Carlisle

Introduction

Carlisle is a frontier city. Formerly the site of Roman and Norman garrison towns, its ownership has rotated between the English, trying to hold back the Reivers from the North, and the Scots, fighting against English invasion. The centre is notable for imposing red sandstone buildings, including the huge Norman-built castle, and a fine cathedral.

Sights and Activities

• Carlisle Castle - a huge sandstone fortress, originally constructed in 1092.
• Carlisle Cathedral - small, but perfectly formed, with one of the finest stained glass windows in Europe, and a well preserved 16th century Friary building opposite.
• Tullie House museum - a particularly good local museum showcasing the history of Carlise and the Borders, regional natural history and work by local artists.

Getting There

By Plane

There are currently no scheduled flights to Carlisle Airport (CAX). A planned expansion should increase availability. The closest realistic option is Newcastle International Airport (NCL).

By Train

Carlisle is on the main West Coast line between London and Scotland. Direct trains run to destinations including Manchester, Preston, Glasgow, Lancaster, Penrith and Oxenholme. A trans-pennine service runs across Northern Cumbria and Northumberland to Newcastle.

Carlisle is also the starting point of the picturesque Settle-Carlisle Railway, England's most scenic rail journey which skirts the Lake District before crossing the Cumbrian Pennines and Yorkshire Dales to Settle - the line finally terminates in Leeds.

By Car

Carlisle is easily accessible via the M6 motorway.

By Bus

National Express and regional operators run direct services between Lancaster and a range of major cities. There are particularly regular services to Newcastle.

Getting Around

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Teza on Bishopsgate is a highly recommended modern Indian restaurant.

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

The Royal Mail provides postal services in the United Kingdom. The Royal Mail's store fronts are called Post Office and offer services ranging from sending letters and packages to foreign currency exchange. Use the branch locator to find the nearest Post Office branch. An alternative includes TNT Post.
It's common for a post office to be incorporated into a grocery store, where there will be a small counter located at the back of the store for dealing with post related matters. All post offices are marked with signs that say 'post office' in red lettering. Post boxes can be found at any post office and standalone large red post boxes on the streets or red boxes in the sides of public buildings.