Carlisle is the one and only historical city on the northern edge of Cumbria. The city is a cultural gateway between England and Scotland, situated so close to the Scottish border, it could be Scotland. Carlisle also offers convenient access to some of the most beautiful and must-visit tourist sights in the United Kingdom, such as the Lake District National Park and the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall
The history of Carlisle stretches back over two millennia and has a legacy the city wears with pride. The Roman settlement formerly known as Luguvalium has several Roman fortifications that still leave their mark around the city. However, as much as the city is known for its heritage, its cobbled streets and youthful energy also give off contemporary and modern charm.
10 Fun Things to Do in Carlisle
1. Walk the Length of the Hadrian Wall
2. Check out Carlisle Castle
3. Visit Carlisle Cathedral
4. Stroll Across Rickerby Park
5. Visit Tullie Museum and Art Gallery
6. Get some Biscuits at McVities
7. Stand in awe in front of Dixon’s Chimney
8. Visit Carlisle Citadel
9. Experience Military History In Cumbria’s Military Museum
10. Go Shopping at the Lane Center
Fun Things to Do in Carlisle
Here is a list of some of the most fun activities to try out when in Carlisle
1. Walk the Length of the Hadrian Wall
No trip to the city of Carlisle is complete without walking along the legendary pathway of Hadrian’s Wall. The said wall spanning about 73 miles across northern England is an ancient Roman frontier and a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wall remains one of the most compelling historical and longest landmarks in the United Kingdom. While tackling the entire trail is a feat reserved for dedicated hikers, several easily walkable sections near Carlisle offer a rewarding part of its grandeur.
The West Wall marks the westernmost reaches of Hadrian’s Wall. It is still the most intact part of the original city fortifications from the ancient Roman era. Many parts of the wall still cut across Carlisle and lead to other older parts of the city, like the castle and citadel. Instead of taking a train or a cab, you can walk along the wall path while on your way to other sights. The scenery, the solitude, and the sheer historical highlight of it all make it an experience that lingers long after the hike is over.
2. Check out Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle is a 900-year-old castle that towers over the Carlisle city skyline. The castle not only stands as a powerful symbol of Northern England’s turbulent history but also features in many of the events that happened during the period. Built in the 11th century by William II, the formidable fortress weathered centuries of conflict and served as a key military outpost in the long and very complicated relationship between England and Scotland.
A visit to the castle will have you wandering through stone corridors and climbing weathered ramparts. You will find yourself immersed in tales of sieges and rebellions, and royal intrigues and court politics. Among its most interesting stories, though, is the fortress being the place of imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots in 1567 by Elizabeth I. A significant point in English and Scottish history, and a poignant reminder of the castle’s deep political significance.
Visitors can also explore everything in the castle, from eerie dungeons featuring mysterious carvings to ancient guardrooms. You can walk the grounds where Queen Mary walked during her confinement, called the Lady’s Walk, or attend exhibitions that shed light on both medieval life during this time and Carlisle’s enduring strategic role in the stories.
Location: Castleway, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
3. Visit Carlisle Cathedral
The Carlisle Cathedral is located in the heart of Carlisle, at the border of England and Scotland. The cathedral offers a place of beauty and a moment of stillness amid the bustle of city life. The cathedral might be one of England’s smaller medieval cathedrals and less popular ones, but it has as much history, beauty, and reverence as all the rest. Founded in 1122, the 900-year-old Carlisle Cathedral is both a spiritual sanctuary and an architectural masterpiece.
The building has breathtaking stained-glass windows, beautifully carved choir stalls, and a spectacular vaulted ceiling overhead. The craftsmanship on display is nothing short of extraordinary, something a camera cannot fully capture. The combination of Norman solidity and Gothic structures makes every corner of the cathedral worth a second glance.
If you are a history lover, an admirer of architecture, or simply in search of a serene space to reflect, and you are in Carlisle, the cathedral is the place to be. If you also have the chance, attending a service can add another layer to the experience, reminding you that the building isn’t just another relic of the past, but an active, beloved part of Carlisle’s community.
Location: The Abbey, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
4. Stroll Across Rickerby Park
Rickerby Park is one of Carlisle’s most beautiful green spaces, in a city filled with numerous natural landscapes. The park is located north-east of Carlisle’s city center and was opened in 1932 as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the Great War. Today, it serves as both a tribute and a beautiful, quiet haven stretching along the River Eden from Eden Bridge.
You can enter the park through several entrances, through the beautiful Eden Bridge Gardens, on foot, or by car from Brampton Road, Linstock, or St Aidan’s Road, where a suspension bridge links the park to the opposite bank. Whichever route you choose, you can be sure you will be greeted by open parkland, trees, and often the errant grazing sheep and cattle, adding to the pastoral calm.
The place is an ideal spot for a picnic or a simple leisurely hangout with family and friends for small celebrations or a day out. There is also the added benefit of several footpaths and a riverside trail that invites gentle walks along the River Eden. For hikers and history buffs, it is also worth noting that part of Hadrian’s Wall National Trail passes through the park.
Location: Rickerby Park, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
5. Visit Tullie Museum and Art Gallery
Tullie, formerly known as Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, is widely regarded as the Carlisle cultural crown jewel. In existence for over 120 years, the museum’s modern extension contrasts beautifully with its older counterpart. The beautiful museum is located inside a Grade I-listed house, with a Jacobean staircase and 17th-century architecture, a fitting home for its standout collection of Pre-Raphaelite art.
It houses one of the largest purpose-built contemporary art spaces in North England, regularly hosting exhibitions for both local talent and global names. There is always something fresh on display, from classical painting to experimental installations.
The museum is a perfect combination of ancient, natural, and modern objects residing in the same space. History buffs will appreciate the museum’s expansive collection of artefacts from the Stone Age through to the medieval era. Meanwhile, the Roman Frontier Gallery shines the spotlight on Carlisle’s pivotal role at the western edge of Hadrian’s Wall. Of course, there are also several archaeological collections featuring objects from the Roman, Celtic, Viking all through the Middle Ages.
There is also an on-site café that offers a cozy spot to recharge after all the sightseeing and exploration, and a gift shop full of locally made crafts and souvenirs.
Location: Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
6. Get Some Biscuits At Carr (McVities) Factory
You know those Hobnobs, Jeffers Cake, and Digestives, you gobble up? Yes, they were most likely made in the Carr factory. The Carr factory in Carlisle, now called the McVities Biscuit Factory, is the oldest biscuit factory in the world. The factory was established in 1831 and has since been one of the best-selling biscuit makers in the United Kingdom.
While visitors are not allowed into the factory itself, you can view it from outside and just smell the cooking biscuits. As a perk, you might even be able to get some of the biscuits that are broken or misspelled at cheaper prices in its store. If you love biscuits, especially McVities, then this is something to try, for sure.
Location: 54, Church Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
7. Stand in Awe in Front of Dixon’s Chimney
The Dixon Chimney might not be at the very top of your list of places to visit or something you even expect to find in Carlisle. However, the Chimney has become one of the city’s most distinctive and unexpectedly iconic landmarks. Why? The Chimney rises above the Carlisle skyline at an eye-catching 290 feet (formerly 305 feet), making it one of the tallest chimneys in the world at the time. The Chimney was originally built as part of the Shaddon Mill cotton factory in 1836. Although you can’t climb or tour the interior, standing beneath is a reminder of Carlisle’s Victorian-era engineering and Industrial might.
Location: Shaddongate, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
8. Visit the Carlisle Citadel
If you are arriving in Carlisle by train, it’s hard to miss the silhouette that is the Carlisle Citadel. Located at the southern entrance to the city, the twin-towered fortress dates back to the 16th century, commissioned by Henry VIII. The fortress was built as part of his reforms to English military defenses against Scotland.
Over the next couple of centuries, the Citadel has worn many hats. It has served as a military garrison, prison, courthouse, and the base for local council offices. Today, the historic structures have taken on a new role as part of the University of Cumbria. While you can’t wander inside freely, you can book a tour to explore the Citadel up close and inside. Although the fortress has undergone numerous restructurings, it still holds some of its original architectural structure.
Location: 91, English Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
9. Experience Military History In Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life
If you love a tale of military might, failure, and success, then Cumbria’s Military Museum is a must-visit for you. The museum explores Carlisle’s military heritage, with a focus on the local regiments that have served across centuries and continents. Especially during the Great War.
Here, you get to view the personal side of war history, told through the uniforms worn in battle, weapons carried across harsh terrain, medals earned, and letters sent from the front lines. You also want to miss several posters inviting the men to join the war. Each exhibit sheds light on military campaigns as much as the lives of the soldiers who lived through them. It silently conveys their challenges, achievements, and the communities they came from.
Location: The Castle, Alma Block, Castle Way, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
10. Go Shopping at the Lane Center
After a day spent exploring castles, cathedrals, and riverside trails, enjoy a little retail therapy in Lane Shopping Centre. The covered shopping center is located in the middle of Carlisle, with over 70 shops with a solid mix of well-known brands and independent shops.
You can find everything from high-fashion stores to cosy cafeshops, and you can visit both for practical purchases and casual browsing. It’s also a great place to recharge after all the exploring; grab a snack, do a bit of people-watching, or pick up a souvenir to remember your time in the city.
Location: Globe Lane, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Conclusion
Carlisle is one of those rare places where the past and present intertwine effortlessly. From exploring ancient Roman ground to visiting a 900-year-old cathedral in the middle of a bustling street. One minute, you are sure you’ve been transported to the past, the next, you’re sipping coffee in a modern café or strolling through a riverside park. With its history, cultural charm, and beautiful English landscapes, Carlisle is a historic city not to miss.
