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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.
History & Heritage in Carlisle
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.
Things to do in Carlisle
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.
Things to do Along Hadrian’s Wall
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.
Things to do Around Carlisle
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 Solway Aviation Museum as well as 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.
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Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.
Explore
From friendly B&Bs to elegant guesthouses, self-catering options to modern city-centre hotels, there’s a great choice of places to stay.- Stretching for 73 miles from coast to coast, the impressive Hadrian’s Wall once protected the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.
- Sophisticated restaurants - including Michelin stars -, friendly cafés, cosmopolitan bars, classic country pubs...you'll be spoilt for choice.
- A packed events calendar awaits in Carlisle and the surrounding area. Check out what’s on throughout the year.
- Immerse yourself in the area's history, catch a show in an independent theatre, visit a farm park...there's plenty to do around Carlisle and Hadrian's Wall.
- Packed with history and character: explore the towns and villages around Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall.
Highlights
Please join us for a special tour of Carlisle Cathedral. Climb up to our clerestory to experience…
Weekly Friday Market. Good range of Local fresh produce and cakes. Also gifts and household…
Our series of free afternoon recitals continues with a special performance by pianist Paul Taylor…
Celebrate Easter and springtime by designing and painting your own wonderful and unique plant pot…
Supporting local artisan producers, crafters and artists Carlisle's monthly farmers' market can be…
Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we welcome Dominic Downs, Pianist, Composer and…
Easter Eggstravaganza at Walby Farm Park! ✨ 7 – 20 April 2025 Get ready for a chocolate-fuelled,…
Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we welcome the Aquarelle Trio, introducing Clare…
Join us for a fun and creative Easter-themed cupcake decorating workshop led by Alison Thompson.…
Join us on the last Friday of each month at the Cathedral Cafe and Bar for our monthly quiz…
Hadrian's Wall the northern frontier of the Roman Empire
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Number of results: 53
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Address
Cathedral Café, Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TZTelephone
01228 548151Carlisle
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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Address
Stanwix Park Holiday Centre, Greenrow Meadows, Silloth, Cumbria, CA7 4HHTelephone
016973 32666Silloth
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…
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Address
Blacksmiths Arms, Talkin, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1LETelephone
016977 3452Brampton
A traditional English country inn located on the village green of Talkin. Log fire in the lounge, 4 local cask ales and meals served everyday, lunchtime and evening. 8 en-suite bedrooms. Beer garden with a lawned area. Separate restaurant.
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Address
Midtown Farm, Easton, Kirkbride, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 5DLTelephone
01228 576550Wigton
A warm, comfortable rural property on the Solway Coast, furnished to a high standard. We use the best locally sourced and homemade produce. Ideal for walkers and cyclists and visitors to The Lakes, Gretna Green and Scotland.
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Address
Silloth On Solway Golf Club, Station Rd, Silloth, Cumbria, CA7 4BLTelephone
016973 31304Silloth
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.
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Address
Walby Farm Park, Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4QLTelephone
01228 573056Crosby-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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Address
Carlisle Tourist Information Centre, Old Town Hall, Market St, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8JETelephone
01228 670578Market 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.
Address
Aviation House, Carlisle Lake District Airport, Crosby-on-Eden, Cumbria, CA6 4NWTelephone
01228 573823Crosby-on-Eden
Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation Museum has something to offer. Based on the site of RAF Crosby-on-Eden, a former WWII fighter base, the museum has been painstakingly created by a team…
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Address
1 Marine Terrace, Criffel St, Silloth, Cumbria, CA7 4BZTelephone
016973 31246Silloth
A museum/exhibition based on a collection of toy soldiers and related forts, guns etc. Battlefield models, Hadrian's Wall feature, historical information.
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Address
Dickinson Place Cottages & Caravan Park, Dickinson Place Farm, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15 6QETelephone
01900 881440Maryport
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.
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Address
Senhouse Roman Museum, The Battery, The Promenade, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15 6JDTelephone
01900 816168The Promenade, Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
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Address
Blacksmiths Arms, Talkin, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1LETelephone
016977 3452Brampton
The Blacksmiths Arms is a traditional English country in located in the village of Talkin, near Brampton. Come cosy up to the real wood fire in our lounge and enjoy our selection of local cask ales available from the bar. We serve lunch and…
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Address
Garthside Farm Holidays, Garthside, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2JPBrampton
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…
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Address
Penny Blue Restaurant & Bar, 20-34 Warwick Rd, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1ABTelephone
01228 210 241Carlisle
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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Address
Howard Arms Hotel, 1 Front St, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1NGTelephone
01697742758Brampton
Nestled in the charming market town of Brampton, The Howard Arms beckons to those seeking an enchanting escape, both for themselves and their four-legged companions. A mere stone's throw from the majestic North Pennines and in close proximity to…
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Address
Bartons Yard, 20-34 Warwick Rd, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1ABTelephone
01228 210240Carlisle
From breakfast to lunch, coffee to cocktails, Bartons Yard Café Bar is the perfect place to meet, eat & drink.
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Address
Solway Holiday Park, Skinburness Dr, Silloth, Cumbria, CA7 4QQTelephone
01697 331236Silloth
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…
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Address
Holly Nook, Faugh Heads Nook, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 9EGTelephone
01228 670578Brampton
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.
Address
Bush Nook Farm House, Upper Denton, Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7AFTelephone
07920 842253Gilsland, Brampton
Situated in the heart of Hadrian's Wall country, Bush Nook is the perfect venue for a short break with a group of friends or for a family celebration.
Address
Stanwix Park Holiday Centre, Greenrow Meadows, Silloth, Cumbria, CA7 4HHTelephone
016973 32666Silloth
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…
Tourism For All
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