Dalton Castle stands above the town to defend the people of Dalton and the approaches to Furness Abbey. The original castle was possibly built in AD 79, with another building in 1172. The present castle was probably built between 1314 and 1360, when the county was invaded by the Scots. The Castle, or Pele Tower, is similar in construction to many of that period, built as a rectangle 45 feet by 30 feet with walls at a maximum of 6 feet thick. Its role although originally defensive, was later as a courthouse and prison.
The South Lakes Wild Animal Park is about a mile out of Dalton-in-Furness.It is recognised as one of Europe's leading conservation zoos. 17 acres are home to the rarest animals on earth, who are participants in co-ordinated breeding programmes to save them from extinction in the wild. This is the only zoo in Britain to hold both Amur and Sumatran Tigers, the biggest and smallest tigers left in the world. There are talks given each day on the conservation projects for the few remaining tigers left in the world.food can be purchased to hand feed some of these animals. Hot meals and snacks are served all day. There is a gift shop, picnic area, and adventure playground, and ample parking. The zoo is open every day except Christmas day.
Furness Abbey was one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England, exceeded only by Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. The soaring ruins of red sandstone soak up the grandeur of this 700 year old site. Located in a peaceful valley, the majestic remains of Furness Abbey once housed the flourishing community of a wealthy order. With the aid of an audio tour, or the comprehensive guidebook you can walk around the many buildings with made up the Abbey, including the Precint and Outer Court, the Church with its North and South Transept and Tower, the Cloister Court, Chapter House, the dormitory, infirmary and kitchen. The visitor centre houses an education centre and an extensive exhibition about the history
of the Abbey. Various pieces of stone from the Abbey have been placed here for protection. An audio tour taking you round the Abbey is available.
