Don't Miss

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

You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > carlisle

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. 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.

Did you know?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Carlisle. Click for more details

Highlights

Matt Walters AKA Reductio

Once the preserve of religious music in cathedrals and churches, the organ has a traditional and…

Carlisle Cathedral Café

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

Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Add on 1 - Carlisle to Birdoswald - The Roman Frontier

Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Add on 1 - Carlisle to Birdoswald - The Roman Frontier Discover the…

Run Carlisle

Half Marathon & 10k in Carlisle

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…

Coventina Piano Trio

We look forward to Welcoming the Coventina Piano Trio to the Fratry Hall on Wednesday 22nd January,…

Saturday Recital by Sempre Amabile women's choir

Join us for a delightful musical experience as our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues with…

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.

Carlisle Cathedral

Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…

Penny Blue Restaurant & Bar at The Halston Aparthotel

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

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…

Accordion Duo - Julie Best and Jean Corrighan

Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we are delighted to welcome back Julie Best and…

Auto Europe Car & Campervan Hire

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

Walby Farm Park Gift Shop - The Gift Shed

The Walby Farm Park Gift Shop, “The Gift Shed” has been stocked with farm and countryside lovers in…

Walby Farm Park

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

Buses to and through Carlisle

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

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…

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,…

Dandelion and Hoglet Cottages

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

Afternoon Tea at The Halston Aparthotel

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

Missing Lynx Exhibition

We're hosting the Missing Lynx Exhibition, visiting local venues in the project area so that people…

The Halston Aparthotel

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

Bitts Park

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

Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire

Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages

Things to Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Things to Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Towns & Villages

Number of results: 47

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By A-Z Low to High A-Z High to Low

High to Low

Matt Walters AKA Reductio

Address

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

Telephone
01228548151

Events@carlislecathedral.org.uk

The Abbey, Carlisle

Once the preserve of religious music in cathedrals and churches, the organ has a traditional and classical heritage. However, Homerton alumni Matt Walters is keen to bring organ music to a new young audience. He recently performed a concert of organ…

More Details

More Details
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…

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
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…

More Details

More Details
Run Carlisle

Address

Brunton Park, warwick road, cumbria, Cumbria, CA11LL

Telephone
+447915338945

getmuddy@geltgladiator.com

cumbria

Half Marathon & 10k in Carlisle

More Details

More Details
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…

More Details

More Details
Coventina Piano Trio

Address

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

Telephone
01228548151

Events@carlislecathedral.org.uk

Carlisle

We look forward to Welcoming the Coventina Piano Trio to the Fratry Hall on Wednesday 22nd January, organised as part of the Free Live Music Series at Carlisle Cathedral.
While entry to our concerts is complimentary, we encourage contributions…

More Details

More Details
Saturday Recital by Sempre Amabile women's choir

Address

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

Telephone
01228548151

Events@carlislecathedral.org.uk

The Abbey, Carlisle

Join us for a delightful musical experience as our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues with a special Saturday performance by the Sempre Amabile women's choir. We warmly invite you to be part of this cultural celebration, where you can enjoy…

More Details

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

More Details
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.

More Details

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1670 reviews
More Details
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.

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
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…

More Details

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
599 reviews
More Details
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!

More Details

More Details
Accordion Duo - Julie Best and Jean Corrighan

Address

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

Telephone
01228548151

Events@carlislecathedral.org.uk

The Abbey, Carlisle

Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we are delighted to welcome back Julie Best and Jean Corrighan Accordion Duo.
Entry to our afternoon concerts is free; there is a collection taken at the end of each concert - please give what you…

More Details

More Details
Organ Recital with Edward Taylor

Address

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

Telephone
01228548151

Events@carlislecathedral.org.uk

The Abbey, Carlisle

We look forward to hearing Edward Taylor on Wednesday 15th January, 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…

More Details

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

More Details
Walby Farm Park Gift Shop - The Gift Shed

Address

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

Telephone
01228 573056

info@walbyfarmpark.co.uk

Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle

The Walby Farm Park Gift Shop, “The Gift Shed” has been stocked with farm and countryside lovers in mind. Our range of toys, books and gifts is complemented by a hand-picked selection of children’s clothing, which can be handy if you’ve forgotten…

More Details

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
599 reviews
More Details
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

There is no doubt that a visit to the award winning Walby Farm Park is the place to be for bucket loads of fun inside and out! With activities galore, delicious homemade food, a bit of retail therapy in the gift shop, and – best of all – the chance…

More Details

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
599 reviews
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 -…

More Details

More Details
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.

More Details

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

Address

Bartons Yard, 20-34 Warwick Rd, Carlisle, Cumbria, 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

Tourism For All

More Details

Don't Miss

Winter in the Lake District, Cumbria

Subscribe to our Newsletter

My Planner

Carlisle

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Highlights

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

You may also like

Bookable Experiences

Download Guide

Gift Vouchers

Itineraries

E-newsletter Sign Up

Blog