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Tourist Information and Old Town Hall

Old Town Hall

A prominent two storey Grade I Listed Building of Medieval origin, the Old Town Hall mostly dates from the 17th and 18th centuries. 1345 is the earliest reference to the predecessor of the building, variously termed the ‘Toll booth’, 'Common Hall’ and ‘Motehall’ or ‘Moot Hall’ in later medieval sources. In 1668 the medieval hall was demolished to make way for a new one on the same site. It is this building, finished in 1669, with numerous subsequent alterations and extensions which survives today.

 

Over the years, the ground floor of the building has consistently remained in commercial and retail use whilst the grander public rooms at first floor level have accommodated a number of important civic functions including, most notably the Courts of Assize until 1881, the City’s Magistrates Court until 1941, and Council Chamber and offices of the City of Carlisle Corporation until 1964.

The first floor now accommodates the Tourist Information Centre and Assembly Room

Tourist Information Centre

A Warm Welcome to the TIC

Carlisle is proud to welcome visitors to our recently refurbished, state-of-the-art tourist information centre (TIC). The TIC is located in the iconic Old Town Hall, which is a stones’ throw from the city’s historic quarter, shopping centre and restaurants.

The friendly team at the TIC are here to help you make the most of your time in Carlisle. Our knowledgeable staff can provide information on attractions, transport, outdoor activities, shopping, places to eat, events and much more. The TIC is also a great place to discover the excellent range of accommodation on offer in Carlisle and the surrounding area, and offers an accommodation booking service

In addition, you can find a wide range of literature for local and national destinations and purchase tickets for may regional events. Our fully stocked gift shop sells a range of souvenirs, many produced in Cumbria, as well as maps and guides to help make your holiday or short break as memorable as possible.

Carlisle Tourist Information Centre

  • The Old Town Hall
  • Greenmarket
  • Carlisle
  • CA3 8JE
  • 01228 598596
  • tourism@carlisle.gov.uk

Opening times

November - February
Monday - Saturday 10am-4pm
March - June; September - October
Monday - Saturday 9.30am-5pm
July and August
Monday - Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm
May - August
Sundays 10.30am-4pm
Bank Holiday Mondays 10.30am–4pm
 
Closed early at 3pm on Christmas Eve
Closed from Christmas Day, reopening on Monday 4 January
 
Following official government advice issued on Wednesday 30 December, which stipulates that people should avoid public buildings, we regret to announce that the Carlisle Tourist Information Centre will close once again from Monday 4 January to help slow the spread of Coronavirus. The health and wellbeing of our customers and staff is paramount and must come first.

Please bear with us at this difficult and uncertain time. You can email us at tourism@carlisle.gov.uk or info@discovercarlisle.gov.uk, but there will be a reduced service. Any direct messages on our social media pages will also be replied to as soon as possible.

We will endeavour to keep as many of our services available as much as possible, however there will be no access in person to the Old Town Hall until further notice.
 
If you are enquiring about fishing permits or to renew your fishing licence for the River Eden, please visit the Carlisle Angling Association website for further information. Alternatively you can also contact the secretary, Nigel Auston, directly by email at nigelaustin17@gmail.com or by phone on 01228 592745.

Assembly Room

  • The Old Town Hall
  • Greenmarket
  • Carlisle
  • CA3 8JE
  • 01228 595894
  • AssemblyRoom@carlisle.gov.uk

The Assembly Room, located within the Old Town Hall, is available to hire for your meeting or event. Located within Carlisle City Centre the Assembly Room is ideal for a variety of events.

  • Conferences and meetings
  • Training and workshops
  • Exhibitions
  • Charity events
  • Craft Fayres
  • Wedding Ceremonies

We can offer a range of refreshment packages for your event from teas and coffee’s to buffet lunches. The Assembly room also has a fully equipped kitchen which is available to use at no additional cost.

The Assembly Room is located within the Old Town Hall, English Street, Carlisle and is fully accessible. We are situated on the first floor which can be accessed by a lift from ground floor level. Parking is available close by.

Weddings

The Old Town Hall, a Grade 1 listed building, dating back to the 17th Century has a wedding licence to hold ceremonies in its stunning Assembly Room. With its splendid fireplaces and original wood panelling the room is a beautiful, open, light-filled space that is steeped in civic history.

The Old Town Hall is a building rich in history and is perfect for couples looking for an intimate city centre wedding.

Download our PDF Holiday Guide Here (6.54MB) >>

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