Top 15 Attractions in Carlisle, Cumbria: A Complete Guide

Cumbria’s only city, Carlisle is rooted in the 2nd century as a Roman settlement connected to Hadrian’s Wall, the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire.

This extensive fortification is the largest Roman artifact globally, with forts and significant sections of the wall nearby.

Strategically situated on the English-Scottish borders, the city experienced frequent changes of control during medieval times.

At Carlisle Castle and the Tullie House Museum, visitors can delve into this turbulent history and learn about historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, who captured the city in 1745.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Carlisle:

1. Carlisle Castle

Few castles in England have endured as many conflicts as Carlisle Castle.

Constructed by the Normans atop a Roman fort during William II’s reign in the late 11th century, it faced nearly continuous warfare for the next 650 years.

The last significant skirmish occurred during Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite uprising against King George II in 1745. Charlie’s forces initially captured the castle but were ultimately overwhelmed, leading to many executions and imprisonments.

Exhibitions showcase the histories of figures such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, William II, and Mary Queen of Scots, who was detained here in 1567. Visitors can explore passageways, spiral staircases, and dungeons, while also interpreting beautifully crafted carvings by prisoners.

A particularly somber piece of history can be found in the “Licking Stones,” where damp masonry provided hydration to suffering Jacobite soldiers shortly before their execution.

2. Carlisle Cathedral

Consecrated as an Augustinian Priory in the 12th century, Carlisle Cathedral ranks as England’s second smallest cathedral, surpassed only by Oxford.

This diminutive size is partly due to the removal of a significant section of the nave during the English Civil War to reinforce Carlisle Castle.

The structure showcases Gothic architecture primarily from the 13th and 14th centuries.

A must-see feature is the East Window, recognized as the largest in the Flowing Decorated Gothic style within the country, which exhibits exquisite craftsmanship, retaining most of its original Medieval glass.

Moreover, the ensemble of 46 black oak choir stalls stands out, featuring misericords (folding seats) intricately carved in the 15th century with fantastical creatures, scenes from the Twelve Apostles, and various legends related to St. Anthony, St. Augustine, and St. Cuthbert.

3. Hadrian’s Wall

Carlisle is situated on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, beyond which lay the territories of the Picts and other ancient British tribes.

In the 2nd century AD, under Emperor Hadrian’s directive, an extensive border defense spanning 73 miles was erected across the neck of Northern England.

This monumental construction included forts every five miles, “milecastles” at each mile, and two turrets interspersed along the route.

The remnants of the wall and its fortifications are prevalent throughout the countryside, offering an extraordinary opportunity for exploration.

For shorter excursions from Carlisle, one may choose to visit the remnants at Banks Turrets, Willowford Bridge, Pike Hill Signal Tower, Milecastle 48 in Gisland, and the Birdoswald Fort, which will be discussed next.

4. Birdoswald Roman Fort

Arguably, Birdoswald serves as the premier site to access Hadrian’s Wall, illustrating how this formidable defense was structured.

This location uniquely presents the ruins of a fort, the longest preserved section of the wall, a milecastle, and a turret, all well maintained.

Furthermore, the setting is remarkable, positioned dramatically above the River Irthing Gorge.

Visitors can explore the excavated fort ruins, while children can enjoy activities to acquire knowledge about Roman engineering and life along the border 2,000 years ago.

5. Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

The Tullie House Museum is housed within a Grade I-listed Jacobean mansion dating back to the early 17th century.

This museum commenced operations in the 1890s, extending its facilities in the 1990s and early 2000s.

It showcases captivating artifacts from the Roman forts in Carlisle, including Petriana, the largest fort on Hadrian’s Wall.

Within the Roman Frontier gallery, visitors will discover intricate details about the wall, including architectural fragments, reliefs, stelae, a Roman mask, jewelry, a preserved boot, oil lamps, and an assortment of everyday items.

The Old Tullie House contains an exquisite collection of Pre-Raphaelite artwork, while other exhibitions explore the extensive history of conflation along the Anglo-Scottish border and Carlisle’s social narrative.

Completing your visit, the Tullie House Lookout rotunda, inaugurated in 2011, provides stunning views of the castle and cathedral.

6. Settle-Carlisle Railway

Carlisle serves as the northern terminus of one of the most breathtaking sections of the mainline railway in England.

The Carlisle-Settle railway extends 70 miles southwards to Settle in North Yorkshire, traversing remarkable upland landscapes.

This route weaves through the North Pennines, grazes the Lake District, and meanders along the Eden Valley before entering the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Opened in 1876, this remarkable endeavor required six years for completion, employing a significant workforce who resided in makeshift towns.

The line features 14 tunnels and offers stunning views from 21 viaducts (and a total of 380 bridges). Passengers should keep an eye out for remnants of old workers’ houses and approximately 100 line-side huts, many of which are in varied states of decay.

Seasonal special steam excursions often occur during summer.

7. Lanercost Priory

While exploring Hadrian’s Wall, a visit to the 12th-century Lanercost Priory, managed by English Heritage, is highly recommended.

Situated on the border, the priory became a target for raiders, including an incursion led by Robert the Bruce.

An ailing Edward I resided at Lanercost for several months at the beginning of the 14th century, shortly before his demise.

The priory church underwent modifications at the end of the 13th century and survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries, ultimately converting its nave into a parish church.

The conventual buildings incorporate elements of spolia (recycled stone) from Hadrian’s Wall, and several Roman inscriptions in the stonework can be identified.

Lanercost holds the distinction of being the best-preserved medieval monastery in Cumbria, with remnants of the chancel remarkably intact, nearly 500 years after its abandonment.

8. Solway Aviation Museum

This private aircraft museum is located at Carlisle Lake District Airport, which served as an RAF training facility during the Second World War.

In addition to a remarkable collection of aircraft, the museum provides insight into the development of the Blue Streak medium-range ballistic missile and Martin Baker ejection seats.

Outside, visitors can view aircraft including an Avro Vulcan B.2, utilized during the Falklands War, an English Electric Canberra, a Hawker Hunter, and a Sikorsky Whirlwind helicopter, among others.

9. Talkin Tarn Country Park

Situated a nine-mile drive from the northwestern edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Talkin Tarn is a 65-acre glacial lake surrounded by mature woodlands and farmland.

During warm weather, visitors can partake in water activities such as canoeing, sailing, or windsurfing, and the rowing club, established in 1859, boasts the title of the second-oldest rowing club in northern England, hosting a regatta every July.

The charming boathouse tearooms operate as a non-profit organization, channeling proceeds into park maintenance.

Explore the 1.3-mile pathway encircling the tarn, or opt to rent a mountain bike from the on-site shop and venture into the breathtaking Cumbrian countryside.

10. Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life

Carlisle Castle serves as the headquarters for the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, which traces lineage back to four previous regiments established in Carlisle since 1702. The regimental museum, inaugurated within the castle’s bailey in 2014, chronicles over 300 years of military history in Cumbria, focusing on the experiences of soldiers past and present.

Visitors can examine an extensive collection of medals, weaponry, uniforms, silver, paintings, and gear spanning from 1702 to contemporary times.

Additionally, immersive audiovisual presentations and exhibitions provide insight into life within a First World War trench.

11. Guildhall Museum

Carlisle’s Guildhall, constructed in a cantilevered half-timbered design during the 14th century, ranks among the city’s four oldest structures.

Sections of its walls feature medieval wattle and daub, and much of the original timber framework remains intact.

The ground floor, while containing a restaurant operated independently, has upper floors housing a museum curated by the Tullie House Museum.

Visitors can explore on Thursdays from May to August, browsing exhibits related to the butchers’ and shoemakers’ guilds while gaining insight into aspects of Carlisle’s history.

The museum presents a collection of silver, displays of Victorian civic regalia, and an exhibition dedicated to the Carlisle Bells, the oldest prize in horse racing, established in 1599.

12. Walby Farm Park

Located a short distance from Carlisle, Walby Farm Park is an award-winning family destination featuring both outdoor and indoor activities.

Children can engage with animals through a variety of scheduled events, including pony grooming, lamb feeding, sheep racing, goat racing, ferret shows, and interactions with rabbits and guinea pigs.

In addition, children can partake in various fun activities, including electric mini-quads, pedal go-karts, miniature tractors, an agility trail, a nature trail, and a JCB-themed “dig & play” area.

In case of inclement weather, an indoor play barn is available, complete with a ball pool, climbing nets, and slides.

The Curly Tails Cafe serves nutritious meals alongside home-baked treats.

13. Hammond’s Pond

If visiting Carlisle with children, Hammond’s Pond in the southern Upperby suburb is particularly delightful during the summer months.

The pond, surrounded by a park, is elevated, populated by ducks and swans, and features an aviary and dovecote.

During the summer, rowboats can be rented from the east end of the pond, with a miniature railway operating in the park during holidays, as well as two designated play areas, one for toddlers and another for older children.

The adjacent cafe operates weekends and chooses weekdays during school holidays.

14. St Cuthbert’s Church

During the Interregnum in the 17th century, when Oliver Cromwell closed the cathedral, St Cuthbert’s Church stood as Carlisle’s sole place of worship.

The current structure represents the fourth iteration of churches dating back to the 7th century.

This Georgian version, constructed in the 1770s, contains a preserved stained glass window from the 1300s.

A unique feature is the oversized pulpit, designed to allow the vicar to address the congregation in the galleries and mounted on rails for mobility.

Additionally, the graveyard contains remains of soldiers executed during Bonnie Prince Charlie’s uprising.

The charming tithe barn adjacent to the church, dating from the early 16th century, has been newly restored and serves as a function hall.

15. Watchtree Nature Reserve

Located just under nine miles west of Carlisle lies Europe’s largest man-made nature reserve.

Spanning 200 acres, the reserve was established in the early 2000s after the re-landscaping of a disused airfield that had been utilized as a burial site for over 500,000 animals during the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic (there is no danger as foot and mouth dies with its host). Over 80,000 trees were planted, lakes were excavated, and trails were laid out through reedbeds and past bird hides.

In just a few years, 23 endangered species have made this habitat their home, with sightings of swans, hares, roe deer, and a variety of birds along the trails.

Situated on an elevation, Watchtree offers panoramic views south towards the Lake District and Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.