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Carlisle Historic City
Carlisle Historic City
City of Carlisle
City of Carlisle

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Carlisle

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.

Culture & Heritage

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.

Surrounding Areas

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?

Carlisle Castle
Occupying a commanding position at the northern end of Carlisle, the castle has protected the city of Carlisle from invasion since Norman times.
Citadel
The original citadel was erected in 1541 by Henry VIII to strengthen the southern approach to the city, and rebuilt in 1810.
Tullie House
Opened by the Carlisle Corporation in 1893 and residing in beautiful gardens, the Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery provides a memorable insight into the rich history, nature and art.
Thomas à Becket
One of the swords used to murder Thomas à Becket was kept at Carlisle Cathedral, where it became an object of veneration.
Woodrow Wilson
The 28th President of the United States (1913–1921) visited Carlisle several times. His mother was born here in 1826, but emigrated to the United States as a young girl.
The Domesday Book
Carlisle is the only English city not recorded in the Domesday Book, as the city was part of Scotland at the time of the survey in 1086.

Highlights

Summer International Market

A popular international market is set to return to Carlisle city centre this summer. Organised by…

Carlisle Blues/Rock Festival

Nick Westgarth is the driving force behind Real Live Music, a venture which organises and promotes…

Millets - Carlisle

Millets is a leading outdoor highstreet retailer, providing all the equipment and clothing you…

Hadrian's Wall Bus (AD 122)

Sit back and relax as we take you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hadrian's Wall by bus.

Hadrian's Wall Choral Festival

After an enforced break of two years we are delighted to host the choirs of Newcastle Cathedral and…

Fake Festival

Returning to Bitts Park in Carlisle this August, the Fake Festival is a fabulous opportunity for…

Bitts Park

Bitts Park is a peaceful haven only 800 metres from Carlisle City Centre, comprising formal…

Carlisle Castle Exhibition

Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its…

Auto Europe Car & Campervan Hire

Auto Europe’s strong partnership with both local and international car hire suppliers operating in…

Cumbrian Cottages

Cumbrian Cottages have one of the finest selections of Lake District cottages available, with over…

The Hiking Household

A website showcasing hundreds of family friendly walks here in The Lake District. Search our map…

Ibiza Orchestra Experience

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience and its unique brand of entertainment has been creating waves of…

Buses to and through Carlisle

Buses to and through Carlisle: 38 Carlisle - Wigton - Silloth - Skinburness. 39/39A Carlisle -…

The Keswick Country House Hotel

Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.

Barton's Yard Cafe Bar at The Halston Aparthotel

From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet,…

Tom Jones: A Celebration (Rescheduled date)

This event has been rescheduled from 25th July 2021 to a new date of 24th July 2022. Global…

Afternoon Tea at The Halston Aparthotel

From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet,…

The Sixteen: Choral Pilgrimage 2022

World renowned choir The Sixteen return with their annual Choral Pilgrimage tour, this year…

Paloma Faith: The Age of Optimism

Double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith will embark on a huge UK summer tour and…

Penny Blue Restaurant & Bar at The Halston Aparthotel

Serving up creative tapas & grill dishes as well as offering classic & contemporary cocktails,…

Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay

The Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay is confirmed to visit Carlisle during its final journey…

The Cafe at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

The museum has an award-winning, family friendly restaurant that serves hot and cold food all day.

Carlisle City Of Lights: Luguvalium

Immerse yourself in a fantastic sound and light experience and be transported through time from the…

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses…

Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire

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Summer International Market

Address

Carlisle City Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8JW

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

Carlisle

A popular international market is set to return to Carlisle city centre this summer.
Organised by Market Place Europe, the award-winning International Market is supported by Carlisle City Council.
Shoppers will be spoilt for choice with a huge mix…

More Details
Carlisle Blues/Rock Festival

Address

Crown & Mitre Hotel, English Street, CARLISLE, Cumbria, CA3 8HZ

Telephone
07725 801582

carlislebluesfest@btinternet.com

CARLISLE

Nick Westgarth is the driving force behind Real Live Music, a venture which organises and promotes live music events in Carlisle and Cumbria. One such event is the the Carlisle Blues/Rock Festival which is recognised as one of the top five Blues…

More Details
Millets - Carlisle

Address

110 English St., Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8ND

Telephone
01228 588253

Carlisle

Millets is a leading outdoor highstreet retailer, providing all the equipment and clothing you could need for your next adventure outdoors. Whether you're taking your family camping, hiking the incredible landscapes, riding trails or simply hoping…

More Details
Hadrian's Wall Bus (AD 122)

Address

-

Telephone
0845 6060260

customerservices@gonortheast.co.uk

Sit back and relax as we take you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hadrian's Wall by bus.

More Details
Hadrian's Wall Choral Festival

Address

Carlisle Cathedral, The Abbey, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TZ

Telephone
01228548151

info@carlislecathedral.org.uk

Carlisle

After an enforced break of two years we are delighted to host the choirs of Newcastle Cathedral and Hexham Abbey to join with our own Cathedral Choirs in celebrating the musical life of these great churches joined in fellowship along Hadrian's Wall…

More Details
Easter International Market

Address

Cumbria, Carlisle, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 7RE

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

Carlisle

A popular international market is set to return to Carlisle city centre this Easter.
Organised by Market Place Europe, the award-winning International Market is supported by Carlisle City Council.
Shoppers will be spoilt for choice with a huge mix…

More Details
To the Edges of Empire

Address

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP

Telephone
01228618718

enquiries@tulliehouse.co.uk

Carlisle

Celebrating 1900 years of Hadrian's Wall
Marking 1900 years since the commencement of the building of Hadrian's Wall in AD122, To the Edges of Empire features beautiful and important objects to explore the role of locations and people across the…

More Details
Fake Festival

Address

Bitts Park, Dacre Street, CARLISLE, Cumbria, CA3 8UZ

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

CARLISLE

Returning to Bitts Park in Carlisle this August, the Fake Festival is a fabulous opportunity for families and local communities to enjoy a fun packed music day out together. It's a chance to meet up with friends and to listen to some great live…

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Bitts Park

Address

Dacre Street, CARLISLE, Cumbria, CA3 8UZ

Telephone
01228 817200

parks@carlisle.gov.uk

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.

More Details
Carlisle Castle Exhibition

Address

Carlisle Castle, Castle Way, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8UR

Telephone
01228 625600

carlisle.castle@english-heritage.org.uk

Carlisle

Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.

More Details
Auto Europe Car & Campervan Hire

Address

Lancaster St, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1TF

Telephone
+44 123 3225 114

reservations@autoeurope.co.uk

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…

More Details
Cumbrian Cottages

Address

Fletcher Way, Parkhouse, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0LJ

Telephone
01228 599960

enquiries@cumbrian-cottages.co.uk

Carlisle

Cumbrian Cottages have one of the finest selections of Lake District cottages available, with over 1,200 holiday cottages, houses, lodges and apartments situated in all the very best and most sought after locations within the Lake District National…

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The Hiking Household

Address

Carlisle, Cumbria

Telephone
07941418499

laura@thehikinghousehold.com

Carlisle

A website showcasing hundreds of family friendly walks here in The Lake District. Search our map today to discover your next family adventure!

More Details
Ibiza Orchestra Experience

Address

Bitts Park, Dacre Street, CARLISLE, Cumbria, CA3 8UZ

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

CARLISLE

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience and its unique brand of entertainment has been creating waves of excitement in cities around the UK and is set to play this summer at Bitts Park in Carlisle.
The incredible Ibiza Orchestra Experience, featuring a full…

More Details
Buses to and through Carlisle

Address

Carlisle City Centre, Carlisle, CA3 8JW

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

tourism@carlisle.gov.uk

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 -…

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The Keswick Country House Hotel

Address

Station Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4NQ

Telephone
01768 772020

keswick@choicehotels.co.uk

Keswick

Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.

More Details
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Address

Bitts Park, Dacre Street, CARLISLE, Cumbria, CA3 8UZ

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

CARLISLE

There will be celebrations across the country in 2022 to mark HM The Queen's 70th year on the throne.
In Carlisle, the focus of the Platinum Jubilee will be in Bitts Park, where on Sunday 5 June from 10.30am a partnership of local organisations…

More Details
Carlisle Hawker Festival

Address

Cumbria, Carlisle, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 7RE

Telephone
01228 598596

info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

Carlisle

Following the success of the inaugural event last year, the Carlisle Hawker Festival will return to the city centre this June.
The Carlisle Hawker Festival will feature street food, seating areas and entertainment from local performers and…

More Details
Carlisle Tri Club 10K

Address

Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA2 4TS

Telephone
00000000000

clubsecretary@carlisle-tri.com

Carlisle

The 10k route uses mainly quiet country roads. The run will finish directly in front of the racecourse grandstand. This is an officially measure and certified accurate course by the Association of UK Course Measurers. There will be a water station…

More Details
Barton's Yard Cafe Bar at The Halston Aparthotel

Address

The Halston Aparthotel, 20-34 Warwick Road, Carlisle, CA1 1AB

Telephone
01228 210240

info@thehalston.com

Carlisle

From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet, eat & drink.

More Details

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