heritage of carlisle...
Today, Carlisle functions as a regionally important administrative centre and a focus for a huge array of tourism activities. Information on everything that Carlisle offers for residents and tourists alike can be found at the Tourist Information Centre situated in the Old Town Hall.
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery
Discover the history of Carlisle through informative displays and interactive experiences. Climb a life-size replica of Hadrian's Wall, re-live the troubled times of Border Reiver conflicts or follow the River Eden and its wildlife from source to sea in the underground Millennium Gallery. Regularly changing programme of exhibitions in the ground floor art gallery. Special events and activities for all ages. more details
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. It was a base for Edward I's campaign to subjugate the Scots; a temporary prison for Mary, Queen of Scots and a place of incarceration for Jacobite prisoners awaiting trial. Queen Mary's Tower is currently home to a display of military uniforms, medals, weapons and artillery from the Border Regiment & King's Own Royal Border Regiment. more details
Citadel
The original citadel was erected in 1541 by Henry VIII to strengthen the southern approach to the city, and rebuilt in 1810. The twin battlemented towers now house Council Offices and the former Crown Court. Guided tours are available during July and August. Contact Carlisle Tourist Information Centre for details.
Carlisle Cathedral
Founded in 1122, the 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. Gift shop. Café/restaurant in the adjacent Fratry. more details
Guildhall Museum
This fine medieval building was 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). Children can discover what Tudor life was like by dressing up and trading as a Tudor merchant.
St Cuthbert's Church
18th-century church built on the site of an earlier church founded by St Cuthbert who came to Carlisle in 685 AD. The story of his life is shown in a series of stained glass windows in the church. The churchyard contains the graves of executed soldiers from Bonnie Prince Charles' uprising of 1745. Open all year, free admission.
