Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Carlisle, UK
Discover the charm and history of Carlisle, the heart of the Scottish Borders.
03 May 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
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.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Type of trip
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.
