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.
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.
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 and the Lake District National Park where modern tourism was born, in the shimmering lakes and hushed mountains whose radiant beauty inspired poets and painters to turn nature into art.
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.
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 of standing on the edge of an empire.
Walk in the footsteps of the Romans and visit Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, next to one of the best preserved sections of original Wall that stretches for nearly one mile to Gilsland.
Enjoy 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.
Carlisle plays host to a packed calendar of events.
Each Christmas the heart of the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with the annual Christmas Market.
Experience the best fire and fireworks display in the North of England at Carlisle’s Fireshow, and marvel at Carlisle ‘City of Lights’ son et Lumiere.
