Carlisle Castle
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Overview
A visit to Carlisle Castle is a great day out for all the family. Kids will enjoy exploring the ramparts. Several rooms in the gatehouse are decorated in medieval style, while you can explore the warren of chambers inside the castle. Carlisle’s location, so close to the Scottish border, ensured its importance in history. The first castle overlooking the River Eden was nothing more than a triangular area of land encircled by a wooden fence. William Rufus, the son of William the Conqueror, built it in 1092. When he was killed in a hunting accident in the New Forest, his brother Henry ordered that a castle and walls should be built to protect the town. However, despite the new fortifications, the castle fell to the Scots 14 years later. It was held by David I and Malcolm IV, kings of Scotland, from 1136 until 1157, and was taken back into English hands by Henry II. Another Scottish king, William the Lion, besieged the castle from 1173 to 1174. Other highlights in the castle’s history include the distinctive rounded battlements – added much later by Henry VIII. Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned here, and the castle was captured by ‘Bonnie’ Prince Charlie in 1745. You can also find the Museum of the Border Regiment here.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Castle open Apr-Sep, daily 10-5; Oct-12 Feb & 25 Feb-Mar, Sat-Sun 10-4; 13-24 Feb, daily 10-4. Museum open Apr-Oct, daily 10-5; Nov-12 Feb, Sat-Thu 10-5; 13-24 Feb, daily 10-4; 25 Feb-Mar, Sat-Thu 10-4. Closed 24-26 & 31 Dec, 1 Jan
- Facilities
- Cafe
About the area
Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes', but other lesser-known areas in the south, such as the Lune Valley and the coastal towns, are secret gems of wide cobbled streets and rolling hills.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
The Crown & Mitre
Located in the heart of the city, The Crown and Mitre is an Edwardian building close to the cathedral and a few minutes' walk from the castle. Bedrooms vary in size and style, from smar...
Warren Guesthouse
Warren Guesthouse is a family-run B&B conveniently located between Carlisle city centre and Junction 43 of the M6. An ideal base for visitors to Carlisle and the surrounding area, there...
West Cottage
Adjoining a Georgian farmhouse in the rolling hills of the Eden Valley, West Cottage provides an ideal base for visiting the 'Great Border City' of Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall, the Lake Di...
West Cottage
Adjoining a Georgian farmhouse in the rolling hills of the Eden Valley, West Cottage provides an ideal base for visiting the 'Great Border City' of Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall, the Lake Di...
Green Acres Caravan Park
A beautiful adults-only touring park set in peaceful rural surroundings and close to M6, with distant views of the fells. The park is surrounded by mature trees and high hedges. Almost ...
The Queens
The Queens enjoys a peaceful rural location just a minutes drive from the A69, with the M6 and Carlisle within easy reach. Comfortable bedrooms are well appointed, and the popular bar h...
Crown Hotel Wetheral
The Crown at Wetheral is set in a attractive village just a short drive from Carlisle. With landscaped gardens to the rear, it is well suited for business and leisure guests, as well as...
Fieldfare Lodge
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