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Standing proudly between the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle is a modern metropolis which has seen its fair share of history - at least 2,000 years’ worth! Located on the border of England and Scotland, in the once ominously named ‘Debatable Lands’, it has been at the centre of many a conflict, fought over by Vikings, Scots, the English and the Border Reivers.
Today, it is Cumbria’s capital city; and technically the biggest city in England, by area. A bustling hub in the north, it’s packed with great places to eat and drink; a vibrant array of shops; stylish places to stay; and so much more.
Given its rich history it is hardly surprising that the city’s imposing castle – where Mary Queen of Scots was once held – is one of the most impressive fortifications in England; and was built using stones nicked from the nearby Hadrian’s Wall. Not far from the castle is the beautiful cathedral, itself only a few steps from the pedestrianised Greenmarket in the city centre - a focal point for street entertainment, farmers’ markets and Christmas celebrations.
As you’d expect from a vibrant city, there’s a packed programme of events to go along with the busy nightlife and bustling restaurant scene. The City of Lights celebration, the Spectacular Fire Show, and the year round markets including summer and Christmas are just a few of the annual highlights.
Carlisle’s turbulent history is very well told in the displays and exhibits of the Tullie House Museum: a museum housed within a Grade One listed Jacobean building, with a modern art gallery extension creating a blend of old and new.
Not far away, Carlisle Castle has history embedded in its very walls, chambers and passageways. With a commanding position at the northern end of town, this impressive monument – founded by William II in 1092 and built from stones taken from Hadrian’s Wall – has protected the city from invasion since Norman times.
Just a stone’s throw away stands Carlisle Cathedral. Founded in 1122, it has seen a number of changes throughout its time: from the rebuilding of its choir in the Gothic style in C13, to its restoration between 1853 - 1870 by Ewan Christian. Its magnificent east window contains stained glass from the 14th century; there are also fine wood carvings, medieval painted wall panels and the Brougham Triptych altarpiece.
In the city centre, the medieval Guildhall offers the chance to discover Carlisle’s ancient trade guilds and its civic history: it is now a museum housing treasures such as the great iron-clad chest that stored the city's documents, the medieval stocks, and the rare Carlisle Bells (the oldest horseracing prizes in England).
Modern Carlisle wears its past well but is more focused on the future. With a wide choice of restaurants, a handful of fantastic events venues, and a nightlife scene to keep you going until the small hours, it’s the perfect place to be.
Away from the city centre, there’s an abundance of beautiful places to visit around Carlisle. Stay in the city, and enjoy day trips to these beautiful locations.
Brampton - the picturesque market town of Brampton is set amidst the gently rolling countryside of the Irthing Valley and Geltsdale, which is perfect for woodland walks. A 200+ year old Moot Hall serves as the town’s tourist information centre, and there’s plenty to explore - from independent shops and cafes to a rich culture and heritage.
The weekly Wednesday market, and the Farmers Market held on the last Saturday of each month, are well worth a visit.
Wetheral - Surrounded by rolling farmland, the village of Wetheral stretches along the River Eden, offering many delightful countryside views. A market cross decorates the triangular village green, surrounded by 18th century houses of local sandstone and Victorian buildings of yellow brick.
Wetheral is home to the 16th century Church of the holy trinity and at the end of the village stands a lovely red sandstone Priory gatehouse.
Bowness-on-Solway - the coastal village of Bowness-on-Solway hugs the coast on the western side of Cumbria along the Solway Firth, and marks one end of the Hadrian’s Wall Path. It is part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Beauty, making it a fascinating hub for wildlife - it’s particularly good for bird watching. Don’t miss the stunning sunsets over the firth, with views towards Scotland.
Dalston - the town of Dalston and its home of Caldew Valley were originally part of the territory of the Carvetti, a Brigantian tribe of Celts. This is evidenced by the local place names of Cumdivock (‘valley of the little black stream') and Cummersdale (‘valley of the Cymri').
Talkin Tarn Country Park - a peaceful oasis not far from the city, Talkin Tarn Country Park features farmland and woodland, spread across 120 acres. There’s a tarn for watersports, and outdoor events in summer.
Hadrian’s Wall - built in AD122 to protect the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall celebrates its 1900th anniversary in 2022. Celebrations will take place along this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, with everything from live music to archaeological exhibitions at #HW1900.
Did you know?
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a…
Bitts Park is a peaceful haven only 800 metres from Carlisle City Centre, comprising formal…
Serving up creative tapas & grill dishes as well as offering classic & contemporary cocktails,…
From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet,…
We are an independent supplier of artificial decorations based in Carlisle, Cumbria. Specialising…
Buses to and through Carlisle: 38 Carlisle - Wigton - Silloth - Skinburness. 39/39A Carlisle -…
Sit back and relax as we take you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hadrian's Wall by bus.
Enjoy a relaxed visit to the Gosling Sike wildlife garden where we'll share planting ideas that are…
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses…
Learn how to successfully propagate wildflowers for your garden or project. The session will be led…
Auto Europe’s strong partnership with both local and international car hire suppliers operating in…
Experience the legend of King Arthur through the eyes of Victorian Pre-Raphaelite artists at Tullie…
Learn about the Roman's historic presence in the North of England and the importance of protecting…
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its…
From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet,…
We live in a noisy world in all senses, and sometimes our religious life can seem equally…
Discover Alston and The North Pennines AONB Travel along the A686, once voted one of the AA’s ‘Top…
The Halston is a luxury Aparthotel in the heart of Carlisle city centre which houses Bartons Yard,…
Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Add on 1 - Carlisle to Birdoswald - The Roman Frontier Discover the…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Join us in the magnificent Fratry Hall for an afternoon of free live music from David Edmonds…
The 174 mile Hadrian's Cycleway snakes through the entire World Heritage Site. It's a cycleway that…
As EV (Electric Vehicle) sales outstrip petrol and diesel car sales for the first time, it looks…
The museum has an award-winning, family friendly restaurant that serves hot and cold food all day.
Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire
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Carlisle
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a working fortress until well within living memory. Today's highlights include the Prisoners' beautiful carvings, the exhibition and wall walk.
CARLISLE
Bitts Park is a peaceful haven only 800 metres from Carlisle City Centre, comprising formal gardens, riverside walks, a children’s play area and splash park, running routes and sports facilities.
Carlisle
Serving up creative tapas & grill dishes as well as offering classic & contemporary cocktails, Penny Blue is a stylish and contemporary place to eat & drink. Now also serving delicious afternoon tea.
Penny Blue is located within the award winning…
Carlisle
From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet, eat & drink.
The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle
We are an independent supplier of artificial decorations based in Carlisle, Cumbria. Specialising in Christmas and Natural autumn themes.
Carlisle
Buses to and through Carlisle:
38 Carlisle - Wigton - Silloth - Skinburness.
39/39A Carlisle - Wigton - Fletchertown.
71 Silloth - Kirkbride - Carlisle.
Caldbeck Rambler 73/73A Carlisle/Keswick - Caldbeck - Keswick - seasonal.
75 Carlisle -…
Sit back and relax as we take you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hadrian's Wall by bus.
Houghton, Carlisle
Enjoy a relaxed visit to the Gosling Sike wildlife garden where we'll share planting ideas that are perfect for pollinators and garden birds, demonstrate how native species work brilliantly in gardens, and give advice on how to make your garden a…
Carlisle
Lauded for their "immensely colourful, lyrical and expressive playing" (Laura Snowden), Quartet Malamatina is an international guitar quartet comprised of Tim Beattie (Canada), Finlay Hay (Scotland), Ross Morris (England), and Lenny Ranallo (USA).…
Carlisle
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses considerable collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences.
Houghton, Carlisle
Learn how to successfully propagate wildflowers for your garden or project. The session will be led Cumbria Wildlife Trust's horticulture manager, Adam. The session will include an informative talk and a tour of the wildflower nursery and seed bank…
Carlisle
Auto Europe’s strong partnership with both local and international car hire suppliers operating in Cumbria and the rest of the UK, allows us to provide our clients with a wide range of vehicles at the most competitive prices. So whether you’re…
Carlisle
Experience the legend of King Arthur through the eyes of Victorian Pre-Raphaelite artists at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery's new exhibition, "The Legend of King Arthur: A Pre-Raphaelite Love Story." Running from February 4th to June 3rd 2023.
Carlisle
Learn about the Roman's historic presence in the North of England and the importance of protecting the northern border of Roman Britain. We will visit forts, castles, and towns to learn about Hadrian's Wall both in the days of the Romans, as well…
Carlisle
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.
Carlisle
From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet, eat & drink.
Carlisle
Fr Alex Frost is the vicar of St Matthew's the Apostle, Burnley, where he grew up. He describes himself as the 'fundamentally unemployable' host of The God Cast, a podcast devoted to issues of faith and spirituality, which has featured celebrities…
Carlisle
We live in a noisy world in all senses, and sometimes our religious life can seem equally voluminous. So much so that it can be hard to hear that 'still small voice' within and to simply have time to 'let God be God'. A quiet day enables us to drop…
Discover Alston and The North Pennines AONB Travel along the A686, once voted one of the AA’s ‘Top 10 Most Scenic Routes’ and discover the many hidden treasures in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, all within easy access of the M6!
Carlisle
The Halston is a luxury Aparthotel in the heart of Carlisle city centre which houses Bartons Yard, a relaxed yet vibrant bistro and wine bar which is open to guests and non-guests.
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