You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > Carlisle & Hadrian’s Wall
Inextricably linked with the iconic Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle’s fusion of old and new brings together 2000 years of history with some laid-back city living and urban café culture.
Located in the north of the county, Carlisle is Cumbria’s only city. Its modern shops, eateries and attractions share space with historic landmarks telling the tale of its storied past, from Roman soldiers to Royal prisoners.
Explore the fantastic eateries and shops which line places like Devonshire Street, get inspired and learn more at museums and galleries, and stroll through the picturesque surrounds of Bitts Park.
Surrounding Carlisle is an abundance of nature and wildlife, with two National Landscapes - the Solway Coast and the North Pennines - on its doorstep. There are also pretty towns and villages, and Hadrian’s Wall: a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty to discover.
Standing on the Scottish border, the city of Carlisle is home to a rich history and heritage which spans back thousands of years.
There’s no shortage of history in Carlisle itself, where the formidable fortress of Carlisle Castle stands proud over the city. It was once the home of an imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots, and endured the last siege suffered by a fortress in England!
Be sure to visit Carlisle Cathedral: built in 1122, today it is over 900 years old. It’s known for its ceiling painted with stars, and visitors can enjoy special tours which offer a deeper insight into its history.
There are plenty of things to do in and around Carlisle: whether you’re after arts & culture, history, live music, or just a little retail therapy you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Discover art galleries and museums offering an insight into local history, as well as welcoming visiting works from internationally renowned artists. Catch a show or a concert at an independent venue, or enjoy a day at the races.
Keep an eye out for events throughout the year including Taste Carlisle: a food festival which celebrates local produce. During the festive season, a Christmas market takes over the city centre with a vibrant array of stalls to peruse. Carlisle Light District sees landmarks across the city light up as part of an impressive light and sound display.
Explore the edge of an ancient empire by walking in the footsteps of the Romans along Hadrian’s Wall: part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site, which runs through Carlisle. Visit the Roman Army Museum at Greenhead near Brampton to learn more about the wall’s history.
There are several Roman forts to visit just a short distance from Carlisle’s city centre, too, including Birdoswald Roman Fort, where you’ll find a visitor centre and cafe, and Banks Turret. Nearby, explore the 13th century Lanercost Priory which is located on another Roman site.
Want to get active? Explore via the long distance cycle route, Hadrian’s Cycleway - Route 72, or challenge yourself to walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail.
Away from the city centre, there’s plenty to discover in the areas surrounding Carlisle. To the west, visit the Solway Coast National Landscape: hugging the Cumbrian coastline, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature. The coastal village of Bowness-on-Solway marks the end of the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, and is home to epic sunsets with majestic views across the water to Scotland.
To the east, discover the family-friendly Talkin Tarn Country Park. Featuring a glacial lake at its centre, there’s an accessible path suitable for a range of users, and tramper hire available through Outdoor Mobility. Visitors can enjoy watersports, picnics, and stargazing in the Talkin Tarn Stargazing Pavilion.
There are also interesting museums and attractions like the Roman history along Hadrian’s Wall.
The nearby market town of Brampton is filled with independent retailers, characterful pubs and delicious eateries. Surrounded by gentle rolling countryside, there’s also easy access to the more rugged landscapes of the North Pennines National Landscape. The high, scenic setting of Tindale Tarn is just one unexpected delight.
Explore
Meet a Roman Potter While you are visiting us, take the opportunity to meet Graham Taylor from…
A very special evening of live music in the Cathedral as we welcome the Castleford Male Voice Choir…
Join us at the 10th Anniversary Blacknose Beauties National Show & Sale — the pinnacle event in the…
Every Sunday at 2pm Museum visitors can explore the earthworks of the Roman fort, led by the…
Looking for a memorable family day out this summer? Join us at Carlisle Racecourse for an exciting…
Beneath the ancient skyline of Carlisle, hidden stories linger in every red-brick shadow and echo…
Make the most of the final weeks of the summer holidays with a fantastic family day out at Carlisle…
Don't miss out on the grand finale of the Flat racing season at Carlisle Racecourse! Join us for an…
We are delighted to welcome Hot Aire Concert Band organised as part of the Free Live Music Series…
A free 2 hour outdoor concert in the grounds of Carlisle Castle. If the weather is wet you will…
Meet the Ancient Britons During your visit to the museum you will have the opportunity to meet…
Come along to Party in the Park for an afternoon of live entertainment, family fun and great…
Every Wednesday, 11am - 2pm: Finds handling Get hands-on with history. Visitors can get hands-on…
Family Craft Drop-In Every Tuesday through the summer holidays we will be running craft drop-in…
We are delighted to welcome Victoria Ulriksen back to the Cathedral. She has kindly agreed to…
Trawler Race, Dog show, Bar, Live music, stall, Emergancy services,
Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we are delighted to welcome Adam Heron to the…
We look forward to hearing Edward Taylor on Wednesday 22nd July, organised as part of the Free Live…
A popular international market is set to return to Carlisle city centre. Shoppers will be spoilt…


Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire

Number of results: 51
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Silloth
Discover Solway Holiday Park, where excitement knows no bounds and unforgettable memories await! Our newly re-developed park, with an impressive 8-million transformation, offers thrilling adventures and heart-pumping activities. Witness the majestic…
The Promenade, Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
Burgh-by-Sands
Come and meet these amazing animals on an experience Visit, they are all looking forward to meeting you!
You get to walk them, hand feed them, learn all about them and how we process their beautiful fleeces. You also get to meet baby Alpacas and…
Silloth
Stanwix Park is located on the Solway Coast in Cumbria. Self Catering Caravans and Apartments to hire for 3,4 and 7 night breaks. (some pet friendly accommodation). Fully serviced pitches for Tents, Touring Caravans and Motorhomes. Camping Pods…
Dalston
Dandelion Cottage – 5★ romantic retreat between the Lake District & Hadrian’s Wall. Perfect for couples, with private hot tub, peaceful views & glowing guest reviews.
Thurstonfield, Carlisle
Set in a beautiful private nature reserve around a stream fed lake teeming with wildlife; The Tranquil Otter is an ideal place for a relaxing break, for families and couples. We have eight 5* Luxury Lodges and one 5 bed oak framed house, each with…
Silloth
Stanwix Park is located on the Solway Coast in Cumbria. Self Catering Caravans and Apartments to hire for 3,4 and 7 night breaks (some pet friendly accommodation). Fully serviced pitches for Tents, Touring Caravans and Motorhomes. Camping Pods…
Silloth
Stanwix Park is located on the Solway Coast in Cumbria. Self Catering Caravans and Apartments to hire for 3,4 and 7 night breaks (some pet friendly accommodation). Fully serviced pitches for Tents, Touring Caravans and Motorhomes. Camping Pods…
Dalston
Hoglet Cottage – 5★ cosy romantic retreat between the Lake District & Hadrian’s Wall. Perfect for couples, with private hot tub, charming garden & glowing guest reviews.
Carlisle
From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet, eat & drink.
Carlisle
From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet, eat & drink.
Brampton
Inspired by the landscape and set on a hilltop adjacent to Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria, Garthside Farm Holidays provides thoughtfully positioned glamping pods, with outstanding views of the beautiful countryside, North Pennine Fells and Northern Lake…
Silloth
Silloth on Solway Golf Club is a beautiful links golf course situated on the shores of the Solway Firth in North West Cumbria. Silloth is highly rated and is listed in the top 50 golf courses in Britain and Ireland.
Silloth
A museum/exhibition based on a collection of toy soldiers and related forts, guns etc. Battlefield models, Hadrian's Wall feature, historical information.
Carlisle
The Carlisle Cathedral Café sits at the heart of the precinct in the footprint of the medieval cloister, with unrivalled views of the Cathedral and Precinct. A fantastic setting right in the heart of this ancient city, you can enjoy hearty food made…
Brampton
We are a team of well-trained and enthusiastic local people who delight in sharing our extensive knowledge of Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall and its rich history and heritage. Uncover Roman heritage and walk in their footsteps.
Maryport
Recently re opened pub/ bar selling a wide selection of beers, ales, wine and spirits. Choose from our hand picked selection of drinks that you won't find anywhere else in town, including Hawkstone premium lager and cider, and Galway Girl, our Irish…
W Walls, Carlisle
Carlisle's taproom-led brewery. We brew, package and serve our beer in the same room — fresher than you'll find anywhere else. Pizza by the slice. Open Thursday to Sunday. Dog-friendly.
Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle
We’re sure that you will work up an appetite on your day out at Walby Farm Park so our café – ‘The Cowshed Café’ offers tasty home-cooked dishes made with locally produced ingredients – and all in a great setting in the beautiful Cumbrian…
Maryport
Situated in the centre of Allonby that nestles in a sandy bay on the unspoilt Solway Coast. Our beautifully converted 17thC barn cottages are hidden away in a tranquil courtyard. All have original features retained.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL