Carlisle

Carlisle is England's biggest city by area and is the official capital of Cumbria. The city sits on the doorstep of both the Lakes and Hadrian's Wall and blends 2000 years of human occupation with everything you would expect from a vibrant 21st century city.

The Cathedral is within a few minutes walk of the spacious pedestrianised Greenmarket – a focal point for street entertainment, Farmers’ Markets and Christmas celebrations.

The formiddable fortress of Carlisle Castle stands proud over the cityscape, and a packed programme of events including Cumberland Show, Carlisle Pageant and the spectacular Fire Show provide some great entertainment. Overlying this rich heritage is a vibrant town centre of modern shops, pavement cafes and leisure facilities that rivals most other cities in the north of England.

Nearby Botchergate, once witness to Roman armies marching south, now welcomes those in search of evening entertainment with numerous clubs and bars lining the busy thoroughfare.

Carlisle is England's biggest city by area and is the official capital of Cumbria. The city sits on the doorstep of both the Lakes and Hadrian's Wall and blends 2000 years of human occupation with everything you would expect from a vibrant 21st century city

Brampton

Brampton, the main market town and base for exploring Hadrian's Wall, is surrounded by the gently rolling countryside of the Irthing Valley and Geltsdale, leading up to the rugged beauty of the North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

Wigton

Tall Georgian houses lining its streets, an attractive memorial fountain gracing the old market place and an elegant Georgian church all suggest that Wigton was a market town of some importance in days gone by, with its jumble of streets, narrow lanes and alleyways somehow earning it the nickname ‘The Throstle's Nest'.

BOOK YOUR STAY

The Tranquil Otter

Self-catering with 8 units, £806-£2190 pupw sleeps 1-6

Heads Nook Hall B & B

Bed & Breakfast with 4 rooms, £130-£157 prpnb

The Sally

Inn with 5 rooms, £80-£130 prpnb

Heads Nook Hall Cottage

Self-catering with 1 unit, £700 pupw sleeps 1-4

THINGS TO DO

Carlisle and the surrounding areas offer many attractions which cater for all ages and interests. From exloring the historic castle and the Cumbria Museum of Military Life to enjoying farm parks, ice-skating and shopping centres. Browse and plan your individual or family retreats.

BROWSE ALL ATTRACTIONS

Carlisle Castle

Walby Farm Park

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

Stanwix Theatre

Carlisle Cathedral

The Halston Aparthotel

Opera Bingo at the Rex

The Lanes Shopping Centre

Open Book Visitor Guiding

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Kankku - Transport of a Different Kind at 4x4 Kankku

Kankku Self Drive 4x4 Safari at 4x4 Kankku

Cumbria Way Walking Holidays at Mickledore Travel

4x4 Kankku Self Drive Safari - Overlander Aventure at 4x4 Kankku

And so the adventure begins. Add some thrills to your holiday by fully experiencing everything Cumbria has to offer. Walk, run, climb, swim, get muddy, have fun!

Browse Adventure

WHAT'S ON

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There are a variety of events taking place in and around the Carlisle area. From national sporting events to comedy nights and outdoor film screenings, check out the calendar and see whats on while you're here.

For events happening around the county, click below for our What's On page.

BROWSE ALL EVENTS

Treasures of China

Wedding Fayre at Crown Hotel, Wetheral

Keswick Beer Festival

SURROUNDING AREAS

Wetheral

Surrounded by rolling farmland, 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 large Roman fort of Maia marked the western end of Hadrian's Wall and guarded the westernmost point where it was possible to cross the Solway at low tide.

During the Edwardian era the Banks of Bowness became a promenade where visitors could walk and admire the Solway views. In 2002, the area was renovated to officially mark the start, or end of Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail.

Dalston

Dalston and the 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').

Under Roman occupation a system of roads, forts and marching camps was established to take command of the area and its indigenous tribes.

CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Tullie House Museum excels at bringing Carlisle’s history and heritage to life, while the formidable fortress of Carlisle Castle invites exploration of its many chambers and passageways.

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.

The fine medieval building of Guildhall museum 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. Founded in 1122, Carlisle 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.

Possession of Carlisle was a prize fought over for centuries – a relentless power struggle between England and Scotland that has left its legacy on the city and its hinterland.

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.

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.

Tullie House

Opened by the Carlisle Corporation in 1893 and residing in beautiful gardens, the Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery provides a memorable insight into the rich history, nature and art of The Lake District and its surrounding areas. Truly earning it's place as one of Cumbria's most popular visitor attractions.

Woodrow Wilson

The 28th President of the United States (1913–1921) visited Carlisle several times. His mother was born here in 1826, but emigrated to the United States as a young girl.

Thomas à Becket

One of the swords used to murder Thomas à Becket was kept at Carlisle Cathedral, where it became an object of veneration. The original sword has long vanished, but a replica lies on display in the cathedral.