Simply shy of the Scottish border, Carlisle is without doubt one of the most northerly cities in England to go to. With centuries of historical past, markets and even castles, it’s the type of metropolis that’s nicely value a little bit gander while throughout the North of England.
Now, though you won’t be visiting Carlisle on a devoted journey, it’s the type of metropolis that’s very easy to tag-along to a wider journey of the area.
As an illustration, we’ve visited fairly a couple of instances after exploring the Lake District. Oh, and once we’re driving the M6 motorway up the “backbone of Nice Britain”, too.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your time within the metropolis, I wished to share a couple of gems that we love. This fashion, you possibly can give attention to that all-important exploring!
Have a look, beneath, at the most effective issues to do in Carlisle. Have a tremendous go to to the north of England.
1.) Carlisle Fort
For over 900 years, Carlisle Fort has dominated the town’s panorama and historical past. It is without doubt one of the most iconic spots to go to and the most effective issues to do in Carlisle, particularly if you wish to study extra concerning the tumultuous historical past of the area.
Belief me, the distinct gray and purple sandstone of Carlisle Fort is difficult to overlook – you’ll spot it a mile off!
Right here, you possibly can take a gander by means of the grounds through one of many excursions that occur most days. As soon as inside, you’ll get to see the fort’s medieval rooms, the turret the place Mary, Queen of Scots, was as soon as held captive!
Even to today, you possibly can nonetheless spot carvings and markings that prisoners created once they had been held there.
Afterwards, and throughout the grounds itself, head over to Cumbria’s Museum of Navy Life. Showcasing an infinite assortment of navy uniforms, military weapons, medals, and work that span over 300 years.
It’s steeped in historical past and nicely value a nosey round when you’re right here.
Fancy staying at a fort? Then head simply exterior of Carlise and test into Dalston Corridor Lodge that’s a former fort property that dates again to the sixteenth Century.
It’s completely pretty, although you will want a automotive (or take a taxi) to get into Carlise from right here.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Northern England to go to
2.) Tullie Home Museum and Artwork Gallery
Nestled in between the fort and the cathedral, the Tullie Home Museum and Artwork Gallery is a complete favorite to go to when strolling the town.
Housing heaps of collections and paintings, it gives a wealthy background of the area and the influences which have formed the broader space of the years. From prehistoric artefacts to fashionable artwork, the shows at Tullie Home Museum covers a lot of the important factors of the historical past and tradition of Carlisle.
Not solely that, you’ll get to identify some epic Roman artefacts intertwined with the historical past of Carlisle Fort. Oh, and naturally, a little bit little bit of Hadrian’s Wall, too.
Afterwards, cease by the Lane Bar for a little bit tipple. It’s a reasonably cool little spot.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do within the Lake District
3.) Carlisle Cathedral
Predominantly Gothic, the Carlisle Cathedral is thought to be the second smallest cathedral in England. Although, in the case of Cathedrals, measurement isn’t all the time every thing!
Throughout the historic battles that plagued the world, its nave was minimize and torn down and the supplies had been used to bolster Carlisle Fort. Although don’t fear, it’s completely stunning to go to right this moment!
After arriving, remember to spot the Medieval stained glass nonetheless in its unique kind. For me, the East Window is the primary level to look out for. It’s one of many largest stained glass home windows within the nation.
As you stroll across the Carlisle Cathedral, you’re going to get to see all of the intricately carved misericords and the black oak choir stalls. You simply comprehend it took 1000’s of hours to grasp these!
Learn extra: Fairly locations in England to go to
4.) Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is maybe a very powerful piece of historical past of Carlisle and the complete Cumbria area.
Constructed again within the 2nd century throughout Emperor Hadrian’s rule, this 73-mile lengthy navy border served as the primary lifetime of defence throughout the neck of Northern England. Actually, it was the very northerly level of the Roman Empire and one which aimed to guard the Romans from the Scottish (north of the wall).
Now, you possibly can select to stroll the complete stretch of the wall trails (although, this may take about two days). Clearly, for this, you will want to go away the Carlisle but it surely’s nicely value seeing at the least components of the wall.
For me, the well-preserved websites corresponding to; Birdoswald Fort, is a should. It’s round a 30-minute drive from Carlisle and very easy to go to for a morning day journey by automotive.
Constructed on the facet of the River Irthing Gorge, Birdoswald Roman Fort provided a robust strategic defence to the Roman Empire 2,000 years in the past and you’ll nonetheless see a number of the ruins to today.
The excavated ruins of the fort provides you with a glimpse of how meticulous Roman engineering was. Plus, it’s the place the place the longest steady stretch of Hadrian’s Wall could be discovered!
5.) Guildhall Museum
Listed as a Grade I Historical Monument, the Guildhall Museum is a historic constructing courting again to the 14th century. Situated proper throughout the metropolis centre, it’s a museum that’s nice to go to for a lowdown of the historical past and tradition of Carlisle.
After arriving, you’ll get to wander across the rooms and displays, too. You’ll get to see every thing from the Shoemaker’s Room (that appears like a ship’s cabin) to the Butcher’s Room (which has a stunning Victorian inside).
It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Carlise that’s indoors. That is particularly good should you get caught out in a little bit drizzle!
Afterwards, take a stroll by means of Bitts Park which is a good way to work up an urge for food earlier than dinner.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Northern England to go to
6.) Dive into the parks
Simply 9 miles out of Carlisle, the Watchtree Nature Reserve is completely attractive. Actually, it’s the biggest man-made reserve in all of Europe, with lush meadows sprawled over 200 acres of land!
Although don’t let the truth that it’s man-made put you off, it’s beautiful. It attracts a heap of animals and now serves as a haven to an assortment of species. While right here, you would possibly spot You’ll be able to spot brown hares, birds, moths, and dragonflies within the space, in addition to about 23 endangered species, together with the Nice Crested Newt.
If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, keep inside Carlise and head throughout to Rickerby Park.
Right here, you’ll have the ability to for a stroll across the trails following the River Eden. You would possibly even spot the 1800s folly that’s simply past the Rickerby Retreat!
7.) Solway Aviation Museum
So, Aviation fanatics might be in for a deal with on the Solway Aviation Museum! If that’s you, you’re gonna love this place. If not, you would possibly wanna give it a miss.
Situated at Carlisle Lake District Airport, this museum homes an interesting assortment of plane. You’ll be able to see an Avro Vulcan B.2, a Sikorsky Whirlwind helicopter, a Hawker Hunter, and an English Electrical Canberra up shut.
There may be additionally a number of navy data obtainable on the Solway Aviation Museum. As you tour round, you’ll find out about how Martin-Baker ejection seats work and the way the Blue Streak medium-range ballistic missile was developed.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Northern England to go to
8.) Settle-Carlisle Railway
Fancy a very distinctive expertise, ebook your self on the Settle-Carlisle Railway which swings by means of the Yorkshire Dales and a number of the most superb surroundings in all of Northern England. That is the type of prepare line you’re taking for its journey.
For us, we’d advocate getting the Day Ranger prepare ticket on the prepare station. This lets you hop on and off as many instances as you’d like for the day – which is nice for exploring.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do within the Lake District
13 Greatest Issues To Do In The Lake District
