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Things to do in Carlisle

Carlisle is an amazing place to have the main campus of the University of Cumbria. The people are great, the city small and friendly, and there's lots on offer to make the most of your graduation.

Stay in the area and visit the many attractions, eat in the cafés and restaurants, and make your graduation a real celebration.

Take a look at the Top 10 attractions on Trip Advisor.

To see and do in the area

  • Explore a thriving city centre!

  • Enjoy a great range of shops

  • Visit Carlisle Castle - this famous site is walking distance from campus

  • Explore the local culture and arts

  • Take a day trip to the Lake District

Entertainment

boy looking at paintings

Carlisle is a vibrant city, with much to see and do, whether it’s history, shopping, sport, eating or outdoor festivals.

  • Stanwix Theatre - Nominated for Best Arts Venue locally in 2014, Stanwix Theatre is the premier performance space for the Performing Arts courses at the University of Cumbria. Located at the Brampton Road campus, our Performing Arts students stage around 80 different productions in an academic year with a total of over 300 performances, but there is still space for visiting professional productions.
  • Vallum Gallery - Opened by globally acclaimed artist and former student Conrad Atkinson, Vallum Gallery is home to a number of in-house and external exhibitions each year.
  • The Old Fire Station hosts a range of great music events
  • Carlisle United - If you're a football fan, check out the match schedule at the Carlisle United Football Club

 

Tourist attractions

Carlisle City Centre with signpost.

  • Carlisle Castle, Carlisle Cathedral and Tullie House Museum – all located in the historical quarter of the city. Carlisle Castle has been the most under sieged castle in the country and was once home to Mary Queen of Scots who was kept prisoner here
  • Carlisle is the City of the Lakes.  A 25 minute drive takes you into the northern lake district where you can find the best walks, lakes and attractions
  • Hadrian’s Wall – spanning almost 80 miles coast to coast, Hadrian's Wall is one of the North’s finest Roman attractions with various museums and forts to explore

Food and drink

Students around a cafe table

  • Foxborough BBQ restaurant – just round the corner from the Fusehill St campus – meat lover’s paradise and an amazing brunch!
  • Alexandros Greek Restaurant and Deli – light lunches, evening meals or a full-blown meze if you prefer.  Lots of vegetarian options too
  • Thin White Duke – great for a daytime or early evening bite to eat.  Popular with our students
  • Old Bank City Pub & Chophouse – good old English classics with a twist and locally-sourced produce
  • Dutch Uncle – great for lunch or evening meals - serving a variety of cocktails and Cumbrian tapas
  • Foxes Café Lounge – located near the cathedral and castle with a laid back arty vibe, popular with our students, also a public art gallery with open mic events
  • John Watt & Son – sample a slice of local history at Carlisle’s oldest traditional coffee shop
  • The Old Engine House – quirky coffee shop just off the main shopping street
  • Stanwix Tandoori – Indian cuisine you have to try – just round the corner from our Brampton Road campus
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