Carlisle

Carlisle in Cumbria is currently benefiting from its status as the largest city in England by area, however the majority of its location is actually rural, making it one of the more picturesque cities in England, as well as the most northerly.

With road links including the M6 and M74, Carlisle is easily accessible from other areas in the UK, but also sits in the ideal spot to explore the rest of the Lakes. The city is a fairly modern creation, but features origins as far back as Roman Britain, featuring a section of Hadrian’s Wall.

Nearby is Birdoswald Roman Fort, one of the prettiest sections of Hadrian’s Wall, which has a lot of great activity days. Carlisle is also home to some great shopping outlets, as well as amazing leisure activities, including golf courses, swimming pools, cycle routes, water sports, fishing, horse riding, bird watching and amazing walks, all in and around the city-centre.

Carlisle Cathedral, Cathedral Office, 7 The Abbey, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 8TZ (01228) 547049
Founded in 1122 in a city renowned for its turbulent history, Carlisle Cathedral has been a venue for daily services for almost 900 years.

Packed with architecture and items of special interest, including 14th Century stained-glass windows and barrel-vaulted painted ceilings, the cathedral contains The Prior’s Kitchen; an undercroft restaurant that was originally the monks’ dining hall.

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 8TP (01228) 618718
Situated in a Grade 1 Listed Jacobean building, Tullie House contains a wide range of fine art, natural and social history artefacts.

There is a changing programme of temporary exhibitions and a purpose-built art gallery that contains 300 square metres of contemporary art.

Solway Aviation Museum, Aviation House, Carlisle Airport, Cumbria CA6 4NW (01228) 573823
With a collection of post-war British jets that entered service with the Royal Air Force, Solway Aviation Museum is run entirely by volunteers.

Now in its 49th year, the museum conducts tours of the aircraft collection and access to a Vulcan Bomber cockpit. Not for those with a fear of heights though!

Carlisle Castle, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 8UR (01228) 625600
Ideally located along the Anglo-Scottish border, Carlisle Castle has had a commanding presence during its 900-year history.

Having also been used as a prison, the castle played temporary host to Mary Queen of Scots during her flight from Scotland.