Carlisle: The Complete Guide

Carlisle Castle

Visiting Carlisle, nestled in the far north of Cumbria near the Scottish border, offers a unique experience that blends urban charm with striking natural surroundings. The city acts as a gateway to both the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall Country, making it an excellent base for exploring northern England’s landscapes and heritage sites. Whether you’re here for a weekend or just passing through en route to Scotland, Carlisle offers a compact yet diverse selection of cultural attractions, green spaces, and riverside walks.

The centre of Carlisle is easily walkable and home to a mix of historic and contemporary highlights. The red sandstone Carlisle Cathedral provides a peaceful respite in the middle of town, while nearby you’ll find stylish cafés, independent shops, and a lively covered market. The Tullie Museum offers insight into local culture and has art exhibitions and Roman artefacts. The pedestrianised core of the city makes it easy to explore, and public squares often host live performances or markets throughout the year.

Carlisle’s location makes it ideal for day trips by car, bus or even bike. Hadrian’s Wall begins just a short distance from the city centre, with walking trails leading to forts such as Birdoswald. The Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also within easy reach, offering dramatic seascapes and birdlife. For those venturing into the Lake District, it’s just a 40-minute drive south, giving visitors the chance to enjoy both city comforts and the raw beauty of Cumbria’s countryside in a single trip.

History of Carlisle

Carlisle in the Roman Era

Carlisle’s recorded history begins with the Roman Empire, when the settlement of Luguvalium was established as a key military outpost. Its location near the western end of Hadrian’s Wall made it a vital centre for Roman administration and defence. A large Roman fort was built to house thousands of soldiers, and the town that developed around it supported military operations with bathhouses, temples, and civilian dwellings. Carlisle’s Roman roots are still evident today in excavated remains and museum artefacts that highlight its strategic role in controlling the northern frontier of Britannia.

Carlisle in the Medieval Period

During the early medieval period, Carlisle experienced cycles of conflict and rebuilding, especially with the rise of Anglo-Saxon and then Norman control. The construction of Carlisle Castle began in the 11th century under William II as a means of securing the borderlands and asserting Norman authority. Over time, the castle grew in strength and size, becoming both a royal fortress and an administrative hub. The foundation of Carlisle Cathedral followed in the 12th century, marking the town’s emergence as a religious centre. Throughout the Middle Ages, Carlisle was frequently attacked due to its border position, caught in the long-standing conflicts between England and Scotland.

Carlisle from the Early Modern Period to the 19th Century

Carlisle’s fortunes improved in the Tudor and Stuart periods, particularly after the union of the English and Scottish crowns, which reduced cross-border warfare. It remained a garrison town, with its castle playing roles during the English Civil War and later in the Jacobite uprisings, notably in 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie briefly held the city. The Industrial Revolution brought significant change: the arrival of the railways in the 19th century transformed Carlisle into a major railway hub, with extensive railway works and a growing population. The city’s economy diversified with textile mills, engineering, and food production, laying the foundation for modern Carlisle.

Visiting Carlisle for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Carlisle on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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6 Best places to See in Carlisle

This complete guide to Carlisle not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Carlisle and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Carlisle Guildhall Museum

The Guildhall Carlisle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Phil Williams
Carlisle Guildhall is an historic late 14th century building, located in Carlisle, England. The Guildhall Museum is housed in the upstairs of the building. The building was built in 1407 of timber, tile bricks and clay, by Richard of Redeness. A guildhall is where tradesmen from the middle ages would form forming special associations or Guilds to protect themselves. Carlisle…
| Price: Adult £5.90, Children: free | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Carlisle Guildhall Museum

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Carlisle . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Carlisle Cathedral

Carlisle Cathedral
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Paul Buckingham
Carlisle Cathedral is the second smallest of England's ancient cathedrals and in located in Carlisle, in the north west of England. It was originally founded as an Augustinian priory and became a cathedral in 1133. The building is constructed of red sandstone and its notable features include the great East Window, figurative stone carving, a set of medieval choir stalls…
Location: Carlisle Cathedral 7 Abbey St Carlisle CA3 8TZ United Kingdom | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Carlisle Cathedral

Click here to read our blog about Hadrians Wall - Day 2 - Carlisle to Hare Hill

Tullie House

Tullie House Carlisle Gates And Railings
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Northernhenge
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is a museum covers 2000 years of history of the city of Carlisle, England. The museum is housed in a converted Jacobean mansion, with extensions added when it was converted. At first the building contained the museum and also a library, an art school and a technical school. ‘The Roman Frontier: stories beyond Hadrian's…
Location: Tullie House Museum And Art Gallery Castle St Carlisle CA3 8TP | Hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm Sun | Price: Adults £10 | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Tullie House

Click here to read our blog about Hadrians Wall - Day 1 - Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle

Cumbria Museum of Military Life

Side Drums Of The 34e Regiment Infanterie
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cumbria's Museum of Military Life
The Cumbria Museum of Military Life is a museum located in Carlisle, in the United Kingdom. The museum tells the 300-year story of Cumbria’s County Infantry Regiment: the 34th Regiment of Foot, the 55th Regiment of Foot, Border Regiment, King’s Own Royal Border Regiment and the current serving Regiment - The Duke of Lancaster’s. On display are a huge variety…
Location: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life The Castle Alma Block Carlisle CA3 8UR United Kingdom | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Cumbria Museum of Military Life

Carlisle Castle

Field Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle is situated in Carlisle, Cumbria, England near the ruins of Hadrian's Wall. It was built on the site of a Roman fort. It was rebuilt by William II of England in the late eleventh century and finished by David I of Scotland.  It served as an important fortress and saw action during the Anglo-Scottish wars, the Civil War and…
Location: Carlisle Castle Castle Way Carlisle CA3 8UR United Kingdom | Hours: 10am-6pm Apr-Sep, to 5pm Oct-Mar | Price: adult/child £8/4.80, combined ticket with Cumbria's Museum of Military Life £9.20/5.15 | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Carlisle Castle

Rickerby Park Tower

Rickerby Folly
Rickerby Park Tower is an octagonal Victorian folly, and possibly a dovecote situated just outside Carlisle's Rickerby Park. It was commissioned in the late 19th century by George Head Head, who owned Rickerby Hall at that time when towers and turrets were in vogue.
Location: Rickerby Gardens, Carlisle CA3 9AA, UK | Hours: 24 Hours (View from Road) | Price: Free | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting Rickerby Park Tower

Best Day Trips from Carlisle

A day trip from Carlisle offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Carlisle provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

Burgh by Sands

The King Edward I Monument Burgh Marsh
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Andrew Smith / The King Edward I Monument, Burgh Marsh
Burgh by Sands is a village situated near the Solway Firth and Carlisle in the north of England. It is the site of a Roman Fort of Hadrian’s Wall called Aballava. The village has been occupied continuously since Roman times. Following the end of the Roman Empire in 410AD stones from the wall provided a stones for buildings all around,…
Location: Burgh by Sands, Carlisle, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 8.2km
Visiting Burgh by Sands

Solway Aviation Museum

Solway Aviation Museum Phantom
CC BY-SA 2.0 / allen watkin
The Solway Aviation Museum is an independently run aircraft museum located at Carlisle Lake District Airport in Cumbria.
Location: Solway Aviation Museum Aviation House Carlisle Airport Crosby on Eden CA6 4NW United Kingdom | Hours: 10:30 am until 5:00 pm every weekend from 2 April 2021 until the 31 October 2021 | Price: Adult: £6.00, Children: £4.00 | Website | Distance: 10.0km
Visiting Solway Aviation Museum

Brampton, Carlisle

Brampton Market Place
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rose and Trev Clough / Brampton, Market Place
Brampton is a small market town, civil parish and electoral ward within the City of Carlisle district of Cumbria, England, about 9 miles (14 km) east of Carlisle and 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Hadrian's Wall. Historically part of Cumberland, it is situated off the A69 road which bypasses it. Brampton railway station, on the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway,…
Visiting Brampton, Carlisle

Drumburgh Castle

Drumburgh Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rose and Trev Clough / Drumburgh Castle
Drumburgh Castle is a a fortified residence or "pele tower" in Drumburgh, in the parish of Bowness, in the county of Cumbria, England. Peel towers or pele are small fortified keeps or tower houses, built along the English and Scottish borders in the Scottish Marches and North of England, mainly between the mid-14th century and about 1600. After abandoning Beaumont…
Location: Drumburgh Castle, Drumburgh, Wigton, UK | Distance: 14.2km
Visiting Drumburgh Castle

Port Carlisle

Old Harbour Wall Port Carlisle Cumbria 1
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Simon Ledingham / Old Harbour Wall, Port Carlisle, Cumbria
Port Carlisle is one of the most interesting areas of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beautys’ built heritage and was once known as Fisher’s Cross. It was developed as a port in 1819 to handle goods for Carlisle using the canal link built in 1823. The canal was 11¼ mile long, and had 8 locks which were all…
Visiting Port Carlisle

Lanercost Priory

Lanercost Priory From The South
CC BY-SA 2.0 / David Dixon
Lanercost Priory was founded in 12th-century at the village of Lanercost, Cumbria, England, close to Naworth Castle, and Hadrian's Wall. It was founded by Robert de Vaux to house Augustinian canons who remained for some 370 years until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536, by Henry VIII. The building went to Thomas Dacre of Naworth Castle nearby, who converted…
Location: Lanercost Priory Lanercost Brampton CA8 2HQ United Kingdom | Hours: 10am-6pm Apr-Sep, 10am-5pm Oct, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun Nov-Mar | Price: Adult £5.90, Child £3.50 | Website | Distance: 17.3km
Visiting Lanercost Priory

Bowness-on-Solway

Pavilion At The Start And End Of The Hadrians Wall Path At Bowness Cumberland
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian S / The start of the Hadrian's Wall Walk
Bowness-on-Solway is a small village of fewer than 100 houses in Cumbria in northwest England. It is situated to the west of Carlisle on the southern side of the Solway Firth estuary separating England and Scotland and has spectacular views across the Solway estuary to Dumfries & Galloway. The village is part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural…
Visiting Bowness-on-Solway

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Hadrians Wall At Birdoswald
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel
Birdoswald Roman Fort is one of the best preserved of the 16 forts along Hadrian's Wall. It is on the western end of Hadrian's Wall on the site of a former farm called Birdoswald.The fort is located on a triangular spur of land with cliffs to the south and east and overlooking the beautiful Irthing Gorge. Birdoswald Roman Fort was…
Location: Birdoswald Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall, Hadrian's Wall Path, Brampton, UK | Hours: Saturday - Sunday 10am - 4pm. Between 26 December and 3 January, open daily 10am - 4pm. | Price: Adult: £9.00 Child (5-17 years): £5.40 | Website | Distance: 23.7km
Visiting Birdoswald Roman Fort

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall was built by the Roman Empire to protect their colony in England from the Pictish tribes in Scotland. It stretches for 73 mi (117 km) across the north of England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea in the counties of Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. Sections of Hadrian's Wall remain along the route, though much…
Visiting Hadrian's Wall

Hexham

Hexham is a market town and civil parish in the south west of Northumberland, England, on the south bank of the River Tyne which forms by the confluence of two rivers: the North Tyne and the South Tyne. A visit to Hexham is like stepping back in time, with its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and the magnificent Hexham Abbey, which…
Visiting Hexham
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Newcastle upon Tyne

Tyne Bridge
CC BY-SA 2.0 / herdiephoto
Newcastle upon Tyne, often shortened to simply Newcastle, is the most populous city and metropolitan borough in North East England. It forms the core of the Tyneside conurbation, the eighth most populous urban area in the United Kingdom. It is situated on the northern bank of the River Tyne. The city developed around the Roman settlement Pons Aelius around a…
Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne
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Gateshead

Newcastle And Gateshead Quayside With Bridges
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wilka Hudson
Gateshead is a vibrant town located on the southern bank of the River Tyne, directly opposite Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. Its riverside setting offers stunning views and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including the striking Millennium Bridge and the Sage Gateshead, a renowned centre for music and performing arts. Visitors…
Visiting Gateshead
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Durham

Durham
Visiting Durham in the North East of England offers a striking blend of charm, tradition, and scenic beauty. The compact city centre is wrapped in a loop of the River Wear, which lends itself to peaceful riverside walks and spectacular views of the cathedral and castle perched high above. With its cobbled lanes and independent shops, Durham is a great…
Visiting Durham
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Lancaster

Lancaster Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian Taylor
Lancaster, situated in the North West England region, offers a charming mix of urban energy and rural serenity. Its position on the River Lune gives it a scenic appeal, with riverside walks and open spaces like Williamson Park providing peaceful escapes. The city centre blends independent shops, cafes, and heritage architecture, making it a compact and walkable place to explore…
Visiting Lancaster

South Shields

South Shields
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Stuart Locke
South Shields is a coastal town and a seaside resort at the mouth of the River Tyne, downstream from Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England. Visiting South Shields offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Nestled on the northeastern coast of England, this charming seaside town is renowned for its stunning beaches, including…
Visiting South Shields
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Sunderland

Panoramic View Of Hendon Beach
CC BY-SA 3.0 / somaliayaswan
Sunderland is a port city in Tyne and Wear, England. It is situated 12 miles north-east of Durham and 10 miles south-east of Newcastle upon Tyne, at the mouth of the River Wear. Visiting Sunderland provides a captivating mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a diverse experience. Located on the northeast…
Visiting Sunderland
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Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, in the heart of Scotland’s Central Belt, is a city that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with dramatic natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to its unique geography, with the Old Town perched on a ridge and the New Town laid out in elegant Georgian symmetry below. Walking through its atmospheric streets reveals centuries of layered architecture, from medieval closes to…
Visiting Edinburgh

Where to Stay in Carlisle

In Carlisle city centre, staying near the cathedral and historic quarter places you within walking distance of key sights like Carlisle Castle, Tullie House Museum, and the shopping precinct. This area is ideal for first-time visitors wanting easy access to restaurants and cultural attractions. A reliable choice here is Crown & Mitre Hotel, set in a grand Edwardian building with traditional décor, on-site parking, and a swimming pool. Another option nearby is The Halston, which offers chic serviced apartments and a stylish cocktail bar, perfect for a more modern stay.

For travellers arriving by train or looking for convenient onward travel, the area around Carlisle Station offers several well-connected accommodations. Ibis Carlisle City Centre is a budget-friendly, dependable hotel right next to the station, offering clean, comfortable rooms and easy access to local nightlife. Just around the corner, County Hotel provides a more traditional setting with period features and basic amenities suitable for short stays or overnight breaks between journeys.

If you’re seeking a quieter location with easy parking or a base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Coast, consider staying just outside the city in suburban areas like Stanwix or Scotby. Willowbeck Lodge is a boutique guesthouse set in landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful retreat with a luxury feel. Alternatively, Pinegrove Hotel provides a more affordable traditional inn experience with a friendly atmosphere and good road links to the M6 and A69.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Carlisle. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Carlisle Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Carlisle

Carlisle in Spring

Spring in Carlisle, from March to May, brings mild weather and a renewed sense of life across the city’s green spaces and historic surroundings. The grounds of Carlisle Castle and Bitts Park bloom with colour, making it a pleasant time for walking and sightseeing. It’s also a quieter time to explore Hadrian’s Wall and the countryside without the crowds of summer. April and May often see local farmers’ markets return in full swing, along with community events and open garden days in the surrounding villages.

Carlisle in Summer (Best)

Summer is the most popular time to visit Carlisle, with long daylight hours and a full calendar of festivals and outdoor activities. July sees the return of the Carlisle Pageant and the Carlisle International Market, while Bitts Park and the city centre host open-air concerts, food fairs, and family events. The weather is generally warm but not extreme, perfect for hiking nearby stretches of Hadrian’s Wall or heading west to the Solway Coast. It’s also the best time for day trips into the Lake District or enjoying the buzz of riverside pubs and cafés.

Carlisle in Autumn

Autumn in Carlisle, from September through November, brings golden landscapes and fewer tourists. The city’s tree-lined parks, especially Rickerby Park and the Eden Valley, offer vibrant seasonal walks. It’s also a great time to visit museums and galleries like Tullie House without the summer crowds. The Carlisle Fireshow in early November is one of the largest free fireworks displays in the North, drawing big local audiences. Cooler weather sets in by late autumn, but the atmosphere remains welcoming, especially with harvest events and early Christmas markets appearing.

Carlisle in Winter

Winter in Carlisle is crisp and quiet, with shorter days but a festive spirit during December. The city’s Christmas lights and markets, held in the city centre and Market Hall, offer traditional stalls, mulled wine, and local crafts. The castle and cathedral often host carol services and seasonal events. While snowfall is possible, it tends to be light, and the city is still accessible for sightseeing. January and February are less busy and ideal for travellers seeking lower prices and a peaceful experience in the historical heart of Cumbria.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 5°C
  • February 8°C
  • March 9°C
  • April 12°C
  • May 14°C
  • June 19°C
  • July 19°C
  • August 18°C
  • September 16°C
  • October 12°C
  • November 9°C
  • December 7°C

How to get to Carlisle

Getting to Carlisle by Air

Nearest airports: The closest major airport to Carlisle is Newcastle International Airport, located around 90 minutes away by car. This airport serves a wide range of domestic and international destinations. Other nearby options include Glasgow and Manchester Airports, both offering comprehensive connections and onward travel options to Carlisle.

From the airport to Carlisle: From Newcastle Airport, travellers can take the Metro into Newcastle Central Station and then catch a direct train to Carlisle. From Manchester Airport, there are direct train services operated by TransPennine Express, while from Glasgow, the journey may require a change depending on the route.

Getting to Carlisle by Train

Direct routes: Carlisle is a major stop on the West Coast Main Line, offering direct services from cities such as London (3h 20m), Glasgow (1h 15m), Manchester (1h 40m), and Newcastle (1h 30m). Regular services are operated by Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, ScotRail, and TransPennine Express.

Rail operators:

Getting to Carlisle by Car

Carlisle is easily accessible by road, located at the junction of the M6 (north–south route) and A69 (east–west route from Newcastle). From Manchester, the drive takes just under two hours via the M6. From Glasgow, it’s around 1 hour 30 minutes southbound on the same motorway. For those coming from the northeast, the A69 offers a scenic cross-country route.

Travelling around Carlisle

Carlisle’s compact city centre is very walkable, with most attractions no more than a 15-minute stroll apart. For destinations slightly further afield such as Hadrian’s Wall or the Solway Coast, local bus services operate from the central station and main bus terminal. Taxis are widely available, and cycling is an increasingly popular option with several safe routes around the city and along the River Eden. For regional rail travel, Northern Rail connects Carlisle with towns across Cumbria and southern Scotland.