Neolithic chambered burial cairn of Dun Bharpa in the hills above. On the hill just south of the turnoff for the golf-course is Dun Chuidhir Iron Age broch. On Grean Head to the north, Atlantic breakers pound against the cliffs.
 * East along the main road from Castlebay towards Brevig is the start of the path up Heaval. This more sheltered side has views of the Inner Hebrides, and on a clear day the hills of Rhum and the peaks of the Cuillins look very close.
 * is on the ridge towards Heaval summit. It's 2.79 m (9 ft 2 in) tall, near a similar stone that's been cast down and broken.
 * is a road junction, with A888 continuing its orbit of Barra while a lane north leads to the ferry pier for Eriskay, the airport, and Eoligarry. St Barr's Roman Catholic Church was opened in 1906 and the islet between church and junction has a statue of the saint — or one of them, there's half a dozen of the fellows. Best known is Finbar of Cork (550-623) but he never ventured this way.
 * Traigh Mhòr is the airfield beach. A siren sounds when an aircraft is approaching and you need to get clear, so this would be a really bad moment for the dog to go hurtling away after the seagulls. The uninhabited island at its north end is one of several called Orosay (Orasaigh) or Oronsay, from the Old Norse word Örfirisey for a tidal island. Further east are Hellisay and Gighay, divided by a narrow channel.
 * is a road junction, with A888 continuing its orbit of Barra while a lane north leads to the ferry pier for Eriskay, the airport, and Eoligarry. St Barr's Roman Catholic Church was opened in 1906 and the islet between church and junction has a statue of the saint — or one of them, there's half a dozen of the fellows. Best known is Finbar of Cork (550-623) but he never ventured this way.
 * Traigh Mhòr is the airfield beach. A siren sounds when an aircraft is approaching and you need to get clear, so this would be a really bad moment for the dog to go hurtling away after the seagulls. The uninhabited island at its north end is one of several called Orosay (Orasaigh) or Oronsay, from the Old Norse word Örfirisey for a tidal island. Further east are Hellisay and Gighay, divided by a narrow channel.
 * Dun Sgurabhal or Scurrival is the indistinct remains of an Iron Age dun on a knoll half a mile northwest of the chapel.
 * Fiaraidh north and Fuday east of Eoligarry are uninhabited islands used for rough grazing. Beyond to the northeast is Eriskay, linked by ferry to Barra.
 * (Bhatarsaigh) is an inhabited island reached by a causeway built in 1991. The island lacks a sheltered harbour so before that, transport depended on makeshift arrangements with barges, freighters and even the medieval practice of swimming cattle across the channel. The best beaches are on the tombola connecting the north and south halves of the island, and the best surfing and wind-surfing are usually here. The tombola is the start point of the Hebridean Way, and has a memorial to "Annie Jane", a ship from Liverpool taking emigrants to Montreal, wrecked here in 1853 with the loss of 350 lives. A number of Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age remains are found on Vatersay.
 * is a 236-ft (72-m) sea stack topped by a prehistoric dun. The islet is virtually inaccessible behind its cliffs, but at low tide in good weather it's possible to scramble across the gorge separating it from Vatersay.
 * is a 236-ft (72-m) sea stack topped by a prehistoric dun. The islet is virtually inaccessible behind its cliffs, but at low tide in good weather it's possible to scramble across the gorge separating it from Vatersay.

Do

 * Walk: no end of fine walks along deserted beaches.
 * Hebridean Way is a way-marked hiking and cycling trail the length of the Outer Hebrides. The start point is Vatersay community hall. Follow the road along the east coast and cross the causeway to Barra: hikers here strike inland over the hills to Tangasdale beach, cyclists stay on the road. Continue clockwise around the island to Àird Mhòr, where the ferry plies to Eriskay and the next stage.
 * — at 383 m (1257 ft), it is Barra's highest hill, a short sharp ascent from the main road. The record for racing up it and back stands at 24 min, but most folk take 40 min each way. Two thirds of the way up is a statue of the Madonna and Child overlooking Castlebay. The view from the top takes in Mingulay and Barra Head lighthouse to the south; you might even see the hills of Ireland.
 * Kayaking: Clearwater Paddling, based in Castlebay, organise local excursions and longer trips around the Hebrides.
 * Boat trips sail in calm weather to the uninhabited islands just south. The most spectacular is Mingulay, with its vast cliffs, and a tumult of sea-birds wheeling over the waters.
 * Castlebay Sports Centre west edge of the village has a swimming pool, fitness suite and gym.
 * Run: The island's 13 miles of main road make nicely for a half-marathon circuit. However the organised "Barrathon" in June has folded.
 * Fèis Bharraigh is a Gaelic language event held at Castlebay school, with performers restricted to school age. The next is probably 8-12 July 2024, tbc. Barrafest music festival is no longer held.
 * MacNeil Clan Gathering: If you are a MacNeil then you are most welcome at the Clan Gathering, held in even years, with the next probably in Aug 2024, tbc. Events are mostly in Castlebay Community Hall.
 * MacNeil Clan Gathering: If you are a MacNeil then you are most welcome at the Clan Gathering, held in even years, with the next probably in Aug 2024, tbc. Events are mostly in Castlebay Community Hall.

Buy

 * A & C Maclean is a general store on Pier Rd Castlebay, with newspapers, butchers and filling station, open M-Sa 9AM-5:30PM, Su 12:30-4PM.
 * RBS bank next to Maclean's is open M Tu Th F 10AM-4PM and has an exterior ATM.
 * Bùth Bharraigh is a community and visitor hub located overlooking the pier in Castlebay. It runs local Visitor Information, accommodation finding service, laundry, free wifi and much more.  It also sells a wide range of products including wholefoods and local foods and crafts. open M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM (Oct-Mar). M-F 10AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-4:30PM, 6-7PM, Su noon-16PM, 6-7PM (Apr-Sep) T: 01871 817948 E: visit.info@buthbharraigh.co.uk
 * Bùth Bharraigh is a community and visitor hub located overlooking the pier in Castlebay. It runs local Visitor Information, accommodation finding service, laundry, free wifi and much more.  It also sells a wide range of products including wholefoods and local foods and crafts. open M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM (Oct-Mar). M-F 10AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-4:30PM, 6-7PM, Su noon-16PM, 6-7PM (Apr-Sep) T: 01871 817948 E: visit.info@buthbharraigh.co.uk

Eat

 * Fresh local fish and shellfish are always a good pick at the local hotels. You need to book: they may have lots of free tables, but on such a small island they can't subsist on walk-ins, and will only stock ingredients and lay on staff if they know customers are coming.

 * Garadh a Bhagh a Tuath community-run cafe at the gardens in Northbay. Delicious freshly made dishes and cakes. Perfect for Lunch or coffee.
 * Vatersay Hall Community Cafe community run cafe in Vatersay. Great for lunch or coffee after a beach walk.
 * Castlebay Hotel serves daily noon-2PM, 6-8:30PM.
 * Craigard Hotel in Castlebay serves daily 12:30-14PM, 5:30-9PM.
 * Heathbank in Northbay serves Apr-Sep: W-Sa 5-7:30PM, Su 1-3PM.
 * Heathbank in Northbay serves Apr-Sep: W-Sa 5-7:30PM, Su 1-3PM.

Drink

 * Hotels have bars open to non-residents, and may have live music: Castlebay Hotel, Craigard Hotel, Heathbank Hotel and Isle of Barra Beach Hotel.
 * Ceilidhs — dances and public parties - may be held in community halls that don't routinely serve alcohol. Ask if they have a temporary license, or whether you should bring your own.
 * Isle of Barra Distillers in Castlebay make gin, dark rum and vodka, and they intend to produce whisky eventually. No tours.

Sleep
Be ready to book your accommodation as soon as you book your transport, and vice versa, as both have limited capacity. This applies at any time of year: summer is busy, but in winter places shut down.

Budget

 * Camping and tourer caravan sites are Borve and Wavecrest both at Borve on the west coast, Balnabodach on the east coast, and Barra Sands, Scurrival and Croft No. 2 on Eoiligarry peninsula north of the airport.

Mid-range

 * Hillside is a B&B further up the hill behind Craigard Hotel.
 * Carnan B&B is at 27 Garrygall half a mile east of the ferry pier.
 * Gearradhmor is a guest house in Craigston on the west coast.
 * Self-catering: At least two dozen places dotted around, including on Vatersay. They're mostly cottages plus a few static caravans, and generally let from Saturday to Saturday.
 * Carnan B&B is at 27 Garrygall half a mile east of the ferry pier.
 * Gearradhmor is a guest house in Craigston on the west coast.
 * Self-catering: At least two dozen places dotted around, including on Vatersay. They're mostly cottages plus a few static caravans, and generally let from Saturday to Saturday.
 * Gearradhmor is a guest house in Craigston on the west coast.
 * Self-catering: At least two dozen places dotted around, including on Vatersay. They're mostly cottages plus a few static caravans, and generally let from Saturday to Saturday.
 * Self-catering: At least two dozen places dotted around, including on Vatersay. They're mostly cottages plus a few static caravans, and generally let from Saturday to Saturday.
 * Self-catering: At least two dozen places dotted around, including on Vatersay. They're mostly cottages plus a few static caravans, and generally let from Saturday to Saturday.

Connect
As of 2022, EE has good signal in most parts of the island. O2 and Vodafone have worse reception, for example, there is limited 3G from Vodafone in Castlebay. 3 has no signal. Your accommodation may have Wifi.

Go next

 * Back to the mainland by ferry to Oban, which has trains and buses to Glasgow, and ferries to the more southern Hebrides.
 * North lies the chain of Western Isles linked by ferries and buses. The early bus goes all the way, so in a single day you can reach Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula (for flights to Glasgow), North Uist (for ferries to Skye), Harris and finally Stornoway on Lewis, for ferries to Ullapool and flights to Glagow and Edinburgh.
 * South the islands are more separated, and you may prefer to backtrack via Oban, but at least one ferry per week in summer is direct to Colonsay, Islay and Kennacraig on the Argyll mainland.

title: Barra


text:
Barra de Navidad

Barra de Navidad was once a small farming and fishing community on the east end of the Bahía de Navidad in Jalisco that has become a magnet for upscale seaside residences. It is home to about 7,000 people.

Get in
Barra is about an hour's drive north from Manzanillo on a good road.

Get around
Barra de Navidad is such a small town that you can walk all of it in a couple of minutes, or you can get a cab if you don't feel like walking.

See
In Barra de Navidad, the commonest place to walk is the Malecon. The government have renovated it. You will have great views of the bay and the lagoon. You can also walk along the beach around the bay.

Do
Surfing The beach is good for beginners and more advanced surfers alike. It is steeper than at Sayulita, so you have to paddle pretty hard to get out instead of walking, but the waves are rather small and easy to get on. There are several professional surf shops close to the beach.

Buy
There are several small shops selling souvenirs and clothing, especially in the main streets.

Eat
Try the Pipi Burritos located on the main street. They are almost always full, so you may have to wait some time, but it's worth it. You can grab a beer while you are at it.

Also on the main street try La Palapita Steakhouse for the best steaks and hamburgers in town. Finally, La Casa de la Abuela has great breakfasts as does Banana's.

Seamasters/Mexico Lindo is one of the more popular restaurants beachside, serving traditional Mexican fare cooked well and Popeye's makes a great molcajete. Sunset Margaritas at the Hotel Elondra are perfect for photo ops and cost friendly (happy hour 2 for 1 drinks). Just be careful making your way down the long staircase when you're ready to go home!

Go next

 * Tomatlán
 * Manzanillo
 * San Patricio - Melaque
 * La Manzanilla

title: Barra de Navidad


text:
Barra de São Miguel

Barra de São Miguel is a city in Alagoas, about 40 km south of Maceió.

Get in
Barra de São Miguel is about an hour south of Maceio by car. There are also several buses that make the trip.

Do
It's all about the beach.

Sleep
Praia das Conchas is a nice Portuguese owned pousada with a small pool. Near the center and about 100m from the beach. Rooms were about R$80 for a couple with small breakfast in March 2011. Website: http://conchas.no.comunidades.net/index.php. Phone: +55 82 3272-1685.

Go next
Praia do Gunga is a beautiful beach across the bay, about 20 minutes away by car. There is also a lookout point called Mirante do Gunga which offers a nice view of the beach.

title: Barra de São Miguel


text:
Barra Grande

Barra Grande is a tranquil village located on the tip of Peninsula of Maraú in the state of Bahia. This old fisherman village has managed to preserve its unique charm and environment, partly due to difficult access. The village offers typical atmosphere of an old fishermen village, very relaxed lifestyle and splendid beaches.

Get in

 * By small plane (air taxi) from Salvador.
 * By ferry or quick boat from Camamu, which is about 2 hours away from Salvador. Camamu is also 90 minutes by taxi from Ilhéus, with a regional airport and flights from main cities. The ferry, actually adapted fishing boats, takes about two hours, the fast boats, for 6 people, make it in 30 minutes.
 * By land from Itacaré. Dirt road, off-road vehicles only.

Get around
Walking, boat, mountain bike, horseback & 4x4.

See

 * Camamu Bay
 * Ilha da Pedra Furada - Small island got its name from a large stone, "Pierced Rock", dug by erosion. There is a natural water spring and a beach with coral reefs.
 * Campinhos - A small village that is known for the house where Antoine de Saint-Exupéry stayed in the 1930s. With calm clear water and a rich submarine fauna, Campinhos is one of the best places around for diving.

Do

 * Swimming & sunbathing in various beaches.
 * Scuba diving & snorkeling.
 * Surfing & other water sports.
 * Sailing. Camamu Bay is third largest bay in Brazil and excellent for sailing.
 * Hiking. Camamu Bay is a sanctuary of preserved nature and wild life, with beautiful landscapes, mangroves, forests and many islands.

Buy
Handcrafts & beach wear.

Go next

 * Explore city of Salvador or continue from there to Chapada Diamantina National Park.

title: Barra Grande


text:
Barranca

Barranca is a small coastal port in the Central Coast region of Peru, 190 km north of Lima. It has a population of about 140,000 people with an economy based largely on agriculture and fishing. It is a good headquarters for investigating local archaeological sites, particularly Caral, as well as environmental treasures such as the Albufera del Medio Mundo, a great sandy beach, a large local market, and excellent provincial cuisine.

Get in
There are combis along the coast to neighbouring towns, & frequent buses along the Panamerican Highway from Lima to Chimbote, Huaraz, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Cajamarca, Chachapoyas, Piura, Mancora & Tumbes.

As of 2019, shared taxis to Barranca left from Huaraz at the southwest corner of Av. Confraternidad Internacional Oeste and Av. Antonio Raymondi. The default drop-off point in Barranca was the Metro supermarket on the north side of town.

Get around
combis to neighbouring towns & fewer taxis may be persuaded to offer a 1/2 day visit to Caral.

Moto taxis. S/1 anywhere in Barranca. It is a motorcycle attached to a metal framed carriage that holds 2-4 people. It is the most convenient and affordable to get from one side of town to the other, although, Barranca is small enough to be traveled on foot. Be aware that this fare is fixed regardless of whether you are going two blocks or from the town center to the beach. This mode of transportation does not allow you to make multiple stops. Mototaxies are prohibited from traveling on the Panamerican, though they sometimes do so anyway. Do so only if you are truly a thrill-seeker.

Taxis. While mototaxis are cheap, they are not the safest mode of transportation nor the most comfortable for taller people. There are local regular taxis as well that will cost one or two soles more, but are safer and a bit roomier. They will also take you anywhere and are permitted on the Panamerican.

You can also visit the sites of Aspero and Bandurria, much closer to the Panamerican and of a similar age to Caral, though not nearly as developed. The Fortaleza de Paramonga, just north of the town of Paticilca is also worth a visit to see an impressive southern outpost of the great Chimu Empire.

Albuferas del medio Mundo are coastal lagoons with high bird populations & rustic restaurants. The beach here is several kilometers long and there are never many people along it. Great place for beachcombing as well.

Buy
Booklet, calendar, T-shirt etc at Caral

Eat
There are good restaurants at Barranca, but none at Caral.

Two of the best restaurants are on the beautiful beach in Barranca: Tatos renowned for Tacu Tato, a variant on tacu tacu with a base of lenguado; and

Gaviotas a quieter spot with excellent ceviche, seco de pescado, fried calamar/squid.

In town, there is a place called La Gula (most taxi drivers will know where it is), with all traditional dishes cooked over wood fires. There is terrific roasted pork, stewed baby goat, guinea pig, turkey, duck, all served with the worlds best beans and quinoa.

Pizzeria Don Goyo on the main drag has very good pizza with homemade mozzarella.

Go to Pativilca for yummy alfajores (cookies filled with manjar blanca).

Supe is locally known for its tamales of chicken or pork.

The chorizo of Huacho is another regional treasure.

Sleep
There are basic hostels in Barranca, but none at Caral.
 * Casa Blanca On the beach there is the Casa Blanca, facing the ocean, clean and safe, lovely interior area.
 * Chorrillos Beach which is a just barely off the beach but the rooms have views of the beach. Small quaint rooms.
 * Chorrillos Beach which is a just barely off the beach but the rooms have views of the beach. Small quaint rooms.

Go next
Enjoy a beautiful walk on the long sweeping beach (divided into Puerto Chico, Miraflores and Chorrillos) and watch a beautiful sunset. Barranca has just made a major investment in cleaning up the beach community and it is now arguably the nicest swimming beach on the north coast. It is all soft sand and a full range of waves perfect for gentle swimming, body surfing or good Hawaiian board surfing. If you are an early riser, you will see the fishermen bring in the daily catch. Down at the far end of the beach where the fishermen have their boats, the Malabu Bar is one of the great 3rd world bars with eclectic music and the best imaginable views of the ocean and sunsets. It is definitely worth spending a night at one of the beach hotels. The mototaxis (three-wheelers) are cheap, but not the safest or most comfortable mode of transportation. Regular cabs are also available and a safer bet.

Sit down and catch a breeze at the Plaza de Armas (People's Square)and meet the locals and maybe enjoy a street comedy improv.

The Barranca market (not the Mercado Antiquo, but the Central Market) is one of the very best on the coast. People come from Lima just to shop for meat and fish. It is a typical indoor market with zones for fish, meat, poultry, vegetables, fruit, dry goods, etc. Don't look for a lot of Peruvian artesania, it's not there. Barranca has by and large not been discovered by tourists, but is a wonderful place to visit.

Vichama Raymi Each year during Fiestas Patrias (usually July 28) there is an all day fiesta and ceremony at the Fortaleza de Paramonga celebrating the myth of Vichama, the son of the Sun God. It is a great show with food booths, artesania and an elaborate pageant recreating the life of Vichama.

title: Barranca


text:
Barranquilla

Barranquilla is a city on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia.

Understand
Barranquilla is a cosmopolitan and primarily industrial city, often visited by businessmen of all nationalities. However the main attraction for tourism is its carnival "Carnaval de Barranquilla," that takes place during the four days before Ash Wednesday. In November 2003, UNESCO proclaimed it as one of 28 different "masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity".

Barranquilla is also called by its residents and Colombians in general "Curramba" (from a language game, in synthesis, Curramba is a reference to "party") and the Golden Gate to Colombia (Puerta de Oro de Colombia), this due to its location on the delta of the Magdalena river, making it the most important commercial sailing port to the Atlantic Ocean for the nation.

Residents are known as "Barranquilleros" and are characterized by their outgoing and friendly attitude and relaxed behavior. This makes the average barranquillero an optimistic and open individual, as well as goal-directed and hard-working.

It is set to host the 2027 Pan American Games.

By air
Visitors arrive to the city traditionally by plane. The airport "Ernesto Cortissoz" is on the far south side of the city. The fare is usually US$8–12 to get to the city center by taxi. Buses into the city depart in front of the terminal on the ground floor.

International direct flights are available to Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Panama City. Domestic non-stop flights arrive from Bogotá, Medellín and Cali.

Airport car rental services can be arranged from abroad with two main companies: Hertz and National Car Rental.

By bus
Buses run by the terminal as well and will get you into the city for $0.55 or less, with the drawback of a significantly less comfortable ride experience.

Barranquilla can also be a connection to other cities of the northern coast of the country, provided the traveler doesn't have a flight connection to anywhere else in Colombia already. Long-distance bus fares (in US dollars) to some cities are:

 * Cartagena - $12
 * Maicao - $13
 * Santa Marta $13
 * Medellín $20
 * Maracaibo - $26
 * Caracas - $44

Since the bus station is quite far away from the city center, and since buses departing from there are generally slow and stop at every village, it might be a good option to travel with bus companies operating direct links to Cartagena, Bogotá or Santa Marta from around the city center. One of these is Berlinastur, departure to Cartagena or Santa Marta every hour, COP$16, terminal at calle 96 with carrera 46. To get there from the tramway system you can take Alimentador A-71 or A-94, and also many "unofficial" colectivos, ask people in the street.

Cochetur runs air conditioned van services for travel among Cartagena, Baranquilla, and Santa Marta. Price per person is around COP$25,000 and trip time to either of the other cities is around 2 hours.

Get around

Moving around in Barranquilla depends largely on the traveler's budget, language barriers and spirit of adventure.

Renting a car is an option for visitors with a more comfortable budget, the daily fare for an economy vehicle being around COP$150,000 a day, and with gasoline prices of about COP$8,000 per gallon (COP$2,100/L). However, driving in Barranquilla can be obviously tricky if you don't know your way around or the changes in traffic during rush hour. Rent a car services can be dealt with from abroad or upon arrival to the hotel, may that be the case.

Taking a taxi is by far the best option for the newcomer. As of January 2011, the minimum fare was COP$5,000. They may more a bit more expensive at night time, Sundays, on national holidays or during rush hour. Taxis in Barranquilla do not have a meter: The fare is decided by the driver on the basis of distance, travel time and daytime vs nighttime. The most you will ever be charged for an in town trip is COP$16,000.

For those with more spirit for adventure, buses are another option. In this case, talking to the driver may not be necessary, but knowing someone in town is definitely of great help when choosing the right route. Bus fares are COP$2,800 (Dec 2023) per ride, sometimes a little more if the bus is equipped with air conditioning (not all of them are). Moovit covers some bus lines. If you go to a main street and ask there somebody who waits for a bus, you increase your chance of finding a direct bus connection. Be warned that the buses do not wait until you are seated before they move and when getting off, often start back up before both your feet are on the ground when getting off. They also start and stop abruptly, so hang on.

Mototaxis are an illegal way of transportation that has grown in popularity. These consist of motorcycles charging significantly less money than a regular cab to take you virtually anywhere, but this mean of transportation is riddled with risks for personal safety, as these drivers have the tendency to be reckless.

Bicycle is an excellent way to get around town and popular with locals. You can rent a bike from Carliño Bicicletas on Calle 64 (south of Carrera 46). COP$3,000 per hour for a city bike, COP$5,000 per hour for mountain. Buying a bike is also an option. The Colombia HQ of Buffalo Bicycles (part of World Bicycle Relief NGO) is in Barranquilla at a warehouse on Calle 73 (north of Via 40). You can buy a new bike there for COP$700,000. Second-hand bikes can be found at several pawn shops in Centro district.

See

Every year by the end of February or early March (forty days before Ash Wednesday), Barranquilla hosts its famous "Carnaval de Barranquilla" (carnival of Barranquilla), a four-day-long celebration in which the true partying spirit of the city is unleashed. Parades, dances, concerts and many cultural manifestations take place all over town.

Barranquilla also houses the beautiful and famous Teatro Amira de la Rosa, the old Customs building-Edificio de la Aduana, that serves as library as well as a museum; the Museum of Gold; and many other great places to visit. There are also a large number of art deco buildings built from the late 1930s into the 1950s. (See the book Barranquilla-Ciudad Art Deco by Gustavo Garcia.)

Do
Barranquilla is a large, complex city. Daytime activities are mainly of shopping and eating, but nightlife is active all year round, with bars and nightclubs open from Thursdays to Sundays in most cases. Some of the main party spots in town are Trucupey Latin Disco, AguaHelada, MoMa and Frogg Leggs if you plan to dance.

For a more relaxed environment some options are Luna Negra, Beba Genobeba, Old Times (a 1980s retro bar) and some spots known as "estancos": These are basically liquor stores with or without tables, where music is played on weekends. Commonly people gather in these places to drink listening to music from the place itself or from their own car audio systems (in Barranquilla sound restrictions are quite lenient).

As well there are magnificent restaurants in the area known as "Washington" such as Naia, Mix where the tourist can experience an elegant, chic night.

Some places are known as "puntos frios" or "mundo de la cerveza" (world of beer), in which you should be able to get beer pretty much any day. There are also small tiendas (convenience stores all over the city).

If you are lucky enough to go during Carnival you will find yourself in a place in which everybody is up to party for entire days with no rest.

Take "Chiva", an old-style bus full of people, music and dancing! The bus takes you to several nice discos in Bquilla. Typically on Saturday nights. Here is a good one: "La Chiva de Juan". Calle 34 # 72-197. Tel: 3600264. Cell: 315-7420885.

There is a pretty minigolf inside the Centro Comercial Buenavista II-Piso1. It costs COP$8,000, for children COP$5,000 (Sept 2021).

Buy
There are many shopping centers with national and international brands. The biggest two are Buenavista and Villa Country, both located to the north. A cheaper alternative with plenty of "Sales" is El Único.

If what you want is artisanal souvenirs, the corner of 72 street and 46 avenue is the place to go. There you will find kiosks selling cheaper artisan work and a store by the name of "Artesanías de Colombia", where more certified, yet more expensive souvenirs can be found. At the down town you will also find these for a lower price but usually of lower quality. You can also find the true and authentic artesanias in nearby towns such as Usiacurí, many of which are worth visiting.

There are lots of market stalls selling fruit, vegetables and cheap knick-knacks along Carrera 43 and 44 around Centro Civico. There are also street markets in the alleys north of San Roque church, heading up to San Nicolas church. Just to the east on Calle 30 (along the canal) there are some fish markets too.

Eat

Both local and international cuisine are available in town. Local delicacies include arroz con coco and sancocho de guandul (a soup made of pigeon peas or "guandules" and meat), bocachico frito (fried fish from the Magdalena river), sancocho, and fritos (fried foods), including arepas and empanadas. If you wish to try local food, good choices are;
 * Mag Mondongo - (Cl. 84 # 51- 32, Nte. Centro Historico)
 * Narcobollo - (Av. 20 De Julio #84-188, Nte. Centro Historico)
 * El Tremendo Guandul - (Av. 20 De Julio #74-75, Nte. Centro Historico)

In the Las Flores area near Bocas de Ceniza there are many seafood restaurants next to Magdalena River. Very good food and environment.

Some other places to go, for a more international menu are:

 * El Arabe Gourmet (Lebanese food) - (Cra. 49c #76 181, Nte. Centro Historico)
 * Pepe Anca (steak/pepper steak. pricey but worth it) - (Cra. 49c #76-164, Nte. Centro Historico)
 * El Merendero (steak) - (Av. 20 De Julio #70 - 48, Nte. Centro Historico)
 * Nena Lela (Italian) - (Cra. 52 #76-66, Nte. Centro Historico)
 * Caprichosa Fit (Pizza) - (Cra. 51 #82-264, Nte. Centro Historico)

Drink
The local beer is Aguila, and is also the cheapest one. However, Club Colombia is a Colombian beer with great flavor and quality, and just a little more expensive.

International beer is available widely, with Heineken being the preferred brand.

The spirit of preference by locals is rum, in a variety of national and international brands. Another popular drink is Aguardiente (an anise-flavoured liqueur derived from sugar cane), and is worth a try. Aguardiente literally means "burning water", and it honors its name. As well Scotch, which is a little more expensive, hence it is consumed by the elite, the preferred brand is called Old Parr.

Almost any type of liquor is available, whiskey, vodka and tequila some of the most prevalent.

Budget

There are many inexpensive hotels in the area between the above hotels. Walk around and ask to see rooms; they're all quite decent. Generally the ones not listed in the guidebooks are a bit cheaper.

Mid-range

Cope
Internet access starts at about US$0.60. There are tons of places that serve up access for US$1 or less, but shops are typically tucked up in centros comerciales (malls) without signs out on the street.

Consulates

 * 🇷🇴 Romania

Go next

 * Barranquilla lies on the main coastal road between the far more popular tourist destinations of Cartagena and Santa Marta.
 * Usiacurí is a pretty small town in the jungle worth a visit for poetry lovers to see the house museum of Julio Flórez

title: Barranquilla


text:
Barra Velha

Barra Velha is a coastal city in Southern Brazil. It is a popular beach destination. Its nine beaches extend from the Rio Itapocu in the north to the resort town of Piçarras on its southern border. Additionally, it is the only resort in the area to have a freshwater lake separated from the ocean by an old sand bar, from which it derives its name.

It has a permanent population of almost 30,000 (2019), but this can grow to 100,000 at summer weekends when the town is flooded by visitors from the industrial region to the north and west of the state.

Get in
It lies between Joinville and Itajaí on BR-101, the principal north–south highway in Southern Brazil.

See
It retains its fishing village characteristics with boats drawn up onto the beach and the daily catch sold directly from them by the fishermen every morning.

In the center of downtown a hill rises sharply from the beach which provides views of the lake and town center. A replica of the statute of Christ on Corcovado rises from the summit.

Do

 * Festa Nacional de Pirão: a festival celebrating the Azorian dish "Pirão" having a sauce-like consistency and normally made from fish or shellfish. Held in early September, it attracts over 30,000 visitors annually.

title: Barra Velha


text:
Barre

Barre is a city in Central Vermont. It is well known for its granite quarries and is considered the "Granite Capital of the World".

title: Barre


text:
Barreal

Barreal is a village in the San Juan province in Argentina, near the Andes Cordillera.

Get in
There's a 4h bus (company El Triunfo) leaving twice a day from San Juan (44 pesos).

See
Barreal offers beautiful views of the mountains. You can go either north or south to have a better view of them.

 * Cerro del Alcazar
 * Pampa del Leoncito
 * El Leoncito National Park
 * Observatorio OAFA/CESCO

You can go to these places either by bike or by car (ask your hostel). You can also horseride.

Sleep

 * Don Lisandro, calle San Martín (50 pesos for dorms)

Cope
There is free wifi at the bus station.

title: Barreal


text:
Barreirinhas

Barreirinhas is a city in Northern Maranhão. Mainly serving as a base for visitors to Lençóis Maranhenses, its riverside setting and sandy patches gives it a charm of its own.

By plane

 * Closest airport is in São Luís . Shared vans, occasionally referred to as transporte alternativo, pick up passengers at the airport on their way from São Luís to Barreirinhas - ask the guys in yellow polo shirt written "Barreirinhas" to help you, 3.5 hr, R$ 70 (October 2018). There are departures on the wee hours as well, to cater for the flights coming from São Paulo that often land between 02:00 and 04:00.

Air taxis to Barreirinhas landstrip can be arranged through agencies.

By taxi

 * Taxis to São Luís leave as soon as they are full, 3–4 hours, R$140 (4 people). Many in the morning, few locals will ride along after dark. Note that a taxi can take considerably longer than a bus depending on where your fellow passengers want to be dropped off.

By 4x4 from Jericoacoara

 * Now there is a better road between Paulino Neves and Barreirinhas, 4x4 transport from Jericoacoara can take you all the way to Barreirinhas in about 7 hours. Prices are less than R$1000 for a car up to 4 and R$1200 for a car up to 6 passengers. Just check with Global Connection (globalconnection.tur.br) on Rua do Forró in Jericoacoara. If you want they will try to combine you with other travellers to share a car to save expenses.

By bus

 * Four buses a day from São Luís from the Rodoviaria, 06:00, 08:45, 14:00, 19:30, 4½ hours, 60 R$ (Nov 2023), Cisne Branco company.
 * Vans do the same route as the buses to São Luís
 * Several daily pick-up trucks to Paulino Neves, with onward connections to Tutóia and Parnaíba, R$13, 2½ hours.

By boat

 * Daily boat to Atins via Mandacaru (also stops in Caburé upon request) around 09:00. 4 hours, 5 R$. Returns well after dark, depending on tide.

By other means

 * Arrange transport to the dunes, and then walk some 27 km across to Atins. This can be done in a day, or with camping half way.
 * Agencies can arrange for a combination of water and overland transport, typically to Parnaíba or Jericoacoara.

Get around
Mostly walkable. Otherwise a mototaxi will take you anywhere for R$ 3.

Do
Barreirinhas is the main gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses, and virtually all tours can be arranged from there. However, since Santo Amaro operators blocked external tour agencies from taking tourists there, tours going there organized from Barreirinhas got more expensive because the price now includes two fees: one for the Barreirinhas agent and another to the Santo Amaro's one.

Buy
The region is a big producer of cashew nut. Funily enough, it's not found at the central produce market, but either at shops nearby the church (R$ 50/kg) or on stalls inside the National Park (R$ 40/kg). (August/2018)

Drink
There is something most every day, but locations shift. Ask around.
 * Chill on one of the stalls along the riverfront boardwalk.

Sleep
Beds in the center are fairly expensive, with one outstanding exception:
 * Pousada Lagoa Bonito is at the top of the sanddune where there is a great view of the marina ..... double with fan and good breakfast for R$40.
 * Pousada Lagoa Bonito is at the top of the sanddune where there is a great view of the marina ..... double with fan and good breakfast for R$40.
 * Pousada Lagoa Bonito is at the top of the sanddune where there is a great view of the marina ..... double with fan and good breakfast for R$40.
 * Pousada Lagoa Bonito is at the top of the sanddune where there is a great view of the marina ..... double with fan and good breakfast for R$40.
 * Pousada Lagoa Bonito is at the top of the sanddune where there is a great view of the marina ..... double with fan and good breakfast for R$40.

Connect
Slow internet at R$2–3 an hour.

Go next

 * São Luís: the state capital. Four services a day (06:00, 09:00, 14:00, 18:45), 5 hours, R$ 51, Cisne Branco.
 * Paulino Neves: village at trekking distance from the site known as "small Lençóis", also with lagoons on sand dunes.
 * Tutóia: gateway to Parnaíba delta. Two services a day (11:00, 19:00), 2 hours, R$ 15, Cisne Branco.

title: Barreirinhas


text:
Barrie

Barrie is a city of about 148,000 people (2021) at the end of Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe in Southern Ontario. Watersports and boating on the bay bring visitors from all over Ontario.

Understand
Barrie has emerged as a popular tourist destination in Central Ontario, known as "The Gateway to Cottage Country", and is easily accessed by all forms of transportation. In the winter months, Barrie flocks with skiers and snowboarders as they attempt the slopes at nearby hills Snow Valley, Horseshoe Resort, Mount St. Louis Moonstone and Blue Mountain. Barrie also has several festivals and other events held in the city centre during the same season. Throughout the humid summer months, Barrie transforms into a city of gardens as visitors and locals alike jump to the waterfront to bask on the beaches, swim in the waters and boat in the lake. The city's historic downtown core also comes to life in the warmer months as shops, restaurants and boutiques all flourish with people.

History
At its inception, Barrie was an establishment of houses and warehouses at the foot of the Nine Mile Portage from Kempenfelt Bay to Fort Willow, an Aboriginal transportation route that existed centuries before Europeans arrived in Simcoe County. The portage linked Kempenfelt Bay through Willow Creek, connecting Lake Simcoe to the Nottawasaga River which flows into Georgian Bay off Lake Huron.

Barrie played an integral role in the War of 1812. During the war, the city became a supply depot for British forces, and in addition, the Nine Mile Portage was adopted by the British military as a key piece of their supply line which provided a strategic path for communication, personnel, and vital supplies and equipment to and from Fort Willow and Georgian Bay/Lake Huron. Today, the Nine Mile Portage is marked by signs along roads in Barrie and in Springwater Township. The scenic path from Memorial Square to Fort Willow is accessible to visitors year-round.

The city was named in 1833 after Sir Robert Barrie, who was in charge of the naval forces in Canada and frequently commanded forces through the city and along the Nine Mile Portage.

Barrie was also the final destination for a branch of the Underground Railroad. In the mid-19th century, this network of secret routes allowed many American slaves to enter Barrie and the surrounding area. This contributed to the development (and name) of nearby Shanty Bay.

In the midst of World War I, dedicated residents of Barrie helped to hastily construct Canadian Forces Base Borden (CFB Borden) as a means of additional support, and to serve as a major training centre of Canadian Expeditionary Force battalions. The base has become the largest Canadian Forces Base in the country, playing a paramount role through the remainder of the war, and throughout history.

On 31 May 1985, an F4 tornado struck Barrie, touching down in Essa Township, less than 10 km (6.2 mi) southwest of Highway 400 and the Barrie city limits. It caused devastating damage in the subdivisions within its immediate path. It was one of the most violent and deadliest tornadoes in Canadian history, claiming the lives of 8 within the city and injuring over 155 people.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Barrie's emergence as a bedroom community for the city of Toronto grew in prominence, and its economy would be wrapped around the education, health care, information technology and service sectors.

Climate
Being in the climatically deterrent snowbelt region of southern Ontario, Barrie is notorious for its deluging snow squalls in the winter. In the summer, its position within a convergence of breezes originating from the surrounding Great Lakes can provoke intense thunderstorms, some of which defying severe limits. Barrie's climate is fairly seasonal, with average January minimums of −12.4 °C (9.7 °F) and average July highs of 26.3 °C (79.3 °F).

Visitor Information

 * Tourism Barrie

By car
Take the Highway 400 north from Toronto. Barrie is 95 km away and has 5 highway exits. There is also a small airport on the north end of town which serves light aircraft. Drivers leave Barrie at the junction of Highway 400 and Highway 11, and for many this interchange can be perceived as the beginning of Northern Ontario or the gateway to cottage country.

By train
GO Transit (website) runs rush-hour, peak direction GO train service between Allandale Waterfront GO station in Barrie and Union Station in Toronto. There is also weekend GO train service running in midday between Toronto and Barrie, with a schedule oriented more to Barrie residents visiting Toronto. You could also take a GO train or GO bus from Union Station in Toronto to Aurora and transfer there to a GO bus to the downtown Barrie Bus Terminal.

GO Transit train customers are eligible to one free ride on Barrie Transit (BT) buses to and from either Allandale Waterfront GO Station or Barrie South GO Station. To receive the free ride, GO customers must show the BT bus driver a Presto card, a single-ride GO Transit ticket or a GO Transit day ticket. You must board the BT bus within 30 minutes of train arrival or departure. With this one exception, Presto and GO Transit fare media are otherwise not valid for Barrie Transit.

By bus

 * Operates the following routes to Barrie:
 * Between North Bay and Toronto including stops in Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Washago (some trips), Orillia (stop trips), and Barrie.
 * Between Sudbury and Toronto including stops in Parry Sound, Orillia (some trips), and Barrie.
 * Between North Bay and Toronto including stops in Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Washago (some trips), Orillia (stop trips), and Barrie.
 * Between Sudbury and Toronto including stops in Parry Sound, Orillia (some trips), and Barrie.

By plane
Barrie is about 87 km (54 mi) from the Toronto Pearson International Airport, and 167 km (104 mi) from the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.

Get around
Barrie is served by an efficient bus service and several taxi companies. It takes no more than about 20 minutes in good weather to drive from anywhere to anywhere else in Barrie. There are also many bicycle and walking trails.

Warning: avoid driving on Bayfield street (Hwy 26, Hwy 27) on weekends and statutory holidays. All car traffic from Toronto to and from Wasaga Beach and other beach destinations on Georgian Bay (during summertime) or Horseshoe Ski Resort (in winter) goes through this street and it could get quite congested.

See
The city of Barrie is on the shore of Kempenfelt Bay, a part of Lake Simcoe and is the largest city in Simcoe County.

In the summer, Barrie's beautifully landscaped lakefront parks are a popular destination for Toronto visitors seeking a break from city life. These parks include walking and bicycle trails, a fountain park, three public beaches and free parking.

Do
Barrie is within easy reach of many of Ontario's major ski resorts. Visitors to the area should really visit at least one of these to enjoy some of the area's most popular winter activities.

Events

 * Many seasonal festivals occur in the lakefront parks and the downtown area.
 * Many seasonal festivals occur in the lakefront parks and the downtown area.

Buy
There are three major commercial centres in Barrie. The oldest is the downtown near the shores of Kempenfelt Bay. North of this is Bayfield Street's Golden Mile which consists of three major malls and numerous other retail outlets which include local and international retailers. It is a major shopping destination for area tourists. The third commercial centre, Park Place, is on the south end of town near the highway exit to Mapleview Drive. This is the newest of the three and is a very large shopping complex where individual retailers are accessible from common parking areas.

Eat
There are interesting restaurants, including a number of Italian, Indian, Middle-eastern and Asian restaurants, in the city centre near Kempenfelt Bay.

Drink
Much of Barrie's nightlife is centred on the 5-block area where Dunlop and Bayfield Streets meet in the downtown Core. Many lounges and pubs feature live music on weekends. Clubs like The Roxx and SkyBank caters to the college Crowd. The Queens is in a historic hotel and features two bars in one. Further down Dunlop those wishing for a more laid-back night should try Monsoon, where overstuffed leather furniture, martinis and sushi set the mood. Many other pubs and bars dot Dunlop Street including the Simcoe Hotel a flatiron building which features a more varied, and somewhat rougher crowd. Those wishing to venture just off of Dunlop may venture into The Ranch, a warehouse-style country bar featuring a mechanical bull.

Sleep
Visitor accommodation in Barrie includes chain hotels like the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn, near Highway 400, as well as some Bed and Breakfasts and executive apartments.

Go next

 * Collingwood — another snow belt community on Highway 26, near the Village at Blue Mountain.
 * Midland and Penetanguishene — on Georgian Bay, near Awenda Provincial Park.
 * Orillia — north east of Barrie on Highway 11, on the way to cottage country.
 * Wasaga Beach — the world's longest freshwater beach, and one of Ontario's favourite beach towns.
 * York Region — the northern suburbs of Toronto.

title: Barrie


text:
Barrington

There is more than one place called Barrington:

United States of America

 * Barrington (Illinois) — A town in Northern Illinois.
 * Barrington (Rhode Island) — A town in Bristol County, Rhode Island.

title: Barrington


text:
Barrington (Illinois)

Barrington is a city in Illinois.

title: Barrington (Illinois)


text:
Barrington (Rhode Island)

Barrington is a scenic town of 17,000 (2020) in Bristol County, Rhode Island with many great waterfront properties and activities.

Understand
Barrington was established as its own town back in 1717 and is named after Barrington, Somerset where many of the original English settlers came from. Barrington is not a very large town as it spans only 15.4 square miles. However, of the 15.4 square miles, 8.4 of it is land and 7.0 of it is water. Much of Barrington's history comes from the brick industry and small businesses clustered along the main street, which helps it maintain its friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

Bordered on three sides by water, this small town on Narragansett Bay retains the leisurely feel of its days as an early 20th-century summer resort, and its proximity to Providence and Newport allows easy access to both city and beaches. Entering from either side of Barrington, either from Seekonk, Massachusetts, or from Warren, Rhode Island, you will run across or next to the Barrington River. In the summer, many people enjoy days of waterskiing, fishing, and sailing on the river. Other main attractions during the summer are the Barrington Beach and Rhode Island Country Club.

Due to its coastal New England climate, Barrington experiences all four seasons, with a long summer, blooming spring, scenic autumn, and snowy winter. In the summer, it offers quick getaways to the beaches in Newport, the Cape, and the Islands, and in the winter, ski trips to New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont are just a few hours north. Barrington offers the best parts of New England living, while offering a quiet haven with easy access to the nearby action.

Get around
Barrington is easily navigated either by car or by public transportation. The RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) has eight stops within the town. Barrington is also home to a bike path that runs through some of its more scenic locations such as Brickyard Pond, the YMCA softball field, and through the center of town. This makes it easy to get around Barrington either by bike, walking, running, or driving. Travel by boat along the Barrington River by way of the Yacht Club. Barrington's waterside location also makes the town easily accessible to Narragansett Bay boaters looking to dock up and grab a bite to eat.

Do

 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.
 * Boating and sailing lessons: Narragansett Sailing School, at Cove Haven Marina, offers a variety of American Sailing Association certified classes to help beginners and experienced sailors be prepared to sail on the open water.

Drink
The Democratic Club, Rhode Island Country Club, and Yacht Club feature bars, but all three only serve members. Liquor can be bought locally at Grapes and Grains in the Center Marketplace just off of county road. Liquor stores are also available a short drive over the border to East Providence, Seekonk, or Warren.

Sleep
There are no hotels located in Barrington, the closest one is approximately 15 minutes away in Seekonk, Massachusetts.

Go next
While there is very little to do in Barrington concerning nightlife, the surrounding towns offer numerous options. Upscale dining can be found on Federal Hill in Providence, or on America's Cup Ave in Newport. Providence, Newport, and Bristol all feature a vibrant nightlife with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs, 30 minutes or less from town.

title: Barrington (Rhode Island)


text:
Barrow

There's more than one place called Barrow.

Australia

 * Barrow Creek - a very small town on the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory

United Kingdom

 * Barrow (Gloucestershire) - in the county of Gloucestershire
 * Barrow (Rutland) - in the county of Rutland
 * Barrow (Shropshire) - in the county of Shropshire
 * Barrow (Somerset) - in the county of Somerset (England)
 * Barrow (South Yorkshire) - in South Yorkshire
 * Barrow (Suffolk) - in the county of Suffolk
 * Barrow-in-Furness - in the county of Cumbria
 * Barrow upon Soar - in the county of Leicestershire
 * Barrow upon Humber - in the county of Lincolnshire

United States of America

 * Utqiaġvik (formerly named Barrow) - the northernmost settlement in Alaska and the entire USA

title: Barrow


text:
Utqiagvik

Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) is a city that is 300 miles (480 km) north of the Arctic Circle on the Arctic Ocean in Arctic Alaska. The city holds the distinction of being the northernmost settlement in the United States, and the northernmost settlement on the North American mainland. The residents are primarily of Inupiat (Native Alaskan) descent. Its population in 2019 was a bit more than 4,500 people.

Understand
The city is commonly known as Barrow, its official name until a 2016 referendum changed it to the traditional Iñupiat name of Utqiaġvik. It is the administrative and economic center and the largest city in the North Slope Borough, and it functions as a center for Iñupiat culture and for oil extraction. Traditional hunting, fishing, and whaling are an important part of the community.

Orientation
The city is divided into three sections. The southern section is known as the "Barrow side". The larger, traditionally residential central section is known as "Browerville". The smaller, more isolated northern part is known as "NARL", after the Naval Arctic Research Lab that used to be located there.

Climate
The climate is constantly frigid, with temperatures averaging slightly above freezing only in July and August.

Precipitation is low year-round and, in a sense, Utqiagvik is in the middle of an "ice desert", despite being located right next to the Arctic Ocean.

The midnight sun can be seen from mid-May to late-July. There is polar night from late November to late January, with twilight only for a few hours from late morning until mid-afternoon.

Get in
There are no roads or rails into town. Considering the climate and extreme remoteness of the place, none of this is likely to change any time soon. The only way to travel to Utqiagvik is by plane, although there is an annual summer barge service to send and receive large heavy items such as vehicles, building supplies, and heavy equipment.

By plane

 * Alaska Airlines offers several daily flights from Anchorage, Deadhorse, Fairbanks.
 * Alaska Airlines offers several daily flights from Anchorage, Deadhorse, Fairbanks.

By foot
Utqiaġvik is very small, and is a flat desert that almost never receives large amounts of snow. So it's easy to get around by foot even in the winter. During the colder months, you can walk directly across the frozen freshwater lagoons. Just bundle up and beware of the wind chill! In "early winter", be careful and ask locals if the lagoons are really totally frozen over yet before you walk on them.

By taxi
There are several cab companies in town. They are always driving about, and they can be flagged down easily or called by phone for almost immediate pickup. Rates vary between $5 and $9 around Utqiaġvik proper and Browerville. Within town, they are supposed to charge a $6 fixed rate per one-way trip. To go to Point Barrow or to the lake south of town to see the night sky, it is about $50 per hour.

By bus
The city bus runs M-F 7AM–7PM and can be a good option for daily commutes. Visitors, however, will probably be happier taking cabs due to the convenience, as well as the fact that cab fare for a group of 2 or more people will end up costing less money because the bus charges per person.

See

 * Fresh water lake
 * NARL / DEW line relics
 * Palm trees at shooting station
 * Satcom Array
 * Whalebones
 * Satcom Array
 * Whalebones

Do
Also, see the listing of Airport Inn - Lodging & Tours in the "Sleep" section.
 * Bird watch. You can use the bird list from the King Eider Inn.

Buy
Expect everything, such as groceries, supplies, and restaurant food, to cost 2 to 5 times more in Utqiagvik than they would in Anchorage or the lower 48, because most things can only be brought in by air freight.

Eat
There are some decent restaurants in the Utqiaġvik/Browerville area. Expect to pay $20-30 per meal at most restaurants.

title: Utqiagvik


text:
Barrow-in-Furness

Barrow-in-Furness is an industrial town and seaport in Cumbria, at the tip of the Furness peninsula. Many visitors come to Barrow for the Dock Museum, which tells the history of steelworks, the shipyard and the Barrow Blitz. Walney Island has two world-renowned nature reserves, both of which have Site of Special Scientific Interest designation. Barrow also has a number of beaches which are popular in the summer with sunbathers, kitesurfers and caravanners.

History
Until 1974 Barrow was an exclave of the county of Lancashire, separated by Morecambe Bay. Historically that came about because stagecoaches going north couldn't climb the Lakeland hills, so they crossed the sands of the bay and wound around via Ulverston to Furness then on up the Cumbria coast. Then in the 19th century iron ore was discovered in the area. This led to mining, steel-making and shipbuilding, the railway was built, and Barrow became forged economically to the metal-bashing cities of Lancashire. It was an important base for navy ship-building, especially submarines. Those shipyards are still there, but much of the other industry has departed.

Joined to the town by a causeway is Walney Island. (Barrow itself was an island until Norse times, then the channel filled up.) When the Rev W Awdry needed a railway network for Thomas the Tank Engine to chuff around, he thought of Walney Island and expanded it into the fictional "Sodor".

Get in
Trains run hourly from Preston to Barrow via Lancaster, Carnforth, Arnside, Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston; some stop at other halts in the Cartmel and Furness peninsulas. The journey is scenic, sweeping round Morecambe Bay and crossing the Kent and Leven estuaries on viaducts. Change at Preston or Lancaster for fast trains to London, the Midlands and Scotland; these never stop at Carnforth.

An hourly train winds north from Barrow along the Cumbrian coast to Carlisle, via some two dozen small places such as Ravenglass, Sellafield, St Bees, Whitehaven, Workington and Wigton. For Carlisle it's quicker to go to Lancaster and change.

is central, on Abbey Road.

By bus: Stagecoach Bus X6 runs between Barrow and Kendal (M-Sat hourly, Sun every 2 hours, taking 2 hours) via Dalton, Ulverston, Haverthwaite, Grange-over-Sands and Levens.

National Express and Megabus don't serve Barrow.

By car leave M6 at junction 36 and follow A590 all the way west into town.

By plane: Walney Island Airport has lots of private and business aviation but no commercial flights. The nearest airport with these is Manchester, with direct trains to Barrow every couple of hours.

Get around
The town centre is easily accessible on foot from the railway station. Stagecoach Cumbria Bus 1 runs west to Walney Island and north to Furness Hospital every 15 min.

See

 * Walney Island is urban in its centre. Further out are salt marshes on the east side facing Barrow and sandy beaches on the west side. At the southern end is a bird sanctuary with a large herring and black-backed gull colony, and a lighthouse. The north end has another nature reserve, home to the endangered natterjack toad, and sandhills.
 * has a ruined medieval castle, beaches and birdlife. The pretender Lambert Simnel (1477-1530?) landed here in his campaign to supplant Henry VII; his rebellion was crushed but he was spared and given a menial court job. The other Man Who Would Be King (while keeping his head) is the publican of the Ship Inn here - the town traditionally dubs him the King of Piel Island. The island is reached by summer ferry from Roa Island (itself connected by causeway to the mainland); or at low tide you can walk across from Walney Island but seek local advice before attempting this.
 * has Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, and a good beach on its north flank.
 * has Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, and a good beach on its north flank.

 * is a village five miles north of Barrow. It has a small castle, a 14th-century peel tower managed by the National Trust. There are eating and lodging places in the village, which is on the railway line between Barrow and Lancaster and bus route to Kendal. But the main reason to come to this area is the zoo.

Do

 * Beaches: Earnse Bay, Biggar Bank, Roanhead and Rampside. The first two of these provide views of the Isle of Man and Anglesey on exceptionally clear days.
 * Football: Barrow AFC play soccer in League Two, the fourth tier. Their home ground is Holker Street (capacity 5400, 1000 seated) half a mile north of the railway station.
 * Rugby League: Barrow Raiders play the 13-a-side game in the Championship, RL's second tier; the playing season is Feb-Sep. Their home ground Craven Park (capacity 3000, aka Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium) is half a mile southwest of the railway station. The women's team play in their top tier, Super League, at the same stadium.
 * Cycle the coast road from Barrow to Ulverston. The road hugs the north shore of Morecambe Bay, with grand views, sandy beaches, picnic spots and pubs.
 * Cycle the coast road from Barrow to Ulverston. The road hugs the north shore of Morecambe Bay, with grand views, sandy beaches, picnic spots and pubs.

Buy

 * Portland Walk in town centre has the usual high street chains.
 * Edge of the centre are Tesco, Morrison's and ASDA.

Eat

 * There's a slew of cheap eating places on the retail park off Ironworks Road, with another cluster in the terraces around the railway station.
 * Oscar's Restaurant within Abbey House Hotel (see "Sleep") is open M-Sa noon-2:30PM, 5:30-9:30PM, Su noon-9PM
 * King Alfred Hotel has ten bedrooms but you mainly come for the food. It's on Ocean Rd, Walney Island LA14 3DX, and open daily for lunch and dinner.
 * Ferry Hotel also on Walney Island (just north of bridge) has good pub grub.

Drink
Drinking in Barrow is a drouthy but laid-back northern experience, where locals mingle with out-of-town contractors and navy dockyard workers.

 * The Furness Railway is a JD Wetherspoon at 76 Abbey Rd, 200 yards from the station.
 * Robin Hood is at the corner of School St and Crellin St.
 * Brewers Fayre is on North Rd near the Premier Inn and Devonshire Dock.
 * Prince of Wales is an excellent pub at Foxfield, 8 miles north of Barrow. It's next to Foxfield railway station, served by the hourly trains along the coast to Carlisle, day-return fare £4.50.
 * The clubs in Barrow are along Cavendish and usually open 9PM-3AM. Cornwallis Street used to house many popular clubs, but there are no establishments there now.

Sleep

 * Travelodge on Walney Rd and Premier Inn off Ironworks Rd are the mid-range chains in town.
 * There's a string of small B&Bs further along Abbey Road.
 * Splurge at
 * Splurge at

Go next

 * Coniston and Windermere in the Lake District are within 20 min drive north. But from Barrow consider heading to the western part of the Lakes, e.g., Muncaster Castle and Wastwater. They're a bit far for day-trippers from the cities to the south so they'll be quieter.
 * Arnside and Silverdale is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the border between Cumbria and Lancashire.

title: Barrow-in-Furness