On a prominent site north of the city centre, Carlisle Castle has played an important role in the history of Carlisle for centuries.
First built by William Rufus (William the Conqueror's son), the castle is strategically located on the border between England and Scotland and has witnessed many attacks over its 900 years of history. In 1306, a parliament was held here by Edward 1 during his Scottish campaign. In 1567 it became a temporary prison for Mary, Queen of Scots, and in 1745 it was a place of incarceration for rebel soldiers loyal to Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite Rebellion.
Carlisle's imposing Cathedral occupies a central position in the heart of the ‘historic quarter'. Built for the glory of God, services have been read and choirs have sung in it for nearly 900 years.
The cathedral was founded in 1122, but has been rebuilt several times; once in 1292 after a devastating fire and again in the 14th century. After the Cromwellian victory of 1645, most of the Norman nave was demolished and the stone used to repair the city's walls and castle. The magnificent east window contains some fine 14th-century stained glass. There are also intricate wood carvings, medieval painted panels and the Brougham Triptych - a Flemish altarpiece dating from the 16th century. In the crypt, the Treasury contains a permanent exhibition on ‘Christianity in Cumbria' and a display of treasures from the Cathedral and parish churches within the diocese.
Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain and still evokes a strong sense of standing on the edge of an empire.
Remains of the stone-built wall and regularly spaced forts, milecastles and turret stations can be seen along most of its 73-mile length, with some of the best examples near Birdoswald Roman fort (approximately 16 miles east of Carlisle).
Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail has been specially devised to follow the course of the Wall, starting from Bowness-on-Solway and ending at Wallsend. For cyclists, Hadrian's Cycleway (National Route 72) tracks the line of Hadrian's Wall and continues down the Cumbrian coast to Ravenglass.
Birdoswald Fort is one of the main forts on Hadrian's Wall and commands stunning views over the Irthing valley to the Lake District Fells.
Recent excavations have uncovered a drill hall, granaries and three gateways to the fort. Interactive displays and various Roman artefacts can be seen in the Visitor Centre, which also contains a model of Hadrian's Wall at its full height. Or see the wall for real, as one of the best preserved sections leads directly from Birdoswald to Willowford Bridge. Delicious cakes and snacks are available from the tearoom or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy in the sheltered courtyard.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is in the heart of Carlisle's historic quarter, and there is no better place to begin exploring the city's fascinating past.
Displays of prehistoric implements and a life-size reconstruction of Hadrian's Wall bring the early history of Carlisle to life. The turbulent lives of the Border Reivers are recounted in a darkly atmospheric audio-visual presentation. Listen to a first-hand account of the appalling conditions endured during the siege of Carlisle in the Civil War, practise writing on a Roman wax tablet or explore an underground mine, among many interactive exhibits.
Houghton Hall garden centre contains one of the most surprising ‘small' attractions in the area - a fascinating world in miniature!
This is one of the world's top collections of miniature pieces, from skilfully crafted antique furniture in tiny room settings to everyday items that can only be recognised with a magnifying glass. It even boasts the smallest teddy bear in the world!
There are over 50 ‘rooms' to peer into and, no matter how many times you return, you will always find something new to marvel at!
The Solway Aviation Museum, on the same site as Carlisle Airport, has an interesting collection of aircraft, aviation artefacts and displays reflecting Britain's contribution to aircraft design since the 1930s.
The exhibits include a DeHavilland Vampire, Sikorsky Helicopter and an English Electric Canberra. You can sit in the cockpit of an impressive Avro Vulcan bomber, discover Britain's part in the space race with the Blue Streak rocket or take a nostalgic journey back to wartime Cumberland and the men and women who served in the RAF during the Second World War.
This attractive medieval building was home to Carlisle's ancient trade guilds and is now a museum of civic history.
The half-timbered building dates from the late 14th century and was built as a private house for Richard of Redness. Richard left the house to the city in his will and it became a meeting point for various trade guilds. Carlisle had 8 of these guilds - for butchers, merchants, cordwainers (shoemakers), glovers (including skinners), smiths, tailors, tanners and weavers, with each using a different room in the Guildhall as a meeting place.
Today, the Guildhall houses treasures such as the great iron-clad chest that stored the city's documents, the medieval stocks and the unique Carlisle Bells (the oldest horseracing prizes in England). Children can experience life in Tudor times by dressing up and trading as a Tudor merchant.
The tranquil setting of Lanercost Priory today belies its turbulent history. Founded by Augustinian canons in 1169, the priory suffered numerous devastating Scottish raids, including one led by Robert the Bruce.
Sited in the beautiful valley of the River Irthing, the priory had access to running water and to Hadrian's Wall, which provided much stonework for the buildings. Unfortunately, the priory was also close to the Scottish border which made it a target for attack. In 1306 Edward I stayed here during his campaign to bring Scotland under English rule, but the expense of looking after the king and his retinue for five months severely depleted the priory's coffers.
Enjoy a fun day at the races in Carlisle with regular flat and National Hunt racing, themed race days and special evening events.
Horse racing in Carlisle dates back to the 16th century when the winning horses were awarded silver bells. The bells, now kept in the Guildhall Museum, are the oldest horse racing trophies in Britain and honoured by the traditional Carlisle Bell races that are a feature of the Carlisle racing calendar to this day.
Visit the official Discover Carlisle website.
