Carlisle

The Centre of Cumbria
Carlisle is just a few miles from the Scottish border and, as such, this great border city has experienced a very turbulent history. The Romans built a wall through it, Vikings invaded it and the Scots and English fought over it for many years.

Today,as the commercial, communications and administrative centre of Cumbria, the city greets its guests with open arms. However, not so long ago any visitor would have been treated with suspicion. It was the focal point for bitter feuds and bloody battles created by the long-running dispute over the border between England and Scotland. Early in its history it was an important Roman headquarters for Hadrian's Wall. In 1092 William the Conqueror's son William Rufus started to build the castle where later the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots was incarcerated.

A Turbulent Past
During a period of Scots occupation its ruler was one Macbeth; as 'Carluel' it was, according to legend, the domain of King Arthur, and the Emperor Hadrian was perhaps the first to realise that whoever held Carlisle could influence the destinies of both England and Scotland.

Historically, whoever held Carlisle could influence the destinies of both England and Scotland. The border city has seen many tribes, armies and rebels come and go, with each leaving a legacy for today’s visitors to experience. The very first inhabitants were the Celtic warlords who were widespread around the region.When the Romans arrived in force to defend their Empire and built Hadrian’s Wall – now one of the most important designated World Heritage Sites in existence today – they established the garrisons of Luguvalium and Petrianum. By the 5th century, the Romans had left but Luguvalium remained and its fort, known as Caerligaluid, prospered.

Lasting monuments
Legend has it that in the mysterious Dark Ages that followed, King Arthur and his magician Merlin visited Carlisle. But it was during the tempestuous Middle Ages that many of Carlisle’s historic and lasting monuments were established.

The magnificent Castle founded in 1092 by William the Conquerer’s son now stands as testament to the years of feuding over the English-Scottish border. It was once the prison of Mary, Queen of Scots and is still home to the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment today. Carlisle’s Cathedral, with its famous 14th century stained glass window, is also a must see as is the award winning Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, with its innovative Millennium Gallery.

Places of interest

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Tullie House is a leading Museum, and a major visitor attraction. The main Art Gallery is the best equipped in the north of England with an emphasis on contemporary art and crafts. There is a particular focus on the Border Reiver period.
Tel: 01228 534 781
Website: www.tulliehouse.co.uk

Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle is a great medieval fortress that has watched over the City of Carlisle for over nine centuries. Visitors can explore fascinating and ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons and find the legendary 'licking stones' where parched Jacobite prisoners found enough moisture to stay alive, only to be brutally executed on Gallows Hill.
Tel: 01228 591 922

Carlisle Cathedral
Founded in 1122 and battered by centuries of warfare, this beautiful red sandstone building is one of the smallest cathedrals in the country. Items of special interest include the east window, with its tracery containing some very fine 14th century stained glass.
Tel: 01228 548 151
Website: www.carlislecathedral.org.uk

The Guildhall Museum
The Guildhall Museum can be found in Carlisle's only medieval house. Built in 1407 of timber, tile bricks and clay, by Richard of Redeness, who left the house to the community of Carlisle when he died. Each of the Guild Rooms has its own attractions. - ranging from the ship's cabin-like atmosphere of the Shoemakers room to the Victorian character of the Butcher's room.
Tel: 01228 625 400

Citadel and West Walls
These fine walls help protect the southern approaches to the city which, when combined with the protection offered by the Castle to the northern approaches, has provided a major barrier for marauding troops. Built in the 16th century, the Citadel was reconstructed in the 19th century. The last piece of action occurred in 1745 when the Scots fought back against the advance of the Duke of Cumberland.

Serviced Accommodation

Aaron House
135 Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1LU.
Tel: 01228 536 728

Abberley House
33 Victoria Place, Carlisle CA1 1HP
Tel: 01228 521 645
Website: www.abberleyhouse.co.uk

Angus Hotel & Almonds Bistro
14 Scotland Road, Carlisle CA3 9DG
Tel: 01228 523 546
Website: www.angus-hotel.co.uk

Cornerways Guest House
107 Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1EA
Tel: 01228 521 733
Fax: 01228 514 060
Email: info@cornerwaysbandb.co.uk
Website: www.cornerwaysbandb.co.uk

Courtfield Guest House
169 Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1LP
Tel: 01228 522 767

Foxgloves
73 Scotland Rd, Carlisle CA3 9HL
Tel: 01228 526 365

Hazeldean Guest House
Orton Grange, Wigton Road, Carlisle CA5 6JB
Tel: 01228 711 953

Kenilworth Guest House
34 Lazonby Terrace, Carlisle CA1 2PZ
Tel: 01228 526 179

Langleigh Guest House
6 Howard Place, Carlisle CA1 1HR
Tel: 01228 530 440

Marlborough House
2 Marlborough Gardens, Stanwix, Carlisle CA3 9NW
Tel: 01228 512 174
Website: www.marlborough-house.co.uk

No. 1 Guest House
1 Etterby Street, Stanwix, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 9JB
Tel: 01228 547 285

Townhouse Bed & Breakfast
153 Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1LU
Tel: 01228 598782
Website: www.townhouse-bandb.com
Email: townhouse@christine60.freeserve.co.uk
Contact: Christine & Duncan Weston

White Lea Guest House
191 Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1LP
Tel: 01228 533 139

Camping

Dalston Hall Caravan Park
Dalston Road, Carlisle CA5 7JX
Tel: 01228 710 165

Orton Grange Caravan Park
Wigton Road, Orton Grange, Carlisle CA5 6LA
Tel: 01228 710 252

Cottage Caravan Park
Port Carlisle, Carlisle CA5 5DJ
Tel: 01697 351 317

Youth Hostels

Carlisle Campus (University of Northumbria)
Old Brewery Residences, Bridge Lane, Carlisle CA2 5SW
Tel: 0870 770 5752

Bike Shops

Border Cycles
Tower Court, West Tower Street, Carlisle CA3 8QS
Tel: 01228 36 872

Palace Cycles
122 Botchergate, Carlisle
Tel: 01228 523 142

Scotby Cycles
Old Bingo Hall, Church St, Carlisle
Tel: 01228 546 931

Whiteheads Cycle Centre
108 Botchergate, Carlisle CA1 1SN
Tel: 01228 526 890