Nestled on the edge of the Lake District National Park, visitors aren’t drawn to Carlisle for its reputation as a shopping mecca. However, the city boasts plenty of options to indulge in a spot of retail therapy. With Gretna Gateway just a 20-minute drive from the centre and an abundance of retail destinations in the city centre The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle may just surprise shopaholics.
Shopping centres in Carlisle
The Lanes Shopping Centre
Just a 20-minute walk from our Carlisle Central hotel, The Lanes Shopping Centre is Carlisle’s premier shopping destination. A true ‘all-under-one-roof’ concept, the shopping centre has over 70 shops beneath the vaulted glass roof, which covers the shopping precinct, flooding the centre with natural light and bringing the outdoors in, while providing welcome respite from the often unpredictable Cumbrian weather.
Debenhams is The Lanes’ major department store, selling a wide variety of high street brands across its men’s and women’s fashion floors and beauty hall. Elsewhere on the fashion front, you’ll find men’s and women’s apparel in Primark, H&M, Monsoon, Next, and Jack Jones and shoe shops Schuh, Clarks and JD Sport. For health and beauty, you have your pick of Bodycare, Superdrug or natural cosmetics and beauty retailer, Lush.
If you’re feeling a little peckish, The Lanes has a small range of cafés and bakeries, including a high street favourite Costa Coffee.
The Lanes Shopping Centre is open from 9am Monday to Saturday, and 10.30 on Sunday and has parking for up to 600 cars, costing around a £1 per hour.
Carlisle's shopping outlet
A little further afield, Gretna Gateway Outlet Village is the place to go pick up some great bargains. Just a 10-minute drive from our Carlisle M6 Jct44 hotel on the M6 motorway, the outlet village has more than 50 stores to treat you to a bit of guilt-free shopping.
Here, you’ll find big name brands slashing their prices and you can pick up some fantastic bargains at stores like Nike, Superdry, Hugo Boss, Antler, Gap, Molton Brown, Next, Berghaus, Bench, and Trespass.
If you’re needing to refuel, Cadbury and Thorntons will gladly give you a sugar boost, or for substantial sustenance, there’s a number of cafés and restaurants for you to choose from, including a Subway, Pizza Express, Costa Coffee, and Village Restaurant serving freshly made sandwiches and cakes.
Gretna Gateway is open seven days a week between 9am and 6pm every day, except on Sunday when you’ll have to wait an extra hour for shopping to commence. If you’re driving, there is ample free parking close on-site and the outlet village is also well connected by bus and train to Carlisle city centre.