What to do in Carlisle

Activities, attractions and tours

driving early morning and this happened just outside of carlise.
Carlisle Market Hall is a market hall located in Carlisle, Cumbria, England. It was built between 1887-1889 is one of the few covered Victorian markets remaining in the country. It has been used as a concert venue; notable past performers include Uriah Heep, Iron Maiden, Genesis, AC/DC, The Who. #LikeALocal #OnTheRoad
In the background is Hadrian's Wall, also called the Roman Wall, was a defensive fortification in the Roman province of Britannia, begun in AD 122 in the reign of the emperor Hadrian. A significant portion of the wall still stands and can be followed on foot along the adjoining Hadrian's Wall Path. The largest Roman artefact anywhere, it runs a total of 84 miles in northern England. Regarded as a British cultural icon, Hadrian's Wall is one of Britain's major ancient tourist attractions. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. #LikeALocal
Eden Bridge Gardens are laid out with planted borders, shrubberies and ornamental ponds, with numerous sitting places for quiet contemplation overlooking the City of Carlisle and the River Eden. Built using unemployed labour in the depression of the 1930’s, these gardens costs just over £3,000, the cost being kept down by the use of reclaimed materials. For some peculiar reason, Eden Bridge Gardens have been known locally for many years as the “Chinese Gardens”, however there is nothing Chinese in the design. The ornamental gardens are laid out with planted borders, shrubberies and ornamental ponds. #LikeALocal #GreatOutdoors Photo
The Castle

Carlisle Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Carlisle has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Carlisle, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Carlisle with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Carlisle

Carlisle is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Carlisle, and make it a breeze to explore Carlisle and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Carlisle to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Carlisle, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Carlisle.

Carlisle attractions

Carlisle has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Carlisle to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Carlisle.

Looking for things to do in Carlisle can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Carlisle or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Carlisle attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Carlisle

Popular places to visit

The Castle

Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Castle is just one of the places to see in Carlisle, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

Carlisle Castle
Lovely garden

Bitts Park

Explore the great outdoors at Bitts Park, a lovely green space in Carlisle. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Bitts Park
A very small museum most if not all aircraft outside, but does have a Vulcan there

Solway Aviation Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Solway Aviation Museum during your trip to Irthington. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

Solway Aviation Museum

Carlisle Cathedral

Carlisle Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Carlisle, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Carlisle Cathedral

Carlisle Racecourse

You can take time to visit Carlisle Racecourse during your travels to St Cuthbert Without. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Carlisle Racecourse

The Sands Centre

Enjoy a stop at The Sands Centre, an entertaining place to visit in Carlisle. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

The Sands Centre

Walby Farm Park

Bring the family to Walby Farm Park and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Stanwix Rural.

Walby Farm Park

Magic Castle

Enjoy a stop at Magic Castle, an entertaining place to visit in Carlisle. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

Magic Castle

Brunton Park

Catch an event at Brunton Park during your trip to Carlisle. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

Brunton Park

Explore areas of 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 Bitts Park and Magic Castle.

Belle Vue

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Carlisle

There has been a church on the site in Hexham, England, for over 1300 years since Etheldreda, Queen of Northumbria made a grant of lands to Wilfrid, Bishop of York. Of Wilfrid's Benedictine abbey, which was constructed almost entirely of material salvaged from nearby Roman ruins. The Abbey was built up during the 12th Century into its current form, with additions around the turn of the 20th Century. #LikeALocal #OnTheRoad

Hexham

Red ruins of a Castle in the market town of Penrith. There's also a park with bandstand & cafe.

Penrith

Photograph of St John's Church, Crosby-on-Eden, Cumbria, England
Photo by David Purchase (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Crosby-on-Eden

Greatna Green

Gretna

A static light lighthouse, would make an ideal foreground for Astro or LE startrail shots, taken 7th Aug around 9pm and the sun was setting directly behind it, in line with my position.

Wigton

Irthing river panorama - Along the Hadrian's wall between Brampton - Wallton and Gilsland - Cumbria - Northumberland - England - UK

Brampton

Hesket, UK

Southwaite

Entrance to Broom Rigg
Photo by Trevor Harris (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Ainstable

Frequently asked questions

Is Carlisle worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Carlisle is visit Carlisle Castle. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then discover more of this area's golfing and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Carlisle?
Carlisle Castle and Magic Castle are two excellent places to start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Carlisle while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carlisle?
Carlisle Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Carlisle and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Carlisle?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Carlisle Castle, Magic Castle and Solway Aviation Museum with a three-day stay in Carlisle. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Keswick.
Is Carlisle a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Carlisle. Several leading attractions, like Carlisle Castle, are reachable on foot. If you feel like a stroll through one of Carlisle's cool neighbourhoods, Harker is 5 kms (3 miles) away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Carlisle with kids?
Planning what to do in Carlisle with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Carlisle for adults?
Carlisle Masjid is one of the main things to do in Carlisle. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Carlisle?
In Carlisle, Solway Aviation Museum is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local parks and neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Carlisle.

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