Regardless of whether you’re visiting for work or to hike along the ancient Hadrian’s Wall Path, there are plenty of reasons to travel by train to Carlisle. Want to save yourself money and stress at the station? Book cheap train tickets to Carlisle today with TransPennine Express, either online or on our app.
As well as a taxi stand right outside the entrance. you’ll find the Court Square bus station just a five minute walk from the station. You can add a PlusBus pass to your Carlisle train ticket fare for as little as £3. There’s also a station car park and a number of car hire organisations nearby.
Carlisle, the only city in Cumbria, boasts a rich Roman history and industrial past. Reflecting this heritage, it has a host of museums and is also only a short hop from UNESCO Heritage site Hadrian’s Wall. As a border town, it holds the record as the UK’s most besieged city – nowadays though, you’ll find its doors are wide open. Getting there is easy too, as it’s just 20 minutes from Lockerbie and under two hours from Manchester.
Carlisle Castle has seen its fair share of unwelcome visitors – after all, it has been laid to siege 10 times since it was built in 1093. These days it welcomes visitors to exhibitions exploring its rich history. Castletown House is set in its own grounds overlooking the River Eden – it’s a great place to bring the whole family to let them run around for the day. Visit Birdoswald Roman Fort near Brampton and discover the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall.
Fantails Restaurant can be found in a characterful, 16th-century former blacksmiths’ shop… try the signature Beef Sporran: steak and haggis in puff pastry with whisky and mustard sauce. Chances are you’ll visit Tullie House and if you do, you won’t go far wrong eating at the restaurant there, which is cosy, reasonably-priced and a nice rest for the legs. The Fleece at Ruleholme offers the charm of a Lakeland Inn combined with a touch of modern luxury and serves a range of delicious menus. Penny Blue is conveniently located in the city centre offering a contemporary menu and great choice of cocktails.
For places to stay in Carlisle, you’ll find Ibis, a budget hotel close to the Lanes Shopping Centre in the city centre. For a touch of luxury, The Halston is located in the heart of city and offers a range of aparthotel accommodation. For a 4-star stay, take a 10-minute train journey to Wetheral and stay at the Crown Hotel, which boasts an award-winning restaurant, a leisure centre with a 12-metre pool and – wait for it – its own traditional village pub.
Retail in Carlisle starts at Cumbria’s largest shopping centre The Lanes, which has over 75 shops ranging from local boutiques to high-end high street. Local stalls in a beautiful setting are what you’ll find at the Market Hall – one of the few covered Victorian Markets left in the UK. If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, head to the city centre for the Carlisle Farmers Market where you’ll find local charcuterie, coffee, cheese and ceramics – and that’s just the ‘C’s.
For more ideas on what to do in Carlisle, visit Discover Carlisle.
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