The history of Broughton-in-Furness dates back to the sixteenth century, with the oldest building in the town thought to be the church of St Mary's Magdalene which was completed in 1547.The focus of the village is the Georgian market square, which was laid out by the Lord of the Manor to resemble a London square with tall Georgian houses on three sides. The focal point is the commemorative obelisk, erected to mark the jubilee of King George III in 1810. In Elizabethan times a charter was granted to hold fairs and it is here that the annual reading of the charter takes place on August 1st by the Lord of the Manor. At this time councillors throw pennies to the children from the obelisk steps, a tradition that always makes for good crowds!

Another reminder of a previous life are the fish slabs Duddon Estuary were sold. Broughton was once an important market town, where the woollen trade was particularly significant. Just out of the town is the hamlet of Broughton Mills, previously the home of a large woollen mill, which played a major part in this prosperous trade. Also in the market square, look for the village stocks, a reminder of the fate awaiting those who did not behave in a true village spirit. Broughton is very much an active trading community with an excellent range of shops, restaurants, pubs, cafes and overnight accommodation, both serviced and self-catering. The shops include a craft centre, post office, grocers, chemist, bakery, butchers, mountaineering shop, bank, building society, and garages. Whatever you need during your visit to the village, you should be able to find it here. The range of eating places includes a quality restaurant featured in many leading guides, friendly cafes and a number of pubs providing extensive menus, a bed for the night and a selection of twelve real ales.

Broughton's proximity to the Duddon Estuary and Coniston ensures that the walks from the town provide some of the most spectacular views in Furness. Foxfield, Duddon Bridge, Kirkby and Grizebeck are all easily reached from the town, as are Swinside Stone Circle and the Duddon Furnace. The latter is regarded as the most complete surviving charcoal fired furnace in the country. Broughton is a good place to join the Cumbria Cycle Way, a 259 mile long way-marked route right around the county. This is split into seven stages and is certainly an excellent way to appreciate the real beauty of the Furness Peninsula. Broughton has an excellent range of accommodation including 5 warm and comfortable guest houses, with great charm and character such as Garner House on Church Street, Cobblers Cottage and Broughton House, both located on Griffin Street and Annan House , in the Square Cafe located on the market square. There are a number of traditional public houses in Broughton, which offer first class accommodation.