EXCITING plans have been revealed to form a new tourist company set to guide visitors across the beautiful sites of Barrow.
Acclaimed historian and former Piel Island guide, John Murphy, has announced plans to launch a company which leads tours across the many gems of Barrow.
The 73-year-old is forming the company with the new Piel Island guide, Ben Pinder, who took over the reins from Mr Murphy in September.
Upon taking on the role in September, Mr Pinder said his ‘eyes and ears’ were wide open to learn the skills and expertise Mr Murphy has fostered over 40 years.
And now, the duo are joining forces to create a tour company which promotes and champions the local area.
Destinations in the tour would include: a tour around the Town Hall, a visit to the Dock Museum, a trip to Furness Abbey, a ferry ride to see the seals and finally a tour of Piel Island.
Mr Murphy, who guided visitors across the sands for decades, believes the venture will deter tourists from overlooking Furness for the popular Lake District.
He said: "We're planning on starting the tours in Easter and continuing them on a weekly basis through summer.
"We've got enough beautiful sites in Barrow and Furness for tourists to see instead of travelling up into the Lakes.
"We want them to spend their money and time here because it really is an incredible place.
"Staycations are so popular at the moment we've got the make the most of it and show off our area.
"I'm convinced we can make this work."
Mr Murphy said there is a 'clear demand' for a tourist company in Barrow which guides visitors around the area.
"We've got to utilise the clear demand for site-seeing in Barrow," Mr Murphy said.
"I've dealt with people from all over the world my whole life and seen their fascination with Barrow.
"We want to get children building sand castles on the beaches again and learning about local history.
"I really believe we can make this into a great, positive thing."
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