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Carlisle Historic City
Carlisle Historic City

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Carlisle

Cumbria’s capital city is technically England’s biggest city – by area. Straddling the doorstep of both the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall, this modern 21st-century city has seen its fair share of history, at least 2000 years’ worth.

Precariously located on the border between England and Scotland – in the ominously named ‘Debatable Lands’ – Carlisle has been at the centre of conflict for much of that time, fought over by Vikings, Scots, English and the Border Reivers.

Hardly surprising that its 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 off the nearby Hadrian’s Wall. Nearby is the beautiful cathedral, itself only a few steps from pedestrianised Greenmarket - 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 Cumberland Show, Carlisle Pageant and the spectacular Fire Show are just some of the annual highlights. And when you’re done celebrating, there’s a town centre of modern shops and leisure facilities to enjoy.

Culture & Heritage

Carlisle’s turbulent history is very well told in the displays and exhibits of the Tullie House Museum, while the castle proper has history embedded in its very walls, chambers and passageways.

With a commanding position at the northern end of town, the castle – built from stones taken from Hadrian’s Wall – has protected the city from invasion since Norman times. It was founded by William II in 1092 and built on an old Roman fort originally built in AD 72.

It’s been a busy fortification. It was besieged by the Scots seven times between 1173 and 1461 and served as a base for Edward I's campaign to subjugate the Scots in 1296. The final siege was one of the bloodiest episodes of the Wars of the Roses. In 1567 Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in the Warden’s Tower along with her ladies-in-waiting (at the cost of £56 a week in food and drink, courtesy of Elizabeth I). It was garrisoned by Royalists during the Civil War in the 1640s before being besieged one more time in 1644, this time by Parliamentarians who swore they’d starve Carlisle into submission. On June 25, 1645 the city surrendered – after they’d eaten every animal in town, including the dogs. The last siege took place during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745-6: first the castle fell to Bonnie Prince Charlie before being retaken by the Duke of Cumberland’s army in December: 31 Jacobites were publicly executed in the yard.

Founded in 1122, Carlisle Cathedral has been rebuilt several times.
After the Cromwellian victory in 1645, most of the Norman nave was demolished to repair the city's walls and castle. The 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.

The fine medieval Guildhall that was once home to Carlisle's ancient trade guilds and is now a museum of civic history, 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: it has the biggest choice of restaurants in Cumbria, a handful of terrific venues and a nightlife scene that can keep you going until the small hours.

Surrounding Areas

Wetheral - Surrounded by rolling farmland, 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 large Roman fort of Maia marked the western end of Hadrian's Wall and guarded the westernmost point where it was possible to cross the Solway at low tide.

During the Edwardian era the Banks of Bowness became a promenade where visitors could walk and admire the Solway views. In 2002, the area was renovated to officially mark the start, or end of Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail.

Dalston - Dalston and the 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').

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.
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.
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.
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

Heads Nook Hall Cottage

The Holiday Cottage. Modern fitted kitchen. Two bedrooms; 1 x king size and 1 x 2 singles. Luxury…

Keswick Beer Festival

join us for the 24th Keswick Beer Festival and all that is is famous for.

Buses to and through Carlisle

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

Long Byres at Talkin Head

Warm, specially designed cottages on a hill farm with access to fells for walking, bird watching,…

Penny Blue Restaurant & Bar at The Halston Aparthotel

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

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.

Wigwam Holidays @ New Mills Leisure

For a wonderful holiday glamping experience in Cumbria, you will love Wigwam® Holidays Brampton.…

The Tranquil Otter

Beautiful private nature reserve around a stream fed lake teeming with wildlife; The Tranquil Otter…

The Sally

A modern and contemporary village inn with a restaurant serving home cooked, locally sourced…

Prior's Kitchen Restaurant

Teas, coffees, snacks and lunches. Vegetarians catered for. Local dishes on the menu. Unfortunately…

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail is the long-distance footpath that runs through the World…

Barton's Yard at The Halston Aparthotel

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

Garden Restaurant

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

Carlisle Castle Exhibition

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

Heads Nook Hall B & B

Heads Nook Hall B&B offers a unique luxury Country Guest House experience, with a welcome as warm…

Curly Tails Cafe at Walby Farm Park

Open 7 days a week, the Curly Tails Café - adjacent to the children’s play area - overlooks our…

Walby Farm Park

Cumbria's multi-award winning all-weather attraction on our family farm, meet our friendly animals,…

Tackle Shop at New Mills Trout Fishing Park

The New Mills tackle Shop stocks a wide range of competitively priced, quality game and coarse…

Cakes and Ale Cafe

We now have a Bookcase Café called ‘Cakes and Ale’ open in shop hours and on evenings when there is…

New Mills Trout Fishing Park

New Mills Trout Farm, Brampton, offers fly fishing on the main lake for large trout whilst the Ford…

Carlisle Castle

Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a…

Monks & Mysteries Walk near Wetheral

A walk on the banks of the river Eden, in the former Forest of Inglewood. The route visits ancient…

Tottergill Farm

The award winning Tottergill Farm is a range of exclusive holiday cottages set in the tranquil…

The Sally

Welcome to The Sally where our hospitality is as warm and roaring as our open log fires.

Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire

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Heads Nook Hall Cottage

Address

Heads Nook Hall, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 9AA

Telephone
01228 562466

bookings@headsnookhall.co.uk

Brampton

The Holiday Cottage. Modern fitted kitchen. Two bedrooms; 1 x king size and 1 x 2 singles. Luxury bathroom with shower, bath and bidet.

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Keswick Beer Festival

Address

Keswick Rugby Club, Davidson Park, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5HG

Telephone
017687 74411

hello@yourkeswickholidays.co.uk

Keswick

join us for the 24th Keswick Beer Festival and all that is is famous for.

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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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Long Byres at Talkin Head

Address

Talkin Head, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1LT

Telephone
016977 3435

stay@longbyres.co.uk

Brampton

Warm, specially designed cottages on a hill farm with access to fells for walking, bird watching, cycling. Children any age welcome as are pets by prior arrangement. Entry is usually available from 13.00.

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Penny Blue Restaurant & Bar at The Halston Aparthotel

Address

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

Telephone
01228 210 241

pennyblue@thehalston.com

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…

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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.

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Wigwam Holidays @ New Mills Leisure

Address

Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2QS

Telephone
016977 41115

enquiries@newmillstrout.co.uk

Cumbria

For a wonderful holiday glamping experience in Cumbria, you will love Wigwam® Holidays Brampton. Your luxury Wigwam® Cabin is set in seven acres of lush countryside in the peaceful New Mills Fishing Park.

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The Tranquil Otter

Address

The Lough, Thurstonfield, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA5 6HB

Telephone
01228 576661

info@thetranquilotter.co.uk

Carlisle

Beautiful private nature reserve around a stream fed lake teeming with wildlife; The Tranquil Otter is an ideal place in which to take a relaxing break, for families and couples.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
585 reviews
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The Sally

Address

Irthington, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4NJ

Telephone
016977 42954

enquiries@thesallyirthington.co.uk

Carlisle

A modern and contemporary village inn with a restaurant serving home cooked, locally sourced produce.

More Details
Prior's Kitchen Restaurant

Address

Carlisle Cathedral, The Abbey, Carlisle, CA3 8TZ

Telephone
01228 543251

office@carlislecathedral.org.uk

Carlisle

Teas, coffees, snacks and lunches. Vegetarians catered for. Local dishes on the menu. Unfortunately there is no disabled access.

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Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail

Address

-

Telephone
01434 322002

website@cumbriatourism.org

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail is the long-distance footpath that runs through the World Heritage Site. 84 miles of glorious walking through rugged moorland, rolling fields and dynamic urban landscape. And if 84 miles sounds a little daunting,…

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Barton's Yard 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.

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Garden Restaurant

Address

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

Telephone
01228 618711

Caitlin.Olney@tulliehouse.org

Carlisle

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

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.

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Heads Nook Hall B & B

Address

Heads Nook, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 9AA

Telephone
01228 562466

bookings@headsnookhall.co.uk

Brampton

Heads Nook Hall B&B offers a unique luxury Country Guest House experience, with a welcome as warm as the roaring open fires and just 7 miles from Carlisle, close to market town Brampton, is an ideal base for touring this beautiful region.

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Curly Tails Cafe at Walby Farm Park

Address

Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, CA6 4QL

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-on-Eden

Open 7 days a week, the Curly Tails Café - adjacent to the children’s play area - overlooks our animal paddocks and surrounding countryside. It’s perfect for a morning breakfast roll, coffee, snacks, lunches, afternoon teas and early evening suppers.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
439 reviews
More Details
Walby Farm Park

Address

Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, CA6 4QL

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-on-Eden

Cumbria's multi-award winning all-weather attraction on our family farm, meet our friendly animals, try out our exciting indoor and outdoor play areas and explore our nature trail. Our Curly Tails Cafe is open from 10.00 until 17.00.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
439 reviews
More Details
Tackle Shop at New Mills Trout Fishing Park

Address

Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2QS

Telephone
016977 41115

enquiries@newmillstrout.co.uk

Cumbria

The New Mills tackle Shop stocks a wide range of competitively priced, quality game and coarse fishing equipment to suit all tastes and budgets, from the novice to the professional angler. Whatever your requirement you will be met with a smile by a…

More Details
Cakes and Ale Cafe

Address

Bookcase, 17-19 Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8JA

Telephone
01228 544560

bookscumbria@aol.com

Carlisle

We now have a Bookcase Café called ‘Cakes and Ale’ open in shop hours and on evenings when there is a special event on.

More Details
HANDBAGGED by Moira Buffini.

Address

Carlisle Green Room Club, West Walls Theatre, W Walls, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8UB

Telephone
01228 533233

W Walls, Carlisle

This play is a comedy about the relationship between the Queen and Mrs Thatcher. One woman believed that there was no such thing as society, the other had vowed to serve it.

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