Carlisle is a compact city and is a great destination for a day-out or to use as a base for exploring the local area. A pedestrianised city centre hosts events Carlisle city centrethroughout the year including international and local markets complimenting the range of retail outlets in the city centre and The Lanes Shopping Centre.  

Many visitor attractions are within easy walking distance of the railway station.

Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Castle is situated in the heart of the city, near the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall, where it has stood for well over 900 years. Due to its proximity to the Scottish border, the Castle has often been the centerpiece of many of many feuds and wars between the two countries. Founded in 1092, it was once the prison of Mary, Queen of Scots. Bonnie Prince Charlie captured the Castle in 1745. Close by is the Citadel, built by Henry VIII.

Today you can visit the Castle to discover its rich history in greater detail as well as Cumbria's Museum of Military Life. Inside the Castle walls you can also explore the medieval castle rooms and walk some of the walls.

The Castle is a English Heritage property and is free admission for English Heritage members. 

Postcode : CA3 8UR

Opening Times:          Weekdays: 10:00 – 18:00          Weekends 10:00 – 16:00

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Carlisle Cathedral

The magnificent cathedral was first constructed in 1122 and was used as an Augustinian priory until 1133 when it became a Cathedral. Carlisle cathedral holds the title of England’s 2nd smallest cathedral. Worship is on offer here every day of the year welcoming visitors of all faiths. There are many interesting features that you can view throughout the Cathedral including the largest flowing decorated gothic window in England and the beautiful blue and gold barrel vaulted choir ceiling . Work has commenced on the Fratery project at the Cathedral; this will create a new cultural hub and cafe.

The Cathedral is usually open daily from 7:30am until 6:15pm Monday to Friday and 7:30am until 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday.

7 Abbey St, Carlisle CA3 8TZ

The award winning Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

with its innovative Millennium Gallery, is situated close to the Cathedral. The Museum displays many Roman artefacts found in the local area as well as an extensive collection of railway exhibits.

Parks

Within easy walking distance of the railway station, you can visit parks in the city.  Bitts Park with formal gardens, riverside walks, play area for children and sports facilities is a great place to visit.

Carlisle Racecourse

Hosts horse racing meetings throughout the year - both flat and over the jumps.  To find out more, click the image below.  Buses operate from the bus stops opposite the railway station to the racecourse.

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Check out the Carlisle's website for information about events in the city

Walks

The City Council's website provides information about local walks and parks

Transport Integration

Good news - more services along the Tyne Valley Railway from 19 May 2019 - see the new departure times above.
Carlisle has great transport links with two services an hour to Newcastle and easy connections services on the west coast main line from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and elsewhere in the country.  Other scenic rail routes operate from Carlisle - you can can a trip along the Cumbria Coast line or on the Settle-Carlisle railway. Information about rail services to/from Carlisle.  are available by clicking the links below:

Carlisle Lake District Airport is due to open to commercial flights during summer 2019 and it is just a taxi-ride between the railway station and airport.

There are very regular bus services within the city and the local area with bus stops almost on the doorstep of the railway station.  Through the summer months, you can take the bus and travel through northern Lakeland to Keswick. For details of buses operating within city and beyond, click here.

Taxi ranks can be found just across the road from the station.

If you are travelling to the area by road, there is an excellent road network with the M6, A69, major routes to West Cumbria converging at Carlisle.