ⓘ What is Carlisle famous for?

First, lets discuss and learn a bit more about Carlisle. If you're local, this probably doesn't apply to you. But perhaps you're moving to Carlisle from outside of the area? If so read on....

Carlisle City Centre at Christmas time - English Street.

Carlisle Castle - more info further down the page

ⓘ Hadrians Wall

Carlisle is of course famous for Hadrian's Wall! We have a separate page on this topic for further information if you press this.

Press me to see our Hadrian's Wall section

Above and below photos: Hadrian's Wall at Birdoswald just a little way outside Brampton, Cumbria

Carlisle is a City with a population of 108,856 as of 2023 and is steeped in history. It was a Border Stronghold and from the year 1092 was one of the main points of defence on England's North West border.

Carlisle is situated just a few miles from the Scottish Border making it one of the most northerly Cities in England. We have a history spanning centuries! We are situated in close proximity of the Lake District and only minutes from the likes of Keswick, Ambleside, Windermere etc. However, at the other end of the scale, we are also a mere hours drive from Newcastle Upon Tyne.

The City is accessed easily from the M6 Motorways, Junction 42, 43 and 44. We are an hour away from Newcastle Upon Tyne, some 60 minutes on the A69. We are 45 minutes from Dumfries, South West Scotland. And of course, not forgetting the Lake District, we are around 50 minutes from Keswick.

As we have discussed, Carlisle is famous for Hadrian's Wall. Infact, this is one of the most important pieces of Carlisle's history, and of Cumbria. Hadrian's Wall was built in the second century under Emperor Hadrian's rulership. The wall spans 73 miles and is a military border which served as the primary line of defence spanning Northern England. There are walks, but expect to take a couple of days. You will come across the likes of Birdoswald Fort on the way - this is just outside of Brampton, and it's ruins still remain today.

ⓘ Carlisle Cathedral

Carlisle is also famous for its Cathedral. It is actually the second smallest Cathedral in England.

Carlisle Cathedral in Carlisle was founded in the year 1122 during the reign of King Henry I. It became a cathedral in the year 1133.

Carlisle City Centre showing Continental open market

Above: Carlisle's' Castle Street is the "historic quarter" of the City near the Cathedral, and The Continental Market photographed on English Street which is usually operated during bank holiday weekends in Carlisle City Centre, which leads towards the Town Hall.

ⓘ Carlisle Town Hall

Above is Carlisle's Old Town Hall. This interesting building is a prominent two storey Grade I Listed Building dating back to the Medieval area. It dates from around the 17th and 18th centuries but around the year 1345 is the earliest reference to the predecessor of the building which was commonly referred to as ‘Toll booth’, 'Common Hall’ and ‘Motehall’ or ‘Moot Hall’.

In 1668 the medieval hall was demolished in order to construct a new building on the same footprint. It is this current building, completed 1669 with its numerous subsequent additions and extensions which survive to this day.

The ground floor has remained in commercial and retail use, currently housing coffee shops, whilst the grander public rooms at first floor level have accommodated civic functions including use as the Magistrates Court until 1941, and Council Chamber and offices of the City of Carlisle Corporation until 1964 until these moved into the newly built Civic Centre.

ⓘ Tullie House Museum

Tullie House is a museum, see photograph above, is a must see in Carlisle. Opened by the Carlisle Corporation in 1893, the original building is a converted Jacobean mansion. Consisting of art, geological material and Roman artifacts - the collection also features permanent exhibitions dedicated to the Vikings and the Border Reivers.

Below: Typical street scenes in Carlisle City Centre around the corner from Tullie House.

ⓘ Carlisle Castle

Carlisle is famous for its Castle! The Castle has roots dating back to 72AD - the Castle was built on this site around a thousand years later. For around 900 years the Castle has dominated the City's landscape and is an iconic places to visit and explore. Situated on Castle Way (!), it's great to stroll through the Castle grounds through the various tours on offer. The Castle has medieval rooms and Mary Queen of Scots was even held captive here.

There are carvings and markings which prisoners made when they were held at the Castle and further exploration shows off the arts, weapons and huge collection which span over hundreds of years.

There's more information about Carlisle Castle available here which takes you to the English Heritage page.

Above: Views of Carlisle Castle including its impressive Portcullis.

Below: Click to play the short twenty second video showing Carlisle Castle exteriors. Contains audio.

Carlisle certainly is a vibrant and beautiful place to relocate to. If you are making the move, make sure to book your self storage with us! Please take time to go through our comprehensive website - we have guidance on removal companies and the procedures involved for booking self storage.

Our purpose built facility is situated on the Rome Street Depot, pictured below, just ten minutes walk from the main City Centre.

ⓘ News | Redevelopment work carried out in Carlisle City Centre as of 2024

There's plenty of redevelopment work being carried out in Carlisle City Centre at the moment - the following pictures show some of the works being carried out. The City Centre remains very buoyant being a regional area serving Cumbria.

Some of the works include a new university and a replacement entrance to the Railway Station running into millions of pounds.