subject: Visitor Attractions And Things To Do When Staying In Carlisle Hotels [print this page] Many Carlisle hotels and b&bs are conveniently located not just for exploring historic Carlisle but also the beautiful English Lake District, Eden Valley, the Scottish Borders and Hadrians Wall. Whether you are visiting friends or family, business or pleasure Carlisle has something to offer everyone.
Along the City of Carlisle's northern extent is the Solway Firth, which forms the western section of the Anglo-Scottish border, and thus divides the city from Dumfries and Galloway, one of the council areas of Scotland. To the east is the English county of Northumberland; to the south is the district of Eden and to the west and south-west the borough of Allerdale, both in the county of Cumbria.
There are plenty of things to do when staying in Carlisle hotels and bed and breakfasts. Information for a selection can be found below:
Arts, Music, Theatre
High Head Sculpture Valley - Magnificent life-size sculptures imaginatively displayed in a natural woodland valley
The Sands Centre - Cumbrias premier sports and live arts venue
Stanwix Theatre Situated on the main campus of Cumbria Institute of the Arts, this 216 seat theatre was completely refurbished in 2000.
Tullie House Museum - Discover Carlisles Millennium Gallery with its spectacular mix of traditional and cutting edge works.
Attractions
Gretna green Story and Blacksmiths Shop - World Famous become part of Gretnas romantic history
Linton Tweeds - History of weaving and see the 100 year old looms in use
Cycle Routes
Carlisle and Eden Valley Circular Cycle Route - 112 mile route with shorter loops taking in the beautiful Eden Valley. More information and a Route Guide (1.50) can be obtained from Carlisle Tourist Information Centre.
The Reivers Cyle Route - This 175 mile route from Tynemourth to Whitehaven, passes through Carlisle before travelling north to the Scottish Borders.
The Hadrians Cycle Way - This is a new 174 mile long distance cycle route from Ravensglass to Southshields.
Most of the route is now open with the remaining sections open from 2007.
Forts and Museums
Birdoswald Roman Fort and Visitor Centre - Extremely picturesque setting along the wall, overlooking river Irthing gorge
Guildhall Museum - The Guildhall Museum situated in the heart of the city of Carlisle, has been the home to Carlisles historic Trade Guilds for over 500 years
Tullie House Museum - Discover Carlisles Millennium Gallery with its spectacular mix of traditional and cutting edge works.
Golf
Aglionby Golf Club, Carlisle
Brampton Golf Club
Eden Golf Course
Stoney Holme Golf Club
Silloth Golf Club
Historic Sites
Border & Kings Regiment Museum Two floors of displays tell the story of Cumbrias County Infantry Regiment from 1702 to date, with uniforms, weapons, silver, paintings and medals.
Carlisle Castle Formidable medieval fortress reveals the past of this historic city
Carlisle Cathedral - Founded in 1122, Carlisle Cathedral is an impressive building, dominating the skyline from across the city.
Lanercost Priory - Founded in 1166, sited in peaceful valley of the River Irthing
Ravenglass Roman Bath House - Remains of a bath house established in AD130 are among the most complete in Britain.
Natural History
The Cumberland Bird Of Prey Centre - Provides courses and activities as well as displays and corporate events.
Kingmoor Nature Reserve (north and South) - Explore historic woodland and a variety of natural history in these two nature reserves
Talkin Tarn Country Park - 65 acre lake amid 120 acres of farmland and woodland, making it the ideal place for active recreation or a quite stroll.
Shops and Markets
Carlisle Cathedral Shop A range of gifts and cathedral souvenirs
Cranstons - Traditional butchers with a large range of products made by this family firm.
Cumbrian Cottage Farm Shop - Home-made ice-creams are sold in their farm shop alongside cheeses, fresh vegetables, cakes, jams and pickles
Harrison and Hetherington Farmers Market - Borderway Mart, Carlisle. Second Friday of the month
The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle - Great shopping with some of the best high street names
The Victorian Market Hall, Carlisle - One of the few covered Victorian Markets remaining in the Country, selling everything from fresh meat and vegetables, haberdashery, clothes, florists, stationery and much more.
Sport
Carlisle Racecourse - Carlisle Racecourse is situated at Blackwell on the outskirts of Carlisle and is set in beautiful open countryside
The Sands Centre - Cumbrias premier sports and live arts venue
Sheepmount stadium - The Sheepmount Stadium is home to Carlisle's six lane, synthetic, athletics facility as well as numerous cricket, hockey, football and rugby pitches.
Walking
Hadrians Wall Path National Trail - Walking the 84 mile (135km), provides a continuous long distance path from Wallsend on the River Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria and passes through picturesque scenery on both sides of the Border. Many Carlisle hotels are only a short distance from the line of the National Trail, perfect for a short stay en-route for the final leg of your journey
Cumbrian Way - The Cumbrian Way is a 68 mile walk providing an excellent introduction to the English Lake District, England's most mountainous area.
When it comes to places to stay, visitors will find Carlisle offers a wide range of quality accommodation, from friendly budget priced Carlisle bed and breakfast right the way through to luxury Carlisle hotels. Whether you want a peaceful country retreat or a convenient city centre stop over you are sure to find the ideal place to stay.
