Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Carlisle, UK

Discover the charm and history of Carlisle, the heart of the Scottish Borders.

03 May 2023

Carlisle, located in the scenic county of Cumbria, North West England, is a perfect tourist spot for nature lovers. Famous for its historic castle, museums, and galleries, Carlisle offers a delightful blend of contemporary and traditional architecture. The city has a range of outdoor attractions, including the Lake District National Park, which offers breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, and watersports.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information

Day 1

Exploring the Heart of Carlisle

Hotel: Abbey House Bed and Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Abbey House Bed and Breakfast
Visit the must-see medieval fortress, Carlisle Castle
Head to the Tullie House Museum, which showcases the city's history with artifacts and interactive exhibits
Take a stroll through the beautiful Bitts Park and finish up with a pint of ale at The Thin White Duke, a local institution serving craft beers and live music
For dinner, head to the Foxborough Smokehouse for some delicious American-style BBQ cuisine

Day 2

Discovering Hadrian's Wall

Start early and head to the remains of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall, a short drive or bus ride from Carlisle
Get a guided tour to dig into the history of the wall and learn about the lives of Roman soldiers
Visit the charming towns of Brampton and Haltwhistle nearby for some traditional British food
Drive back to Carlisle and marvel at the Cathedral, an architectural gem in the heart of the city
Head to the Vallum Farm for dinner where you'll experience a farm-to-table feast of locally sourced produce and meat

Day 3

A Day Trip to the Lake District

Get an early start and take a scenic drive to the Lake District, just an hour away from Carlisle
Visit the stunning Lake Windermere and take a boat ride or kayak in the lake
Visit the quaint village of Grasmere and experience the picturesque settings that inspired William Wordsworth's poetry
Stop by the Hawkshead Brewery for some craft beer tasting and delicious pub meals
Drive back to Carlisle and have dinner at the quirky and vibrant The Old Bank City Pub and Chop House

Day 4

Historical Tour of Carlisle

Start the day with breakfast at Hidden River Café, a cozy café near the River Eden
Take a walk on the city walls and admire the view of the city from above
Head to the Guildhall Museum for a glimpse into the political and social history of the city
Visit the Stanwix Arts Theatre and watch a play, or listen to a live concert
For dinner, head to the Thin White Duke again for a taste of their vegan cuisine

Day 5

Exploring Wildlife and Nature

Drive to the forested area of Geltsdale for a scenic walk and a chance to spot wild red kites and birds of prey
Take a walk near the Talkin Tarn Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife
Have lunch at the Lanercost Tea Room and Garden before visiting the nearby priory
Take a stroll in the Carlisle urban park, Chances Park, and treat yourself to some ice cream from the local ice cream truck
For a magical end to your stay, head to the Appleby Horse Fair after 4 pm, the largest horse fair in Britain which takes place annually in June.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Carlisle, United Kingdom by plane is to fly to Newcastle International Airport and then take a train from Newcastle to Carlisle. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly to Manchester Airport and take a direct train to Carlisle which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Car

The best way to get to Carlisle, United Kingdom by car is to take the M6 motorway and exit at junction 43 which leads directly into Carlisle. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from London.

Train

The best way to get to Carlisle, United Kingdom by train is to take a direct train from London Euston station to Carlisle. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from Glasgow which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Boat

There are no direct boats to Carlisle, United Kingdom as it is an inland city. The closest port is the Port of Liverpool which is approximately 140 miles away.

Bus

The best way to get to Carlisle, United Kingdom by bus is to take a National Express coach from London Victoria Coach station to Carlisle. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Glasgow Bus station which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.