Carlisle: History Meets Contemporary
Along with being known as one of the most historically significant cities in the UK, Carlisle is today recognised as north Cumbria’s central hub for all things commercial, cultural and industrial. From heritage sites, such as Carlisle Castle to being a haven for shopping, the area has a healthy variety of things to do. So, whether your trip is simply an overnight stay at a business hotel or a week-long break with the family, the city is a great destination choice for all kinds of travellers!
Discovering History
With a rich background that dates back to well beyond the Roman times, you shouldn’t be surprised to know that Carlisle has a copious number of historical sites and attractions to explore. This is evidenced by the beautiful Carlisle Cathedral. Although not the largest or most well-known structure of its type in England, the stunning design and history of this cathedral – which dates back to almost 900 years ago – continues to delight visitors. The world-famous Hadrian’s Wall passes through the city and is certainly worth discovering, while the marvellous Carlisle Castle has been a focal point of the area since 1092! And for a further dose of information in an interesting setting, the city also contains numerous museums. Some of the most acclaimed include the Solway Aviation Museum, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life and Tullie House – the latter of which is an award-winning attraction that houses contemporary art and historic collections within a family-friendly setting.
Fun for All
Away from the enticement of historical attractions, there are also plenty of other activities available in Carlisle that will delight visitors of all ages and dispositions. Although it is positioned outside the city centre, Talkin Tarn Park is a popular destination for locals and travellers alike. This expansive and picturesque park features ancient woodlands, farmland and a 65-acre lake – ensuring a wealth of outdoor activities can be enjoyed! Another highly regarded attraction situated on the outskirts of Carlisle is Walby Farm Park, where family fun – with outdoor activities, animals to befriend and Cumbria’s largest indoor play area – is the order of the day. Exhilarating activities can be further experienced at the Eden Rock, where visitors can attempt rock climbing and bouldering, while the Watchtree Nature Reserve is the ideal place to get away from it all, in a scenic setting. And if you fancy a flutter whilst watching some horseracing, the Carlisle Racecourse is one of the best venues in the region.
Shopping Delight
Who doesn’t enjoy a spot of shopping when they’re travelling for pleasure? Well if you are of the same mindset and want to bring back your memories in the form of trinkets and gifts, there is certainly not a lack of shopping experiences provided by Carlisle. Thanks to its compact nature, getting around the city’s high street and the retailers that populate it is a simple affair. From well-known franchises to one of a kind boutique stores, there is a tantalising mix of opportunities to purchase treats. And when it comes to items you can buy, there is essentially no limit to what you can acquire – whether it is luxury jewellery or the daily essentials! And if you want to find somewhere that has all the shops you could need under one roof; The Lanes Shopping Centre is the destination in Carlisle. This shopping centre boasts approximately 70 stores, and those include a number of large retailers.
Food & Drink
While hotels might have their own convenient dining options available, it is always best to explore the area to gain a greater appreciation for the cuisine served up by a city. Thankfully in the case of Carlisle, you have an abundance of choices when it comes to tucking into some scrumptious food. With over 250 eateries to pick from – and with many of those located in the city centre – virtually every kind of budget and taste can be covered. Feel peckish for some traditional Italian cuisine? How about hearty British dishes? Or maybe something more exotic like Greek or Thai cooking? All of this – and much more – can be found when eating out in the area. Once you’ve finished with your evening meal, Carlisle is also home to an exciting nightlife scene. From charming pubs to lively and eccentric bars, there is a wide selection of places to get a late-night drink and celebrate the night away.