Celts, Romans, feuding Border Reivers and invading armies have all left an intriguing legacy for you to explore.
Facilities
Carlisle Castle
Carlisle has over 2000 years of history.
Our mighty medieval Castle, built in 1092 by William Rufus, has played an important role in the history of Carlisle for centuries. The castle is strategically located on the border between England and Scotland and has witnessed many attacks over its 900 year history.
Today the castle is in the safe hands of English Heritage and, given its turbulent history over the centuries, is remarkably well preserved. After exploring the dungeons where the famous ‘licking stones’ can be seen, get close to Carlisle’s history at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, located in the Castle grounds, which tells the 300-year story of Cumbria’s army regiments.
Local Area
As the northernmost city in England, the thriving metropolis of Carlisle is both a busy modern hub and a historically important place due to its strategic location across the neck of the country, just a short hop from the Scottish border. The border city of Carlisle dates back almost 2,000 years and is most famous for Hadrian’s Wall – the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Today visitors flock to Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall to walk the ancient footprint of this fascinating site and explore the remains of historic Roman forts, castles and garrisons dotted along the route.
