Carlisle is renowned as the border city of England and the last English city before stepping over into Scotland. The historic city is filled with Roman legacy, medieval landmarks, and beautiful architecture that people come from far and near to visit. Its location near the Lake District and other beautiful regions in Cumbria also adheres the city to several vacationers.
Although officially recognised as the largest city in Cumbria, Carlisle still manages to retain the close communal feel of a market town. It is a city where history, legacy, community, and modern comforts mix together to create a quiet, peaceful city.
Best Hotels in Carlisle
1. The Halston
2. Willowbeck Lodge Country Boutique
3. Abbey Court Guesthouse
4. Crown and Mitre Hotel
5. Cumbria Park Hotel
5 Best Hotels in Carlisle
If you are visiting, here are some of the best hotels to stay at for the best comfort and a home-away-from-home experience in Carlisle.
1. The Halston
One of the most conducive places to stay when in Carlisle is the Halston Hotel. This former post office turned service apartment/hotel combines historic architecture and modern facilities to stand out as a top choice. Located in the heart of Carlisle, Halston is as resourceful as any hotel can be. For its decor, it is a seamless match of exposed brickwork, velvet seating, polished concrete, and great lighting. Meanwhile, its bars (the hotel features two), restaurant_Penny Blue, hotel gym, event centers, and new townhouse mean that it has got convenience right in front of you.
The rooms and apartments are clean, minimalist, and thoughtfully designed, all functionality, no fluff, but still very comfortable. The room layouts are very spacious, including a living area with the whole TV, couch, dining table and open plan kitchen, complete with dishwashers, ovens, kettle and toasters, pot and pans and every appliance that a mini-kitchen should have, The hotel is especially well-suited for longer stays, families, or smaller groups who like a bit more room to spread out than a typical hotel room. That said, couples and younger travellers also love it for its comfort and unbeatable location.
Speaking of unbeatable location, Halston is situated just a stone’s throw away from the train station. It is also just a few steps from the cathedral, castle, shops, restaurants, and many of Carlisle’s sights. This makes it a great base for a place to crash while exploring the city. Guests also love the fact that they can bring their pet along to the hotel for just a token.
While the central setting and the fact that it is an event venue do mean you might hear some noise, its convenience outweighs that trade-off.
Location: 20 – 34 Warwick Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £155 – £250
2. Willowbeck Lodge Country Boutique
If you want something far from the hustle and bustle of city life and more serene, then Willowbeck Lodge is your stop. It is a beautiful, peaceful lodge that offers an escape just beyond the Carlisle city limits. The secluded lodge is set inside large, impressive grounds in front of a quiet natural pond often visited by local wildlife, including kingfishers and otters.
The Lodge has just ten individually styled en-suite rooms, many overlooking the pond and surrounding grounds. The rooms have all the necessities that make a stay enjoyable; a TV, state-of-the-art bathroom, space, and some even have a mini kitchenette or terrace. Willowbeck is perfect for couples on their honeymoon or anniversary, or solo travellers just looking to unwind.
Guests have access to warm, personalised service and a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast. During the course of their stay, they can dine in the on-site restaurant, Finis Kitchen, for delicious Cumbrian dishes in an elegant but laid-back dining space. There is also a cosy bar that adds to the relaxed, home-away-from-home feel. Despite its countryside setting, Willowbeck Lodge is just a short drive from Carlisle, making it a convenient base for exploring the city, Hadrian’s Wall, or even the Lake District.
Location: Willowbeck Lodge, Lambley Bank, Scotsby, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £130- £350
3. Abbey Court Guesthouse
For a more budget-friendly option when visiting Carlisle, the Abbey Court Guesthouse is one of the top names on the list. The hotel is currently run by the friendly and attentive couple of Kelly and David inside a beautiful and refurbished Victorian building.
The family-owned B&B has earned a reputation over the years as one of the most popular bed and breakfasts in the city. Their loyal following is a result of their warm hospitality, spotless rooms, and generous, full English breakfasts that come with the stay. The breakfasts are usually made-to-order and accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal meals.
The rooms at Abbey Court are always clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated. There are the simple but very cozy single rooms with ceiling windows that let in the sun, to the family quadruple rooms_complete with a king-sized bed and cute built-in bunk beds for kids. There is also an apartment suite with a kitchenette and living area, perfect for those who prefer to cook meals for themselves.
While the hotel is a relatively small property, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm and genuine care. The hotel is located just a short walk from the train station and many of Carlisle’s main sights, making Abbey Court a convenient and affordable base to stay while exploring the city. You don’t have to think too much about food, good security, or service as the guesthouse has got it all sorted out for you already.
Location: 22 – 26 London Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £70 – £180
4. Crown and Mitre Hotel
The Crown and Mitre Hotel is a historic hotel in Carlisle that blends classic Edwardian grandeur with modern comfort. A short stroll from both the cathedral and Carlisle Castle, its location serves as one of its biggest draws for tourists visiting the border city. The hotel is perfect for exploring the city on foot and having a quick place to crash.
The hotel still retains much of its original architectural features, with high ceilings, period decor, and a traditional interior that highlights its creation in a far more glamorous era. While some parts of the décor may feel a little dated, in that historic way, the overall experience at the Crown and Mitre is always welcoming.
The hotel has approximately 91 rooms ranging from suites to single rooms. It in total contains 6 club rooms, 2 junior suites, and an additional 2 suites. There are also several family rooms that can comfortably accommodate 5 members, making it a hit amongst families on vacation. The rooms are very spacious and always clean, and the service is always top-notch.
Guests can also enjoy several on-site amenities that come with staying at the hotel, including a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. There is complimentary parking, a huge bonus in the central location that is Carlisle(though spaces can be limited). Due to its affordability and convenience, Crown and Mitre is a popular choice for those who want easy access to Carlisle’s key sights while enjoying the characteristics of a heritage property.
Location: English Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £45 – £100
5. Best Hotels in Carlisle: Cumbria Park Hotel
The Cumbria Park Hotel is located north of Carlisle’s historic centre. Set partly inside a line-up of converted Victorian terraces on the site of an old Roman fort, the hotel is rich in history and heritage, but is as updated and modern as can be. Its space and prestige make it a sought-after choice for both leisure and business travellers.
The hotel’s recent refurbishments have brought a fresh feel to the reception and lounge areas, making them more stylish and elegant. Meanwhile, the 56 fully furnished rooms available for guests range from compact single rooms to superior doubles with balconies. If you prefer something with a little more space, the Rickerby Suite offers the extra touch you desire. Every room is usually clean and homely, equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay.
The in-house facilities cater to all kinds of needs that a traveller might have. There is free on-site parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flexible dining options to suit different schedules. Hadrian’s Bar is the hotel’s relaxing joint for a spot of local ale or cocktail, while the breakfast is usually served buffet-style with cooked-to-order options and dietary needs happily accommodated.
One great perk of Cumbria Park is its location. A mile away from the cathedral, castle, and museum, it is easy to explore the city on foot. You can also quickly access the M6 for day trips to Hadrian’s Wall, the Lake District, or southern Scotland. For those arriving by train, Carlisle station is pretty close by.
While Cumbria Park doesn’t aim for high-end luxury, it delivers where it matters: clean, spacious rooms, hearty food, genuine hospitality, and great value for money.
Location: 18 – 32, Scotland Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £95 – £200
Conclusion
Accommodation at Carlisle is some of the best in the Cumbria district. Many of them blend history, legacy, and modern facilities for the best comfort that money can buy. They make for the best places to crash while enjoying day and night trips exploring England’s border city.
