Carlisle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo by Martin Whittle
Located near the English-Scottish border, Carlisle is often referred to as the Border City, and is the main shopping, commercial and industrial centre in Cumbria.

With a wealth of historic and modern attractions, Carlisle is a popular destination for a short weekend break. It is the perfect location to explore the North of England and greater Cumbria. You’ll find a wide selection of accommodation types to choose from, including some local hotels and B&B’s, though why not spoil yourself and stay in a luxurious Lakeland Spa, perfect to relax and be pampered in.

Marvel at Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is widely regarded as the most important defensive structure built by the Romans in Britain and today still evokes a strong sense of standing on the edge of a great empire. Spanning 86 miles in length and running through Carlisle, there are many wonderful sights to be viewed from the forts and viewing areas. Famous throughout the world, no trip to Carlisle would be complete without taking a day trip to Hadrian’s Wall.

Carlisle Castle is an attraction not to be missed. Standing within Carlisle, this great medieval fortress has watched over the city for over nine centuries and offers a great opportunity to look back in history at the city’s main defence.

Located near the southern edge of the city is Carlisle Citadel, made up of two imposing drum towers. In the 1800’s it is believed the west tower held criminals, whilst the east tower held civil trials.

Take the whole family to the scenic Talkin Tarn Park with its walking trails it is popular with dog lovers and there’s plenty of green for young children to play in. Throughout the summer months the lake is used for water sports, which are popular during this time.

Visit Cumbria

While staying in Carlisle explore what else Cumbria has to offer. Cumbria had twelve abbeys and priories during the middle ages, as well as four friaries, but today none remain intact. Still, you can take a step back in time and explore the ruins in the popular medieval village of Cartmel.

Explore Cartmel Priory a simple beautiful priory with some great examples of Norman architecture. This large priory in the small village of Cartmel does not disappoint in terms of structure with beautiful carved effigy of a knight and his lady, coupled with interesting wall plaques and floor tomb stones.

Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the North Pennines is one of England’s most special locations. Expansive countryside of heather moors and peatlands, with lush green dales as far as the eye can see.

Where to stay in Carlisle

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Belle Vue

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Belle Vue and surrounding area, you can visit Magic Castle and Carlisle Cathedral.

Belle Vue
Crown and Mitre Hotel
Crown and Mitre Hotel
3 out of 5
4 English Street, Carlisle, England
The price is ₹7,552 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
₹7,552
₹9,062 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carlisle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great hotel with a great location"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Crown and Mitre Hotel
Ox Hotel Carlisle
Ox Hotel Carlisle
3 out of 5
HIlltop Heights, London Rd, Carlisle, England
The price is ₹4,437 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
₹4,437
₹5,324 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carlisle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (78 reviews)
Fabulous
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Ox Hotel Carlisle
Carlisle Station Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by BW
Carlisle Station Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by BW
4 out of 5
Court Square, Carlisle, England
The price is ₹4,809 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
₹4,809
₹5,771 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carlisle. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Useful for town"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Carlisle Station Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by BW
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Halston
The Halston
4 out of 5
20-34 Warwick Rd, Carlisle, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Carlisle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (235 reviews)
"We stayed 1 night. Our studio--sitting room, large bathroom, and bedroom--was very spacious with many amenities: coffee/water/materials for eating in. Well appointed--comfortable mattress, beautiful bedding, great bathroom--comfortable couch and small table for eating. Excellent value. More than ..."

Reviewed on 14 Sep 2024

The Halston
The Old Wool House Apartments
The Old Wool House Apartments
3.5 out of 5
2 Crosby Street, Carlisle, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Carlisle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and premium bedding. Popular attractions Green Market and Carlisle Guildhall ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
"Central location. Fixtures and fittings first rate. Comfortable bed. Parking reasonably close. We will return. Can’t say fairer than that."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

The Old Wool House Apartments
Portland View
Portland View
3.5 out of 5
22 Cecil Street, Carlisle, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Carlisle. Enjoy dry cleaning or laundry services, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Green Market and ...
2/10 (3 reviews)
DISGRACE
"Didn't actually manage to stay here and had to book alternative accommodation at short notice. Despite checking in online earlier that morning and advising of expected arrival time, I didn't receive the code for the lock box and all attempts at contacting the host failed, no response to phone calls ..."

Reviewed on 29 Feb 2024

Portland View
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Carlisle

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
51
" "5 - Excellent 24.170616113744074%
4 - Good
112
" "4 - Good 53.08056872037915%
3 - Okay
43
" "3 - Okay 20.379146919431278%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 1.8957345971563981%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.47393364928909953%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

This hotel was i the centre close to castle and bars and restaurant

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Old fire station great venue for concert.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

no just passing thru

5/5 - Excellent

Michelle

Short distance from Wetheral train station to Carlisle and hotel.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Thoroughly

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Hotel was SUPER NOISY!! Doors were practically nonexistent because you could hear a pin drop in the hall way... but was more regularly drunk teenagers shouting in the corridors.

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