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DISCOVER CONTENTS CARLISLE EVENTS 2018

With a holiday or short break in historic 23 May - 8 July Carlisle, you can relive the fascinating Poppies: Weeping Window, Carlisle heritage of a 2000 year old city, indulge Saturday 2 June in some serious shopping and then relax Spadeadam ‘Freedom Of The City’ parade, in accommodation of the highest quality. Carlisle city centre Close by, in ’s Wall Country, you can marvel at the legacy of a once mighty Saturday 16 June Empire, walk or cycle through beautiful Show, East Park, Brisco countryside or unwind by tranquil lakes Sunday 17 June and streams. Lionel Richie, Saturday 7 July Welcome 4 Paloma Faith,

Alive with History 6 Wednesday 18 July The Importance of Being Earnest Walk in the Footsteps of open-air theatre, Talkin Tarn Roman Legionaries 8 Thursday 9 August Pirate Pearl and the Big Blue Monster, Find Adventure 10 open-air theatre, Talkin Tarn

Hidden Treasures 12 Thursday 23 August As You Like It, open-air theatre, Talkin Tarn Enjoy Shopping Heaven 14 Thursday 23 - Monday 27 August Carlisle International Market, Time Out 16 Carlisle city centre Tourist Information Centre 18 Friday 24 August - Sunday 2 September Carlisle Fringe Festival, Various venues Carlisle & Beyond 20 Saturday 1 September Getting & Staying Here 22 Carlisle Pageant Puppet Parade, Carlisle city centre Monday 1 October - Sunday 7 October Borderlines Carlisle Book Festival Saturday 3 November Fireshow, Bitts Park Sunday 18 November Every effort has been taken to ensure that the information within this guide is accurate. Christmas Lights Switch-On, Discover Carlisle cannot accept responsibility for any error or omission that may have occurred. Designed and produced by Carlisle City Council 2018. © Discover Carlisle. Carlisle city centre All material printed in this guide is the copyright of the parties mentioned and cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission. Email: [email protected] 28 November – 2 December Christmas Market, Carlisle City Centre Photography courtesy of: 14-18 NOW Poppies Tower of Richard Lea-Hair and Historic Royal Palaces; D&H Photographers; Charlie Hedley; English Heritage, www.english-heritage.org. uk/hadrianswall; Lydia Leith; Graeme Peacock Photographic Imagery; Stuart Walker Photography; Jonathan Becker; Jenny Woolgar Photography; The Lanes Shopping Centre and www.sjstudios.co.uk 2 WELCOME

Welcome to Carlisle, City of the Lakes! Shop ‘til you drop! Carlisle offers one Carlisle has over 2000 years of history. of the most compact, level and visitor- Celts, Romans, feuding and friendly city centres in the country. invading armies have all left an intriguing Whether you’re here for a spending spree legacy for you to explore. or simply wish to explore, you will find everything that you need in Carlisle. When Visit Carlisle’s Historic Quarter, where you’re all shopped out, you can relax at you will find a mighty medievalCastle , one of our quirky coffee houses or unique founded in 1092 by William Rufus. watering holes with impeccable food and Explore Tullie House and its fascinating a good choice of real ales and fine wines. galleries, which will take you on a journey from the present day back to Neolithic Carlisle is serviced by excellent rail times. Get close to history at ’s and road links and has an easy public Museum of Military Life located in the transport system. castle grounds. Marvel at the magnificent Discover 2000 years of history on one of painted ceiling at the Cathedral or explore our walking tours around our city. Contact ancient trades in the 15th Century our friendly Tourist Information Centre on Guildhall Museum. 01228 598596 for further details and help and advice on getting the most out of your stay in Carlisle.

4 5 ALIVE WITH HISTORY

Carlisle was once enclosed by mighty walls. The West Walls, dating from the 12th Century, are all that remain, but give a good impression of the city’s ancient defences. Carlisle’s commercial success is revealed in the Guildhall Museum. Built in 1407, it was once a meeting place of the medieval trade guilds. Check opening times with the Tourist Information Centre, telephone 01228 598596. The Citadel is an impressive pair of oval towers guarding the city’s southern entrance. The ‘twin drum’ bastions were built by Henry VIII as a precaution against reprisals from Europe for the dissolution of the monasteries. Two new towers were added in the early 19th Century using masonry from the demolished east walls. The Old Town Hall in the heart of the city centre dates from 1668 and is the home of the award-winning Tourist Information Centre. The Historic Quarter continues to evolve and remains at the heart of Carlisle’s business, social and cultural life.

6 7 POPPIES: WEEPING WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ROMAN LEGIONARIES

WINDOW It was Agricola, Britain’s first Roman Today, there are many Roman sites and Governor, who wanted to tame the ‘wild museums to discover along its route. barbarians’ in the north. When Hadrian Explore the stunning landscape on foot is coming to arrived in AD 122, the barbarians were or by bike, or by using one of the many still at large, so to defend his empire’s published booklets, taking in market boundaries he ordered the building of a towns and quaint villages. mighty barrier stretching from the Solway The 84 mile Hadrian’s Wall Path National in the west to Wallsend on the North The iconic Weeping Window Trail allows you to walk in the footsteps of Sea coast, now one of the most important legionary soldiers on a fascinating journey sculpture, by artist Paul Cummins designated World Heritage Sites in Britain. across northern , taking in some and designer Tom Piper, will be Roman images courtesy of English Heritage, of the country’s greatest archaeological installed for all to see at Carlisle www.english-heritage.org.uk/hadrianswall. monuments and relics from the Roman Castle from 23 May - 8 July 2018. Poppies image courtesy of 14-18 NOW occupation. Poppies Tower of London Richard Lea-Hair Having been the headquarters of and Historic Royal Palaces. the throughout the First World War, the castle makes a fitting location to host Weeping Window as part of the final year of 14-18 NOW’s UK- wide tour. When better to experience this poppy sculpture than during the centenary of the end of the First World War? www.english-heritage.org.uk

8 9 FIND ADVENTURE

Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall Country offer Bird Watching – The Solway is a superb Cycling – Carlisle is a hub for cycling an unparalleled choice of ways for all the place for birdwatching. The RSPB’s and many long distance cycling routes family to get active! Whether it’s an outdoor bird reserves at Campfield Marsh, near pass through the city. These include the or indoor pursuit, you can enjoy your Bowness on Solway, and the moorland bird Reivers Cycle Way, Hadrian’s Cycle Trail favourite activity here. reserve at Geltsdale, are both worth a visit. and the Lochs & Glen Cycle Route. Call Carlisle Tourist Information Centre for – Carlisle offers a fantastic golfing more information on 01228 598596 or experience with many top class courses Pony Trekking – Kershope Forest near visit www.sustrans.org.uk situated in and around the city. is home to Bailey Mill For further information on the courses Watersports – Talkin Tarn Country Park, Riding Centre and to the south is Rookin visit www.better.org.uk, which is close to the historic town House Equestrian & Activity Centre, just www.carlislegolfclub.org, Brampton of Brampton is great for water based eight miles from Penrith. Blackdyke www.bramptongolfclub.com and activities. Hire a rowing boat, canoe Riding School is just north of the city for Crosby on Eden www.edengolfclub.co.uk or kayak for some fun on the water. those wanting arena-based riding lessons. All visitors welcome. www.carlisle.gov.uk/talkintarn Fishing – The river Eden which flows through the city parks is considered one of the best salmon rivers in the north of England. Fishing permits are available from Carlisle Tourist Information Centre on 01228 598596. Also close by is trout fishing park. www.newmillstroutfishingpark.co.uk Swimming – The Pools in Carlisle has three heated pools and magnificent Victorian Turkish baths. www.better.org.uk – Racing in Carlisle dates back to the 16th Century. There’s racing every month and accompanied children aged 18 and under can go free to most events. www.carlisle-races.co.uk Urban Adventure – A High Ropes course with integrated climbing wall and zip wire is located within Bitts Park.

1010 11 HIDDEN TREASURES The The beautiful landscapes around Carlisle Talkin Tarn Country Park, nine miles east CUMBERLAND contain many hidden treasures that are sure of Carlisle, is set amid 120 acres of to delight everyone looking for a unique farmland and mature woodland. It’s ideal SHOW day out. for just a quiet stroll or an active day This long-established event has been of watersports and bike riding. It hosts celebrating agriculture and rural life outdoor theatrical productions during for over 175 years. This year’s event the summer. will be held at East Park, Brisco on On the river Esk to the north of Carlisle Travel further north into the debatable Saturday 16 June. There will be a wide is the quiet town of Longtown, once the lands and you will find the imposing range of livestock on show alongside centre of the turbulent , in Newcastleton or explore rural crafts and entertainment. the stronghold of the feuding Border the atmospheric famous for its A great family day out! Reivers. Reiving was a way of life for Anglo Saxon Cross, which has stood in the these families who held no allegiance to churchyard for over 1000 years. the crown. Learn more about the Reivers Crossing the region is the Carlisle to Settle in Tullie House Museum. railway with 14 tunnels and 17 major The beautiful Church near viaducts. The 72 mile trip travels through Longtown, built in 1609 by public the Eden Valley before continuing into conscription, was the burial place of the breath-taking Yorkshire Dales. On Archie Armstrong, the favourite court special ‘steam days’, you can experience jester of King James I and King Charles I. the sights, sounds and smells of the great steam railway era at first hand.

1212 13 ENJOY SHOPPING HEAVEN

Carlisle offers one of the most compact, The city centre hosts regular Carlisle level and visitor-friendly city centres Farmers’ Markets on the first Friday in the country. Whether you’re up for a or Saturday of every month, offering spending spree or simply wish to explore an excellent choice of local produce its many local food and craft outlets, it’s and crafts. Carlisle also takes on an a vibrant and convenient destination for international theme with the arrival of all shoppers. the popular International Market with stallholders from around the world. Check The Lanes Shopping Centre has over 70 dates with the Carlisle Tourist Information stores including well-known high street Centre on 01228 598596. retailers as well as several independent ones. Undercover, The Lanes is an ideal Visitors with mobility difficulties can take all weather destination and has been advantage of the free Shopmobility scheme awarded the Park Mark for its 600 providing wheelchairs and powered secured parking spaces. scooters. Contact Shopmobility on level two of The Lanes car park or telephone The award-winning Victorian Market 01228 631564. Hall has an unhurried, traditional atmosphere. Here you will find a wide variety of stalls, selling everything from fresh local meat and vegetables to haberdashery, clothing and flowers.

14 15 TIME OUT

Carlisle caters for every gastronomic One of Carlisle’s open air cafés is the taste and pocket too! Restaurant listings perfect location for street entertainment and contact details can be found on or just watching the world go by. www.discovercarlisle.co.uk When the sun goes down, Carlisle has There’s an excellent selection of live many vibrant areas for entertainment music venues throughout the city, catering and is a magnet for those looking for a for every genre. The Sands Centre is lively way to celebrate the arrival of the Cumbria’s premier live arts venue, hosting weekend! Close to the city centre are classical, pop and rock music plus superb many unique watering holes with comfy theatre, drama and ballet productions. sofas, impeccable food and a great You can also experience recitals at choice of real ales and fine wines. and amateur dramatic For the latest blockbuster films, head productions at West Walls Theatre. to the seven-screen Vue Cinema on The city’s newest arts centre, the Old Botchergate. Enjoy the thrill of Laserquest Fire Station offers a packed and varied or a bounce at Energi Trampoline Park, programme of live music, comedy, theatre whilst AMF Bowl offers excellent 10-pin and exhibitions. Visit oldfirestation. bowling. Or, if it’s a challenge you want, carlisle.city to find out what’s on. try the indoor Eden Rock Climbing Centre at Durranhill.

16 17 TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Carlisle is proud to welcome visitors to our Carlisle Tourist Information Centre newly refurbished, state-of-the-art Tourist Information Centre (TIC). The TIC is located Old Town Hall, Carlisle, CA3 8JE in the iconic Old Town Hall, which is a 01228 598596 stone’s throw from the city’s historic quarter, [email protected] shopping centre and restaurants. Mention Hadrian and get 10% discount The friendly team at the TIC are here off full price souvenirs from our Tourist to help you make the most of your time Information Centre shop. in Carlisle. Our knowledgeable staff can provide information on attractions, transport, outdoor activities, shopping, Opening Times places to eat, events and much more. November–February The TIC is also a great place to discover Monday–Saturday, 10am–4pm the excellent range of accommodation on offer in Carlisle and the surrounding March–June & area, and offers an accommodation September–October booking service. Monday–Saturday, 9.30am–5pm In addition, you can find a wide range July–August of literature for local and national Monday–Saturday, 9.30am–5.30pm destinations and purchase tickets for May–August many regional events. Our fully stocked Sundays, 10.30am–4pm gift shop sells a range of souvenirs, many Bank Holiday Monday, 10.30am–4pm produced in Cumbria, as well as maps and guides to help make your holiday or short break as memorable as possible.

18 CARLISLE & BEYOND

Carlisle is a gateway to many fabulous South of Carlisle is the beautiful Lake attractions... District National Park, with its spectacular mountains and lakes providing some of To the north is Gretna Green, the famous the most dramatic scenery in England. Scottish village renowned for its runaway Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of marriages. A visitor centre can be found in activities here. If you prefer a gentler pace, the Old Blacksmiths Shop. From Gretna, it the picturesque villages and tranquil lake is only a short drive to the Devil’s Porridge cruises offer something for everyone. Go east and visit Hadrian’s Wall World Museum, a fascinating insight into the Heritage Site. A great way to experience region’s role during the Great War. If retail To the west of Carlisle is the atmospheric the Wall is on foot along the popular therapy is more your thing, then head to , a perfect place for Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail. Near the Gretna Gateway retail outlet village with birdwatching and escaping the bustle of , the geographical centre designer shops and outlets. city life. Bowness on Solway is the starting of Britain, the national trail crosses point for the Hadrian’s Wall Path National West of Gretna, you will come to the the Pennine Way. For those who prefer Trail. In 1307, the body of King Edward I from Hadrian’s Wall. It thrived until Galloway Coast, a delightful idyll of quiet travelling by two wheels, the 174 mile was laid out in the church at Burgh by Henry VIII dissolved the monastery in coves and sandy beaches. long Hadrian’s Cycleway passes through Sands before being taken for burial in 1538. The Priory church survived and Carlisle. Westminster Abbey. A monument to the is still in use today. fallen king can be seen on Burgh Marsh. For an alternative view of the Wall, visit St. Martin’s Church in the market town Northumberland National park at night. Further along the Cumbrian coast you of Brampton (10 miles east of Carlisle) The region is Europe’s largest Dark Sky come to the traditional Victorian seaside is the only church built by the Park, which hosts regular star gazing town of , with its spectacular views Pre-Raphaelite architect, Phillip Webb, events throughout the season across the Solway. To the south is , and has an exquisite collection of home to the Senhouse Roman museum, Also east of Carlisle is , stained-glass windows designed by which houses a huge collection of Roman which was founded by Augustinian canons Edward Burne-Jones and manufactured altars and other Roman relics. in 1169 and largely built of stones taken by William Morris.

20 GETTING & STAYING HERE

By road – Carlisle is linked directly with the By coach – National Express operate North West, Yorkshire and Humberside by services to Carlisle from all major cities. the M6, M61, M62 and adjoining motorways. For further information, call 08705 Take the M25, M1 (or M40) and M6 for a 808080. There are regular bus services speedy journey from London and the South from Newcastle. Telephone East. The M74/A74, A7 and A69 are the 0871 2002233 for details. quickest routes from , By air – Carlisle Airport 01228 573641 and Newcastle respectively. Carlisle is can accept most pre-arranged private approximately a two hour drive from the ferry and commercial aircraft. ports at Cairnryan and North Shields. Car hire – For further information, please By rail – Virgin trains from London (Euston) contact Carlisle Tourist Information Centre, reach Carlisle in under four hours on their 01228 598596. way to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Northern Rail provide an excellent service to Carlisle Taxis – Are available from all the major from stations across the whole of Northern transport hubs. For further information, England. The City’s Citadel Station is please contact Carlisle Tourist Information the terminus for three of the country’s Centre on 01228 598596. scenic railways: The Stay a while in Carlisle! Choose from a from Newcastle, The fantastic range of first-class accommodation from Lancaster and the historic Settle to and enjoy a great night’s rest as a very Carlisle line which brings passengers from welcome guest. Yorkshire across the and along the Eden Valley www.settle-carlisle.co.uk Whatever your budget, there is no shortage For National Rail enquiries telephone of accommodation on offer in Carlisle. Be 08457 48 49 50. pampered in luxury hotels or appreciate the homely touch of a comfortable guest house. Enjoy the ultimate flexibility of a self-catering country cottage or stay in one of our convenient modern hostels. For those who like adventures in the great outdoors, there is a good selection of well-equipped camping and caravan sites close to the city. To find your ideal accommodation in Carlisle, contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01228 598596 for a free guide or visit www.discovercarlisle.co.uk

22 23 DISCOVER

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