Carlisle & Cumbria Visitor Attractions

Discover a world of times gone by at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.

Step back in time and visit Carlisle Castle, one of the temporary addresses of Mary Queen of Scots.

Carlisle Cathedral offers you the chance to view a fine example of Medieval architecture. The 14th century stained glass east window and magnificently decorated ceiling once looked down on the marriage of Sir Walter Scott and his French bride.

Visit Carlisle Racecourse for an enjoyable - and hopefully profitable - day of flat or National Hunt racing.

Enjoy spectacular sunsets, rare wildlife and inspiring views along the Solway Firth salt marshes and dunes - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Walk in the footsteps of the Legions, along the Hadrian's Wall National Trail and around the beautiful surrounding areas or take a trip on Hadrian's Wall Bus, visiting some of the friendly market town and villages along the way.

Visit the fascinating interactive visitor centre at Birdoswald Roman Fort and find out about 2000 years of history in one of the most impressive locations on Hadrian's wall.

Talkin Tarn is a wonderful retreat away from it all. Near Brampton, this beauty spot offers something to suit all ages from the very active to those who like a steadier pace of life.

Discover Pre-Raphaelite treasures in St Martin's Church in Brampton, or the peaceful setting of Lanercost Priory nearby.

Meander through the wonderful countryside around the Eden Valley, or travel a little further afield south to experience the magnificent Lake District and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Relax and enjoy the views from the Carlisle to Settle Railway - the most spectacular railway journey in England.

Walking - Step out along the new 84 mile Hadrian's Wall National Trail and the 150 mile Cumbria Coastal Way or if you fancy something a little gentler, pick up our City Walks leaflet and try a guided or self guided walk around the city - for more information click here.

Cycling - Carlisle is the hub where the national Inverness to Dover route crosses the Cumbria Cycle Way and C2C route over the North Pennines. The Eden Valley Circular Cycle Route is an enjoyable way to explore the region, and links to plenty of smaller routes suiting cyclists of all abilities.

Fishing - The rivers Eden, Esk and their tributaries are well known for salmon, sea trout and brown trout.

Pony trekking - Kershope Forest is home to the Bailey Mill Riding Centre, and north of the city is the Cargo Riding Centre offering BHS approved tuition.

Watersports - Talkin Tarn offers canoeing, rowing boat hire, wind surfing and sailing.

There's plenty to do at Carlisle's six sport and leisure facilities - including the fine Victorian turkish baths. Whatever your leisure time, Carlisle has something to suit all ages and abilities. Information and advice is available from the Tourist Information Centre, the Sands Centre and the Swifts. For the official overview of carlisle visit Historic Carlisle's website.

Walking & Exploring Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail
Wallsend, Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway 134.5km/84 miles
Hadrian’s Wall was built under the orders of Emperor Hadrian in AD 122 to mark the northern limit of the Roman empire. Although much of the Wall has since disappeared it is inscribed as a World Heritage Site. Tracing the line of the wall has long been popular with walkers, and became a National Trail in May 2003 with many new sections of path following the wall itself. The Wall Path connects with Cumbria Coastal Way, Cumbria Way, Eden Way, Pennine Way (E2), Reiver's Way, South Tyne Trail, Tyne Walk (see South Tyne Trail), Tyne-Wear Trail
Highway Authorities Cumbria, Newcastle, Northumberland
Parks and countryside Northumberland National Park, Solway Coast.

Transport Information for Hadrian's Wall
Rail: Carlisle is on the West Coast Main Line a major railway line between London and Scotland. Carlisle is additionally on the scenic Settle and Carlisle line to Leeds. A branch line running parallel to the Wall connects Carlisle and Newcastle via Haltwhistle and Hexham.

Bus: A special bus service - the Hadrian’s Wall Bus - operates daily along most of the length of the Wall throughout summer, and on Sundays and bank holidays in winter, stopping at all the key locations (including Vindolanda, Birdoswald, Chesters, Once Brewed and Housesteads).

Click here for more information on Hadrians Wall or here for information specifically for ramblers.

Events

April:
Continental Food Market, City Centre

May:
Spring Show (Carlisle & the Borders)

June:
Festival of Nations, City Centre

July:
Carlisle Carnival, City Centre

August:
Great Food Fair, City Centre

November:
Christmas Festival, City Centre

December:
Christmas Festival, City Centre

Further information on these events can be found by contacting Carlisle Tourist Information Centre at the Old Town Hall Tel: 01228 625600