Carlisle 3-Day Itinerary

A 12th-century Augustinian cathedral with stunning stained glass, the largest east window in England, and a medieval choir.

🕐 07:45-18:15 Monday-Saturday, 07:45-17:00 Sunday

💡 Entry is free, but a £5 donation is suggested. Check for free guided tours at 11am and 2pm most days.

A Norman cathedral with stunning medieval stained glass, particularly the east window. The cloisters and treasury are small but worth a look. Quiet, not crowded.

🕐 7:30am–6pm daily (free entry, donations welcome)

💡 Donate if you can – they rely on it. Free guided tours leave from the nave at 11am and 2pm on weekdays.

Masala Bazaar · ££

Beehive · ££

Augustinian cathedral built in 1122. The main nave, choir, and cloister are free to enter. Famous for its medieval stained glass and carved choir stalls.

🕐 Monday to Saturday 09:00–17:00, Sunday 13:00–16:00

💡 Visit during choral evensong (usually 17:15 weekdays) — you get to hear the choir for free and the atmosphere is far better than during tourist hours.

A small, volunteer-run museum in a 15th-century guildhall with displays on civic history, local guilds and the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Takes about 30 minutes.

🕐 Usually Wed–Sat 10am–4pm (check locally as it varies)

💡 Check the council website before visiting – opening times are erratic. If it's shut, the building's carved stone front and cobbled alley beside it are still worth a look.

A large green space along the River Eden with formal gardens, a playground, a boating lake, and walking paths.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Pack a picnic and walk the river path to Rickerby Park for quieter views of Carlisle Castle and the cathedral.

A smaller medieval cathedral with stunning 14th-century choir stalls, painted ceiling, and a quiet cloister garden. Donations welcome.

🕐 Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12:30pm-4pm

💡 Visit during a weekday morning when the choir is rehearsing—free live music. The treasury exhibition is £3 but skip it.

Morrisons Cafe

Royal Outpost

A 12th-century Augustinian cathedral with stunning stained-glass windows and a carved choir ceiling.

💡 Entry is free but donations are welcome. Visit during a choral evensong (usually 5pm weekdays) for a memorable experience.

Well-preserved medieval castle built by William II. You can walk around the outer grounds and see the exterior for free. The interior museum charges entry.

💡 The free walkway along the city walls starts right next to the castle gates and gives you great views over both the castle and the cathedral.

A large museum covering Roman Carlisle, natural history and local art. The permanent galleries are free; special exhibitions cost around £8.

💡 Head to the top-floor Roman gallery first – the reconstructed granary and Hadrian's Wall objects are the highlight. The café has fair prices and good homemade soup.

Large riverside park along the River Eden. Has a playground, tennis courts, and a long path for walking or cycling. Good for a picnic with views of the castle.

💡 Park at the Sands Centre car park (cheap after 6pm). The best bit is the wildflower meadow near the weir in spring.

The Griffin

Costa