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CITY ON THE WALL

A city linking two world heritage sites, Carlisle is a stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall, the northern frontier of a mighty empire that once covered the known world.

A great location

The largest city in England by area, Carlisle lies in the far northern corner of England, near the Scottish border, and is the urban capital of Cumbria and the beating heart of the Borderlands.

Award-winning attractions

Explore dungeons and labyrinths at Carlisle’s medieval castle, 900 -year-old cathedral and Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, all housed within the city’s Historic Quarter.

Stand on the edge of an empire

Britain’s most impressive and important monument of Roman times, built by a force of 15,000 men in less than six years, it still evokes the feeling o f standing on the edge of an empire.

CARLISLE’S VIBRANT CULTURAL OFFER

Walk in the footsteps of the Romans

Visit Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, probably one of the best-preserved wall forts and an ideal base for exploring the longest part of Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy in the stunning far- reaching views over towards the Lake District Fells and take a moment to ponder life as one of the 1,000 Roman soldiers who lived there.

Places to Stay
Credit: The Tranquil Otter The Lough House, Thurstonfield, Carlisle, CA5 6HB The Tranquil Otter With its 5* lakeside lodges featuring luxurious hot tubs and picturesque views, escapism is certainly on the cards with a stay at The Tranquil Otter.
Credit: Crown & Mitre 4 English Street, Carlisle, CA3 8HZ Crown & Mitre Hotel Boasting Edwardian grandeur combined with modern home comforts and leisure facilities, the Crown & Mitre Hotel promises a memorable stay for all the right reasons!
Hidden River Cabins, Carlisle, CA6 5TU Hidden River Cabins Bundling luxurious, private log cabins with hot tubs AND breath-taking views of the Lake District’s River Lyne, Hidden River Cabins leave little to be desired.
The Halston Hotel Carlisle, 20-34 Warwick Road, Carlisle, CA1 1AB The Halston The Halston boasts award-winning apartments, multiple dining venues and an onsite spa, all situated in one of Carlisle’s most celebrated Edwardian buildings.
Credit: Willowbeck Lodge Lambley Bank, Scotby, Carlisle, CA4 8BX Willowbeck Lodge Willowbeck Lodge’s luxurious lakeside B&Bs are guaranteed to provide warm and familiar experiences! Plus, they are in the perfect location for walking and golf breaks!
Dalston, Carlisle, CA5 7JX Dalston Hall Hotel Boasting thirteen individually designed suites and bedrooms paired with discreet yet friendly service, this stunning hotel is the ideal base for Carlisle visits!
Food & Drink
11 Bank Street, Carlisle, CA3 8HG John Watt and Son Coffee House Offering decadent hot drinks and top-quality brewing accessories, and having won the 2017 Great Taste Award, John Watt & Sons is well worth a visit.
Things to Do
Carlisle Castle, Carlisle, CA3 8UR Carlisle Castle Dominating the city for almost 10 centuries, Carlisle Castle today shares stories of its turbulent past and even houses Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life!
Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DD Birdoswald, Hadrian's Wall Marvel at Hadrian's Wall as you stand at Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. With views spanning the longest stretch of the Wall, highlighting a turret, milecastle and more, a visit to Birdoswald Roman Fort is certainly worth a visit! (Not least due to exceptional photo opportunities).
Castle St, Carlisle, CA3 8TP Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Still retaining its beautiful Jacobean façade, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery houses considerable collections of art, history and science, alongside an exciting events programme.
7 Abbey St, Carlisle, CA3 8TZ Carlisle Cathedral Alongside its iconic architectural gems such as the country’s largest ‘flowing decorated Gothic’ window, England’s second smallest ancient cathedral has a bustling year-round events calendar!
Credit: Eden Rock 9 Brunel Way, Carlisle, CA1 3NQ Eden Rock One of the UK’s largest bouldering gyms, Eden Rock, provides a range of fantastic indoor bouldering for all abilities to try and solve!
Sandhill, Moorhouse Road (B5307), Carlisle, CA5 6HB Cumberland Birds of Prey Home to eagles, owls, hawks and more, the award-winning Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre specialises in bespoke experiences with the magnificent birds.
Credit: Hadrian's Wall Country Houghton Hall Garden Centre, Carlisle, CA6 4JB A World in Miniature Museum From remarkable copies of antique furniture to everyday items at incredible sizes, this remarkable museum also features one of the world’s top 3 miniature collections.
Credit: Discover Carlisle Tarn Road, Brampton, CA8 1HN Talkin Tarn Country Park Boasting an ancient woodland, glacial tarns, watersport adventures and an incredible open-air-theatre, Talkin Tarn is the perfect location for fun, peace, tranquillity and unique wildlife.
Carlisle Secret City Walking Tour Discover Carlisle’s most important stories in this relaxed walking tour around its historic core. Highlights include the Guildhall, the Cathedral, and the Castle.
Credit: Carlisle City Council The Market, Scotch St, Carlisle, CA3 8QX Carlisle Market Hall One of the few reaming covered Victorian Markets, Carlisle’s Market Hall has everything from fresh produce, haberdashery and clothes, to florists, stationery and several cafés.
Doing a Treasure Trail Carlisle The Roman Hoard Discover Carlisle’s historical landmarks whilst also some of Carlisle’s more current delights – grand buildings, coffee shops, pedestrian areas, museums, parks and shops.
Roman Army Museum Carlisle Roman Army Museum Beside Magna Roman Fort and Hadrian’s Wall, immerse yourself in life as a Roman soldier with the Roman Army Museum’s galleries, artefacts, videos, reconstructions, 3D film, and holographic classroom.
Lanercost Carlisle Carlisle Lanercost Priory Lanercost Priory’s tranquillity belies a troubled history. Beside Hadrian’s Wall, surviving centuries of Anglo-Scottish warfare, even sacked by Robert Bruce, the beautiful 13th-century church and monastery, still stands.
Chesters Roman Fort Bathhouse and river North Tyne Northern England Hadrian's Wall Discover the secrets of the majestic wall built to protect the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in AD122. Highlights further afield include Chester's Fort, Arbeia, Segedunum and the Great North Museum.