Carlisle Castle
Opening Hours
About
This historic border fortress is one of Carlisle’s most significant landmarks, with a military museum detailing the castle’s role in regional conflicts. Visitors can explore medieval battlements, learn about Jacobitism and Mary Queen of Scots’ imprisonment, and take in views from the castle walls. Guided tours bring the site’s turbulent past to life, covering centuries of military history. The grounds are dog-friendly, and there is a small café on-site. The castle remains a key site for understanding England’s northern border defences.
Customer Reviews
A great place to visit this English Heritage site, full of wonderful border history. There is a military museum there, and a very small cafe that isn't dog friendly but the actual castle and grounds are. The medieval castle is very interesting with a small chapel where King David I died. There is also some excellent medieval graffiti!
Wow! So much history!! We were fortunate to have a guided tour which brought it all to life vividly. The good, the bad and the ugly. I learnt more in the 90 minutes than from several years at school. I'd wholeheartedly recommend everyone to come along to this magnificent castle. Dave the tour guide take a bow. £14 to get in, absolute bargain. 💯
One of the best English heritage sites I've visited in a long while, spectacular views of carlisle from the castle walls, unfortunately not wheelchair friendly, lots of stairs to climb but well worth a visit
