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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 celebrated its 1900th anniversary in 2022. Celebrations took place along this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, with everything from live music to archaeological exhibitions at #HW1900.

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Highlights

Father Christmas on the Farm 2024 at Walby Farm Park

Our popular 'Father Christmas on the Farm' event is back in 2024! BOOK TICKETS NOW Team Walby is…

Hadrian’s Wall Edge of Empire Tour with Great Guided Tours

Hear about Carlisle Luguvalium, the Wall fort Uxcellodunum then, off to visit our fabulous Wall as…

Organ Recital with Edward Taylor

We look forward to hearing Edward Taylor on Wednesday 27 November, at his next Organ Recital…

The Halston Aparthotel

The Halston is a luxury Aparthotel in the heart of Carlisle city centre which houses Barton's Yard,…

Penny Blue Restaurant & Bar at The Halston Aparthotel

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

ATA Events pres SUBTERRA

ATA Events Presents – SUBTERRA ATA Events is thrilled to announce Subterra, an electrifying rave…

Carlisle Cathedral Café

The Carlisle Cathedral Café sits at the heart of the precinct in the footprint of the medieval…

Drivalia Car Hire Carlisle

Explore the Lake District with Drivalia's top-quality car rentals. Enjoy a wide range of vehicles,…

Walby Farm Park

There is no doubt that a visit to the award winning Walby Farm Park is the place to be for bucket…

Carlisle Castle Exhibition

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

Carlisle Farmers' Market

Join us at Carlisle Cathedral on the first Saturday every month for Carlisle Farmers' Market. In…

Cowshed Café at Walby Farm Park

We’re sure that you will work up an appetite on your day out at Walby Farm Park so our café – ‘The…

Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Add on 2 - Alston and The North Pennines AONB

Discover Alston and The North Pennines AONB Travel along the A686, once voted one of the AA’s ‘Top…

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,…

Christmas Wreath-Making Workshop at Carlisle Cathedral

Please join us on Saturday 7 December for a fantastically festive afternoon in the Fratry Hall as…

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.

Taste Cumbria: Carlisle Market

Taste Cumbria comes to Carlisle this Christmas. New for 2024, there will be a Taste Cumbria market…

Angels' View Tours

Please join us for a special tour of Carlisle Cathedral as part of the Cumbria Tourism's Dark Skies…

Pumpkin Picking 2024 at Walby Farm Park

? PUMPKIN PICKING ON THE FARM IS BACK in 2024 ? 1 October – 1 NOVEMBER 2024 TICKETS NOW…

Carlisle – Secret City & Winter City Walking Tours with Great Guided Tours

A relaxed and easy walking tour around the heart of the historic city of Carlisle. Discover some…

Recharge on a multi-day Electric Vehicle tour of the Lake District

As EV (Electric Vehicle) sales outstrip petrol and diesel car sales for the first time, it looks…

Accordion Duo - Julie Best and Jean Corrighan

Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we welcome Julie Best and Jean Corrighan Accordion…

Auto Europe Car & Campervan Hire

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

Dandelion and Hoglet Cottages

Dandelion Cottage is a 5 star GOLD cottage which spaciously accommodates 2 people who desire peace…

Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire

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Carlisle Cathedral

Address

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

Telephone
01228 548151

marketing@carlislecathedral.org.uk

Carlisle

Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events, family activities, refreshments or simply a moment of peace - a warm welcome awaits.

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Tourism For All

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1663 reviews
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Organ Recital with Edward Taylor

Address

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

Telephone
01228 548151

Events@carlislecathedral.org.uk

Carlisle

We look forward to hearing Edward Taylor on Wednesday 27 November, at his next Organ Recital organised as part of the Free Live Music Series at Carlisle Cathedral.
This event is free to enter; there will be a retiring collection at the end of the…

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Backing the Blues: 120 Years of Carlisle United

Address

Tullie, Castle St, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP

Telephone
01228 618700

enquiries@tulliehouse.org

Carlisle

Join us this summer to celebrate the legacy of Carlisle United (while looking optimistically towards the future).

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Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Add on 2 - Alston and The North Pennines AONB

Address

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!

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Christmas Wreath-Making Workshop at Carlisle Cathedral

Address

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

Telephone
01228548151

marketing@carlislecathedral.org.uk

The Abbey, Carlisle

Please join us on Saturday 7 December for a fantastically festive afternoon in the Fratry Hall as we make Christmas Wreaths.
Craft your own beautiful, wild and natural-style wreath, in this historic and enchanting setting.
All wreath-making…

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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…

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Carlisle Farmers' Market

Address

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

Telephone
01228548151

marketing@carlislecathedral.org.uk

The Abbey, Carlisle

Join us at Carlisle Cathedral on the first Saturday every month for Carlisle Farmers' Market.
In the historic grounds of the Cathedral you'll find everything from homemade goodies to artisan crafts, charity stalls and gifts for all occasions. All…

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Eden Baroque

Address

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

Telephone
01228 548151

Events@carlislecathedral.org.uk

The Abbey, Carlisle

Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we welcome Eden Baroque- Michael Sanderson baritone, baroque violin & viola and Katharine May harpsichord.
Entry to our afternoon concerts is free; there is a collection taken at the end of each…

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Carlisle – Secret City & Winter City Walking Tours with Great Guided Tours

Address

Carlisle Tourist Information Centre, Old Town Hall, Market St, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8JE

Telephone
01228 670578

carol@greatguidedtours.co.uk

Market St, Carlisle

A relaxed and easy walking tour around the heart of the historic city of Carlisle. Discover some surprising stories and gruesome facts about Carlisle’s 2000 year history.

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Angels' View Tours

Address

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

Telephone
01228548151

marketing@carlislecathedral.org.uk

Carlisle

Please join us for a special tour of Carlisle Cathedral as part of the Cumbria Tourism's Dark Skies Festival!
Climb up to our clerestory to experience the Cathedral in a unique way. Get up close to our medieval stained glass in the East Window and…

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Penny Blue Restaurant & Bar at The Halston Aparthotel

Address

Penny Blue Restaurant & Bar, 20-34 Warwick Rd, Carlisle, Cumbria, 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.

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Tourism For All

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Carlisle Castle

Address

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

Telephone
01228 591922

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

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.

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Cowshed Café at Walby Farm Park

Address

Walby Farm Park, Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4QL

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

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…

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Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
565 reviews
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Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Add on 1 - Carlisle to Birdoswald - The Roman Frontier

Address

Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Add on 1 - Carlisle to Birdoswald - The Roman Frontier
Discover the Colourful past and stunning rolling countryside of Hadrian's wall country. This out and back route starts from Carlisle and re-traces it's steps back to…

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Recharge on a multi-day Electric Vehicle tour of the Lake District

Address

As EV (Electric Vehicle) sales outstrip petrol and diesel car sales for the first time, it looks like this cleaner and greener travel option is on the rise. So, you are all charged up, but where can you go? Well, thanks to the Low Carbon Lake…

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Pumpkin Picking 2024 at Walby Farm Park

Address

Walby Farm Park, Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Cumbria, CA6 4QL

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-on-Eden

? PUMPKIN PICKING ON THE FARM IS BACK in 2024 ?
1 October – 1 NOVEMBER 2024
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
Get ready for the ultimate autumn adventure – join us for a spook-tacular day at the Pumpkin Patch.
️ Hurry, don't wait till it's…

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Hadrian’s Wall Edge of Empire Tour with Great Guided Tours

Address

Tullie, Castle St, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP

Telephone
01228 670578

carol@greatguidedtours.co.uk

Carlisle

Hear about Carlisle Luguvalium, the Wall fort Uxcellodunum then, off to visit our fabulous Wall as you tour the north Cumbrian landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy wonderful scenery along the Wall route.

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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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Carlisle Cathedral Café

Address

Cathedral Café, Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TZ

Telephone
01228 548151

info@carlislecathedral.org.uk

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…

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Tourism For All

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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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