Debating what to do in Carlisle? The exciting city offers plenty of things to do, from soaking in its captivating history to getting stuck in with family fun. We have collated some of the best things to do in Carlisle below so that you can build an itinerary with ease.
Find the best things to do in Carlisle
Carlisle is renowned for its rich history, so there are a few must-visit attractions to tick off. No trip to the Great Border City is complete without visiting Carlisle Castle, Carlisle Cathedral and Hadrian’s Wall.
Carlisle Castle stands proud in the city centre, where it has been for nine centuries. There is lots to do here, whether you’re absorbing the history or appreciating the grounds. Visit Queen Mary’s tower, where she was imprisoned from 1568. Discover the turbulent history of the castle in a fascinating exhibition. You can even walk some of the castle walls and view the city from the perspective of the fortress.
Like the castle, Carlisle Cathedral holds over 900 years of extraordinary history. The landmark is worth a visit whether to attend a service or to admire its glory. The beautiful religious building welcomes all to come in, whether a regular worshipper or a curious visitor. The Cathedral even hosts a monthly farmers’ market on the first Saturday of every month, which isn’t to be missed.
Hadrian’s Wall is another significant landmark of Carlisle’s. Spanning an impressive 73 miles, you may need to see it to believe it. Here you can choose to take in the dramatic views or even get hands-on with exploring how the wall was built. Discover the history and landscape at over 20 incredible sites.
Outside of these iconic landmarks, Carlisle is also host to a wide variety of non-historic attractions and activities. There are plenty of options for things to do with the whole family.
If you’re with the kids and wondering what to do on a weekend in Carlisle, worry not. Fun attractions like Walby Farm Park make keeping little ones entertained easy. Visit animals like alpacas, calves and chickens or let loose at Cumbria’s largest indoor adventure play area. The park is open all year round and has lots of indoor and outdoor activities, so it is perfect for rainy days and sunny days alike. Walby Farm Park was even named ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ in the 2023 Cumbria Tourism Awards.
The Sands Centre is a great option for older kids and adults alike. The centre hosts all kinds of events and welcomes over 735,000 visitors every year. From brilliant theatre, cinema, music and sporting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Situated on the banks of the beautiful River Eden, the location is picturesque and easy to reach from the city centre.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Eden Rock is the place for you. This indoor bouldering wall caters to climbers of all ages and abilities. So whether you’re a complete beginner or a bit of an expert, you are very welcome here. The venue even hosts children’s birthday parties, so a great option if your visit to Carlisle is part of a celebratory trip.
Plan your Carlisle trip with Avanti
So, you’ve compiled a list of your favourite things to do in Carlisle. Next, it’s time to plan your journey. Don’t worry, this is easy with the help of the Avanti app. Discover convenient train times, book your tickets and stay up to date with ease.
