15 Things To Do In Carlisle – The Great Border City

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Growing up in the city of Carlisle, in the North of England, I took for granted the incredibly long history of this former Roman settlement. But there are actually so many things to do in Carlisle I now realize I should have been more appreciative of where I once lived.

For one, I was never fazed by the fact we had to drive past a 900 year old castle to get anywhere in the city. Until I moved away and then people were amazed by my blasé attitude at having such a structure dead center in the city. You mean other places didn’t all have 900-year old castles? Turns out not.

And even though I no longer live in Carlisle, I visit my family there often. And now I can’t get enough of the unique history this border city between England and Scotland actually has.

Where is Carlisle?

Carlisle is about as far north as you can get in England without actually crossing over the border into Scotland. The city has flip flopped between being north or south of the border more times than enough due to one battle or another. So much so it’s hard to tell if everybody wanted the city, or no-one did.

But the English have managed to retain Carlisle as the largest (and only) city in the northwest county of Cumbria for many a century now. As a gateway city to Scotland, the beautiful Lake District National Park, and the historically significant Hadrian’s Wall, there are many things to do in Carlisle that make it a great place to visit.

Getting to Carlisle

While Carlisle does technically have its own airport, you won’t find many international flights going there. Therefore your best bet is to either take a train, or drive to get to Carlisle.

One of the great things about Carlisle is that it’s on the main train line from London to Glasgow. So it’s a direct train with no changes to get to/from either city, both of which have plenty of international flights. Newcastle, also with an international airport, is also close by. Just over an hour drive and another city worth checking out.

A few unique facts about Carlisle

You know those iconic red post boxes you see in the UK? Mainland Britain’s very first pillar box was recorded as being in Carlisle in 1853. There’s a replica outside of the Old Town Hall to commemorate it.

We’ve already covered the past ambiguous “ownership” of Carlisle. Is it Scotland, is it England? Well the 1066 invasion of Britain resulted in William the Conqueror ordering a survey of England and Wales. At the time Carlisle was part of Scotland, so it does not appear in the so-called Domesday Book.

Bet you didn’t know there was a link between the US President and Carlisle? Not the current President, but the 28th. President Woodrow Wilson’s mother was born in Carlisle. There’s even a plaque commemorating the President’s heritage visit to Carlisle in 1918.

A settlement has been where Carlisle now stands for almost 2000 years. There are hints as to its Roman heritage throughout the city. But none so obvious as the wooden column opposite the castle bearing the original name of the city – Luguvalium.

The best things to do in Carlisle

If you love history, you’ll immediately feel at home in Carlisle. There are some incredible old buildings and ancient sites. Although many of the best things to do in Carlisle center around places like this, don’t despair, there are things for even those who yawned their way through History class.

Old Town Hall

In the town center is Carlisle’s Old Town Hall. Built in 1669, the building is the focal point of the original market area in the city. Even though it’s no longer used for town council purposes, the pink building with detailed clock tower is now home to the Tourist Information.

This should definitely be one of your first stops to the city for additional ideas of what to do in the area. Bonus Tip: Check out the original market cross out front of the town hall, dating back to 1682.

Do a bit of shopping

While Carlisle doesn’t have the same retail options it used to, the shops are still worth a look around. There are still some independent stores around English Street and the old Carlisle Market Hall. The Lanes shopping centre, however, is more interesting for its history than the typical high street stores you’ll find there.

The early 1980s regeneration project took over many of the smaller run down lanes, once filled with traditional local vendors. Building a brand new shopping center that followed the course of the historic streets, there are nods to the original sites throughout.

Carlisle Castle

Without a doubt one of the coolest things to do in Carlisle is spend time at the 900+ year old castle. Built in 1092, this defensive fort has pride and place near the city centre and mustn’t be missed. Explore the dungeons, the gatehouse and the underground battery where attackers would get taken out by soldiers.

While there could be some more informational signs around, the castle is an impressive place nonetheless. Don’t forget to walk the castle walls and get some stellar views of the city and the hills in the distance.

Lastly, don’t miss learning about the royalty who have visited or stayed in Carlisle castle. Including Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned there for two months.

Museum of Military Life

Within the grounds of Carlisle Castle is an exceptional military museum. While only small, it details the border regiments of the region and the battles they fought in. From wars overseas to wars at home there are many artifacts and uniforms on display.

One of the most interesting parts of the museum are the vintage recruitment posters for the first and second world war. Having had a number of family members who fought in both wars, they clearly worked.

Bitts Park

Around the back of the castle is a lovely little park known as Bitts Park. While the older buildings there have maybe seen better days, the small park is full of color in the summer months with beautiful flower beds.

The centre piece is a statue of Queen Victoria with the backdrop of Carlisle castle behind her. Top Tip: Continue walking away from the castle following the river for a lovely walk along part of the Hadrian’s Wall national trail.

Carlisle Cathedral

An absolutely beautiful building in the center of the city, Carlisle Cathedral is a must see. Built in 1133, it may be one of the smallest cathedrals in the UK, but it has character. There are some beautiful stained glass windows and a wonderful subterranean treasury filled with historic artifacts.

Walter Scott, the famous Scottish author of Rob Roy, was married at the cathedral on a visit to the Lake District. While not many weddings happen there nowadays, you can visit for one of the regularly scheduled classical concerts.

Possibly the most striking part of the cathedral is the exquisitely decorated ceiling. Blue with gold stars, it’s mesmerizing to look at – see if you can see the angel’s face hidden in the design.

Guildhall Museum

Probably the oldest building in Carlisle (other than the castle and cathedral) the Guildhall was built in the early 15th Century. The building is just behind the Old Town Hall and is now a museum.

The Guidhall also houses (in my opinion) one of the nicer restaurants in the city – Franco’s Italian restaurant. Top Tip: Look up to see the interesting medieval-style gargoyles on the outside of the building.

Rickerby Park

Another of the city’s green spaces is the large open area known as Rickerby Park. Following the river Eden, there are trails on both sides leading around beautiful green pastures and scenic walks. Keep an eye out for the roaming herds of cows and sheep who don’t seem to bother that people are around.

One side of Rickerby Park is part of the 74 mile Hadrian’s Wall Trail, but you can cross to the other side of the river at the historic 1920s Memorial Bridge. A short distance further you’ll find the war memorial monument. Take a book, take a picnic and spend some time in the park.

Street art

When I was growing up the only “street art” in Carlisle was a spray painted tag that read something like “Paul woz ‘ere”. Thankfully, the art around the city has improved dramatically and a few unique pieces are now dotted around the city.

However, none are more prominent (or impressive) than a recent mural along the historic West Walls area opposite the castle. It depicts the God of war, Belatucadros and a Roman Soldier who likely worshipped him, a nod to Carlisle’s Roman history.

Walk along West Walls

Speaking of West Walls, this is the most intact part of the original city limits. Instead of heading down Abbey Street to the cathedral, make sure to take a wander around the back and see some of the original city wall and an older part of the city.

Different parts of the city walls can still be seen but this is the best place to see it as it runs towards the Castle from the Citadel near the train station.

Tullie House Museum

Tullie House is as informative about Carlisle as the 17th Century mansion it’s built around is beautiful. Only steps from the cathedral the museum covers ancient Roman history to present day. It’s the best place to learn more about Carlisle. The museum is very family friendly and even has a nice café serving lunch and drinks.

Check out the viewpoint of the castle from the top floor. Then head outside and through the underpass that connects the two where you’ll find even more artifacts from Carlisle’s past. Top Tip: See the supposed cursing stone at the entrance to the passage which locals believe has caused everything from floods to disease.

Eat a delicious afternoon tea

High Tea has always been a traditional English affair, but now more than ever it seems Carlisle has upped its game. The number of cafes in Carlisle has increased significantly in recent years, and it seems most are doing their own version of an afternoon tea.

My personal favorite is Cakes & Ale, a secluded spot down Long Lane off Castle Street. Their food is delicious, the presentation is stunningly beautiful, and they even have a secret garden where you can enjoy your feast.

Stock up on biscuits

If afternoon tea didn’t fill you up, plan to take some biscuits home with you. After all, Carlisle has its very own biscuit factory, Carr’s (now McVitie’s). The house I grew up in is right near the factory so I remember the smells of biscuits baking at the bottom of my street. Coconut biscuit day is still the smell that will transport me back to childhood in an instant.

While you can’t tour the factory, incorrectly labelled and slightly broken biscuits are sold incredibly cheaply in their store. I always stock up when I’m home.

Dixon’s Chimney

Biscuits weren’t the only industry in Carlisle – there was once a cotton mill here too. Dixon’s Chimney was part of that mill, and was the tallest chimney in the country at the time it was built. A portion of the chimney was removed in the 1950s for safety reasons, but it still stands an impressive 290 ft.

Carlisle citadel

Just when you thought Carlisle had run out of impressive old buildings. The former fortress dates back to the 16th Century when it was commissioned by the one and only Henry VIII. Since then the site has been a prison, council offices and law courts. Now, they are to be used for the University of Cumbria.

The southern gate of the original city walls, Carlisle Citadel is now the gateway to Carlisle train station. If you arrive in the city by train, you won’t be able to miss the two giant rotundas that make up the Citadel.

Further afield

While there are a good few things to do in Carlisle, there are many reasons you’ll want to make it your base for a couple of days. Here are a couple of ideas of places you might also want to visit while in Cumbria.

Lake District

One of the most beautiful National Parks in the UK, even if I’m a little bit biased because of where I grew up. Filled with small picturesque villages, high peaks to climb and stunning lakes, the area has inspired many a poet, artist and writer.

Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth both had homes here so you can see the garden that inspired Potter’s Peter Rabbit and the area where Wordsworth wandered through the Daffodils.

Hike around some of the most scenic areas in the Lake District and make sure to spend at least one night so you can get up early and enjoy the national park with fewer people there.

Hadrian’s Wall

Knowing that Carlisle and surrounding area were an important settlement in northern Britain during the Roman Empire, it’s no wonder they chose to protect it. And what better way than with a huge defensive wall spanning from coast to coast?!

Hadrian’s Wall is almost 2000 years old and even though much of it has crumbled, there are still significant parts intact. The most interesting parts of Hadrian’s Wall can be easily seen on a day trip from Carlisle.

Top Tip: Pay the extra and check out some of the historic Roman fort museums along the path of the wall. Birdoswald, Housesteads and Roman Vindolanda are all worth a visit.

Scotland

Hadrian’s Wall no longer separates Scotland from England so you can easily visit on a day trip from Cumbria. Just a stone’s throw over the border, and only a 15 minute drive from Carlisle, is the small Scottish town of Gretna.

Gretna is famed for its quickie marriages and eloping couples. In England anyone under 21 needed parental approval to marry, but Scotland had no such rule so many rushed over the border to tie the knot.

Visit the museum at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop to learn more about the history of weddings here. Or spend your money at some of the discount stores at the Gretna Gateway Outlet Village.

Where to stay in Carlisle

The city center has a few hotels to suit a variety of budgets. Conveniently located adjacent to the railway station is the Carlisle Station Hotel, a Best Western property. For a hotel with a bit of history, there’s the Crown & Mitre Hotel right in the city centre, opposite the Old Town Hall.

The Crown & Mitre was also where President Woodrow Wilson stayed on his visit to Carlisle in the early 1900s.

Another great options is any one of the many B&Bs in the city. The best locations are down Warwick Road, most of which close enough to walk into the town centre, but far enough away to be a little quieter. Cornerways Guest House is probably one of the best with an ideal location.

Top things to do in Carlisle

While you can spend a day in Carlisle and see a few of the sites, it really does deserve a bit longer. The best thing to do is spend a couple of nights here and really get to explore the city, as well as some of the nearby places.

Combine it with a trip to the Lake District where you’ll also want to spend a few nights. Since so many of the day trips around Carlisle are not very transit accessible, it’s probably better for you to have your own car.

Whether you visit Carlisle for the day or spend a weekend, it is one of the most history rich cities you can see in the UK and well worth taking your time to explore.

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