Rich in culture and history, Carlisle is a beautiful city with plenty to see. From city sights to rural landscapes and historic sites, the Great Border City has something for everyone. With so many sights to take in, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. That’s why we have curated a selection of not-to-be-missed sights and landmarks in Carlisle below.
Find the best things to see in Carlisle
The wonderful city of Carlisle is full of beautiful green spaces and fascinating museums. Explore as many as you can with the help of our suggestion list for the best things to see in Carlisle.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, reopening with a new look in Summer 2024, is filled with wonderful things to see. These stunning galleries feature plenty of thought-provoking pieces in their collections. Learn about a variety of areas from decorative art to human history and natural science. The museum is proud to have been referred to as ‘Carlisle’s first learning centre’. It allows its rich heritage and history to shape what it is today.
There are plenty of sights in Carlisle’s fascinating museums, so they’re worth a visit. As a city filled with Roman history, the Roman Army Museum is a must-see when in Carlisle. Discover exciting galleries and learn more about the history of Carlisle. Galleries include the structure of the Roman army, the building of Hadrian’s Wall, and daily life on the frontier. You can even get involved, and practise your archery skills with a fun interactive bow!
Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life is also a brilliant option for learning about the 300-year story of Cumbria’s army regiments. Absorb a fascinating plethora of artefacts, books, documents and photographs here. Take home a piece of history by picking up a book, gift or print from the museum shop.
Hammond’s Pond is a scenic park located to the south of Carlisle. It boasts a beautiful boating lake and plenty of green space to enjoy. Perfect for a stroll through nature, this space can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. If you’re bringing kids along, they will love the play areas on offer. You could also make the most of a sunny day by sitting back and relaxing at the park cafe.
Talkin Tarn Country Park is another great park in Carlisle with something for everyone. The park is the perfect destination for the whole family. It is ideal for a gentle stroll or an active day out. You can even enjoy an outdoor theatrical production during the summer months. Why not take a break and indulge in a treat or two from the tearoom while you’re there? Amid its 120 acres of farmland and woodland, this park holds a stunning 65-acre lake. The lake is host to a variety of different activities like boat hire, open water swimming and fishing.
Bitts Park is another conveniently located green space to be enjoyed in Carlisle. Only 800 metres from the city centre, this park can be easily reached on your way to or from other landmark stops. Take in the natural beauty of the city as you explore the park and breathe in the fresh air. With popular running routes, you could also decide to enjoy the park’s scenery whilst on a jog or run. There is also plenty for children to do here, like a splash park, skate park and play area.
Plan your Carlisle trip with Avanti
Now that you’ve sussed out what to see in Carlisle, it’s a great time to start planning. Avanti makes it easy to plan your trip, especially with the help of our handy app. Browse convenient train times, book your tickets with ease and keep track of any updates, all in one place.
