Things to do in Carlisle

Within touching distance of one of England’s best-loved, the indomitable Lake District, there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs, whether summiting a peak, tracing Hadrian’s Wall or discovering the history of Carlisle on a city walking tour.

Have a rummage through our picks of the best shopping in Carlisle where you can spend the afternoon leafing through your favourite high street shops, exploring modern shopping centres or picking up some fresh local Cumbrian produce at a farmers’ market.

Once a Roman settlement which served the forts on a rather famous wall, Carlisle is dripping in history and legend that is ripe for discovery. Explore the unmissable locations, historic buildings and stadiums in our sightseeing guide.

There’s little doubt the great English wilderness is the main attraction and it offers up a wealth of activities, from hiking to sailing, bouldering to zip lining. Indoors head to Energi Trampoline Park and literally bounce off the walls.

From fiery Thai food trucks to sumptuous Greek delis and fine-dining English restaurants to some of the best pub grub in the north of England, Carlisle’s exceptional restaurants are as good as they are varied.

With more microbreweries than any other county, it’s harder to avoid Carlisle’s pubs than it is to find a good one. Add to the mix atmospheric speakeasies and cool drinking dens, the city certainly keeps humming after dark.