• Alston
• Allonby And Aspatria
• Ambleside And Troutbeck
• Appleby In Westmoreland
• Askam In Furness
• Barrow In Furness
• Bassenthwaite
• Borrowdale
• Bowness On Windermere
• Brough
• Buttermere
• Brampton
• Broughton In Furness
• Carlisle
• Cartmel
• Cleator Moor
• Cockermouth
• Coniston
• Dalston
• Dalton In Furness
• Dent
• Grange Over Sands
• Grasmere
• Greenodd
• Grizedale
• Hawkshead
• Kendal
• Keswick
• Kirkby Lonsdale
• Wasdale And Gosforth
• Kirkby Stephen
• Longtown
• Loweswater
• Maryport
• Melmerby
• Milnthorpe
• Nenthead
• Newby Bridge
• Orton
• Penrith
• Pooley Bridge
• Ravenglass And Eskdale
• Sedbergh
• Seascale
• Shap
• Silloth And Solway
• St Bees
• Skiddaw
• Staveley
• Tebay
• The Duddon Valley
• Threlkeld
• Ulverston
• Vale Of Lorton
• Wasdale
• Wetheral
• Whitehaven
• Wigton
• Windermere
• Workington
• Spa Hotels In Windermere The Lake District
• Hotels With Hot Tubs In Windermere
• Hot Tub Hotels In Windermere And The Lake District
• Romantic Breaks In Windermere And The Lake District
• Themed Hotels In Windermere And The Lake District
• Weekend Breaks In Windermere
• Windermere Attractions And Boat Trips
• Boutique Hotels And Accommodation In Windermere And The Lake District
• Windermere In The Rain
• One Way Ticket To Windermere Por Favor
• Horse Riding In The Lake District
• Walks In The Lake District
• Windermere Boutique Hotel Bedrooms
• Holiday Accommodation Wanted In The Lake District

Carlisle

The border city and capital of Cumbria, Carlisle is a lively town with plenty of things to see and do. Visitors to the Lake District can enjoy the modern shops, cafés and bars in Carlisle, where attractions and facilities are among the best in the region.

If you want to experience some history and culture, visit the impressive Cathedral which is just a few minute´s walk from the Greenmarket. This pedestrianised part of town is a focal point for visitors, where street entertainers sing dance and make merry. Farmer´s markets and Christmas events are also held around Greenmarket, which is one of the city´s main attractions.

Tullie House Museum

Tullie House Museum brings Carlisle´s rich heritage and history to life, while the Carlisle Castle Fortress allows visitors to explore its spooky chambers and passageways. The residents of Botchergate once witnessed Roman armies marching south, and now welcomes visitors in search  of a good night out. Clubs, bars and restaurants line the streets, and offer a wide range of places to eat and drink.

Public transport

Carlisle has good public transport links, and the city´s railway station serves four important routes, including: The West Coast Main Line between Scotland and England, the Tyne Valley route to Newcastle, the Cumbria Coast Railway to Barrow-in-Furness, and the famous Settle to Carlisle route. Local and national buses operate from the central bus station, and visitors arriving by car can gain easy access to the city centre from the M6 motorway.

Although Carlisle functions as a regionally important administrative centre, there are also plenty of attractions and events to keep visitors entertained throughout the year. You can pick up information from the Tourist Information Centre in the Old Town Hall or from your Carlisle hotel.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

You can discover the history of Carlisle with informative exhibitions and displays at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. Climb a life-size replica of Hadrian´s Wall, or experience at first hand the troubled times of Border disputes. You can even follow the River Eden and its wildlife from source to sea in the underground Millenium Gallery. The exhibitions change regularly, and there is an impressive array of art on display in the ground floor art gallery. Special events and activities suit all age groups.

Carlisle Castle

Situated at the northern end of Carlisle, overlooking the city, the castle has protected its residents from invasion since Norman times, and it was the base for Edward I´s campaign to thwart the Scots. The castle also acted as a temporary prison for Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Jacobite prisoners awaiting trial.

The Citadel

The original citadel was built in 1541 by Henry VIII to strengthen the southern approach to the city and was rebuilt in 1810. The twin towers are now home to council offices, and the former crown court. Guided tours are available during July and August, and Carlisle Tourist Information Centre can give more details.

Carlisle Cathedral

Carlisle Cathedral was founded in 1122, and has been rebuilt several times since. After the Cromwellian victory in 1645, most of the nave was demolished to repair the city´s walls and castle.  The incredible east window contains stained glass from the 14th Century, and the cathedral houses fine wood carvings, and medieval wall panels.

The Guildhall Museum

The Guildhall Museum is a medieval building which once housed Carlisle´s old trade guilds. Now a museum of civic history, you can see the great iron-clad chest which once stored the city´s documents, the medieval stocks which once stood in the city and the Carlisle Bells. Children can also enjoy the exhibition by dressing up in Tudor outfits and trading as merchants.

St Cuthbert´s Chuch 

St Cuthbert´s Church is an 18th Century building which was constructed on the site of an earlier monument, founded by St Cuthbert in 685 AD. The story of his life is illustrated in some intricate stained glass windows, and the churchyard contains graves of the executed soldiers from Bonnie Prince Charlie´s 1745 uprising.

Bitts Park

The best known park in Carlisle, Bitts Park is situated next to the castle and the River Eden. Features in the park include a children´s play area with interactive water features, a sandpit, a crazy golf course and an electric car track. You will also find tennis courts, bowling and putting greens, a Japanese garden and a maze.

Rickerby Park

Rickerby Park is a landscaped rural park with open views, mature trees and some stunning walks along the River Eden. The trees were planted to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and every tree represents the position of a battalion during the war.

Kingmoor Nature Reserve

Kingmoor Nature Reserve is a wide area of natural woodland which was designated as a nature reserve in 1914. Winding paths run through the reserve, some of which are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The name ´Kingmoor´ refers to the period when King Edward III donated the land to the city for everyone to enjoy, and local residents were granted rights to graze sheep on the land, and cut peat for fuel.

Hammond´s Pond

Hammond´s Pond is one of Carlisle´s best loved parks and provides an ideal location for walking and boating. Visitors can also take a ride on a miniature steam train at the weekends, and there is a specially built BMX track for the more adventurous. An aviary also houses cockatoos, parakeets and budgies, and an adventure playground keeps the kids entertained.

You can find a fantastic range of boutique hotels, themed hotels, five star hotels, guesthouses, b&b´s, campsites, hostels and country cottages in the Lake District to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you want accommodation in Carlisle, Windermere, Bowness, Keswick, Penrith, Kendal or Grasmere, you will be spoilt for choice. Take your time to explore the Lake District and check out the weekend deals in hotels in Windermere, the romantic breaks in Bowness and a vast range of things to see and do during your stay.
 

Home >> Places to Visit