Local attractions

Carlisle lies at the heart of a wealth of historic and modern attractions. From Roman civitas to Norman stronghold, medieval market town to contemporary city, Carlisle offers a huge choice of attractions to enjoy, including museums, art galleries, national sporting events, outdoor and indoor recreation, heritage tours, award-winning parks, nature reserves and relaxing open spaces.

Attraction

Hadrian's Wall

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.

Find out about Hadrian's Wall (external link)

Hadrian's Wall

Carlisle Castle

Standing strongly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle was a constantly updated working fortress until well within living memory. Now its rich and varied visitor attractions reflect its long and eventful history. Even before the medieval castle was begun, this site was an important Roman fortress.

Find out about Carlisle Castle (external link)

Carlisle Castle
Birdoswald Roman Fort

Birdoswald is the perfect place to stop for a family day out or if you're walking or cycling along Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria. Extensive remains of the Roman Fort can be explored and the longest continuous remaining stretch of this magnificent World Heritage Site can be seen here.

Find out about Birdoswald Roman Fort (external link)

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Carlisle Cathedral

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.

Find out more about Carlisle Cathedral (external link)

Carlisle Cathedral. Photo: D&H Photographers

Carlisle Citadel

The two imposing drum towers, prominently located at the southern edge of the city centre, are collectively known as the Citadel. In the 1800's, the west tower held criminal trials and the east tower held civil trials, though these courts no longer take place in the Citadel.

Find out more about Carlisle Citadel (external link)

Carlisle Citadel. Photo: Grahame Peacock
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

Tullie House is Carlisle’s finest visitor attraction and boasts a wide range of feature, exhibitions and artifacts all brought together in one impressive museum and art gallery.

Visit the Tullie House & Art Gallery (external link) website

Tullie House Gardens

Parks and Gardens

Carlisle's award-winning parks are ideal places to relax, get active with a game of football or tennis, or discover more about the fascinating history of the city.

For more information, please see Parks and open spaces.

Carlisle's award-winning parks

Sands Centre

The Sands Centre is the premier venue for sport, recreation and cultural entertainment in Carlisle, offering a diverse range of activities and fitness facilities for all ages and abilities. The centre also plays host to international orchestras, theatre and opera companies, dance and ballet groups, and well-known recording artists and comedians.

Visit the Sands Centre (external link) website.

Sands Centre

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Contact us

 01228 817000

Carlisle City Council
Civic Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria,
CA3 8QG