Standing proudly between the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle is a modern metropolis which has it’s fair share of history – at least 2,000 years worth!  Located on the border of England and Scotland, in the once ominously named ‘Debatable Lands’, it has been at the centre of many a conflict, fought over by Vikings, Scots, the English and the Border Reivers.

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Today, it is Cumbria’s capital city and technically the biggest city in England by area. A bustling hub in the north, it’s packed with great places to eat and drink,  a vibrant shopping scene, with national brands alongside independent shops to be found on the high street.  The Lanes Shopping Centre is home to a wide range of stores – all under cover so it’s great for all weather shopping.

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Meanwhile, Carlisle’s Market Hall is one of England’s few remaining covered Victorian Markets and home to several café’s, a great choice of authentic street food and a wide range of other market stalls.

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The beautiful Carlisle Cathedral welcomes visitors and has it’s own on-site café. Founded in 1122 it has seen a number of changes throughout time; from the re-building of it’s choir in the Gothic style in C13, to it’s restoration between 1853-1870 by Ewan Christian.  It’s magnificent east window contains stained glass from the 14th century, there are also fine wood carvings, medieval painted wall panels and the Brougham Triptych altar piece.