Itinerary Planner

Carlisle & Hadrian’s Wall Full Day Itinerary

No trip to Carlisle is complete without learning about its rich and varied Roman Heritage. Uncover what is hidden amongst the scenic beauty of Carlisle’s Northern Borderlands and highlighted by Hadrian’s Wall – UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprehensively celebrated at Birdoswald Roman Fort & Visitor Centre.

Morning – Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery

All the threads of Carlisle’s colourful life and times are woven together dramatically in the displays of the award-winning Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery. Carlisle's finest visitor attraction houses considerable collections of fine & decorative art, human history and natural sciences. 

Set in attractive and well-planted gardens, the building still retains its beautiful Jacobean façade. The wood-panelled first floor room shows Pre-Raphaelite art and Arts & Crafts items. 

Leave Carlisle on A69 eastwards towards Brampton and Newcastle, turning for Lanercost after Brampton. Travel time 30 minutes by car.

Lunch – Lanercost Tea Room

Enjoy a spot of lunch in the fabulous Lanercost Tea Room.  Situated in the converted outbuildings to the original Abbey Farm, this is the perfect place to indulge in local Cumbrian produce and homemade treats. Hearty hotpots, Cumberland sausage baps and scones in Hadrian’s Wall country. 

Afternoon – Lanercost Priory & Birdoswald Roman Fort

Standing close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Priory of Lanercost was founded by Augustinian monks in 1169.  The Abbey suffered terribly from Scottish raids, being sacked four times. It was finally dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537, but today its beautiful 13^th Century church remains remarkably well-preserved, standing to its full height.

The Dacre Hall houses unique 16^th Century wall paintings. Lanercost Priory is now an English Heritage property open from Easter to October. The nearby church of St Mary is open to visitors all year round.

Leave Lanercost towards Gilsland (lookout for brown signs). You are now on the old military road leading to Birdoswald Roman Fort. Travel time 15 minutes by car.

Birdoswald Roman Fort stands high above a meander in the River Irthing, in one of the most picturesque settings on Hadrian’s Wall. Now an interactive visitor centre, Birdoswald provides a good introduction to Hadrian’s Wall, it tells the intriguing story of Birdoswald and the people who have lived there over the past 2,000 years. Enjoy afternoon tea in the cosy tea room and leave plenty of time to browse the fantastic souvenir shop!