Uncover the turbulent past of Carlisle Castle

Carlisle, Cumbria

Sieges, a royal prisoner and home to the King's Own Royal Border Regiment: this castle has some incredible secrets to reveal.

Carlisle Castle stands proudly in the centre of the Cumbrian city it has dominated for nine centuries. The well-preserved Roman fortress has some spine-tingling stories to tell, from the mysterious stone carvings adorning the castle keep’s walls to the royal bedrooms in the Captain's Tower, one of the best preserved gatehouses in the country. Explore medieval castle rooms and 19th century military buildings, and visit the turret in which Mary, Queen of Scots was held captive.

Carlisle Castle is also home to Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, which features a fully immersive state-of-the-art exhibition. Experience life in a First World War trench environment and discover a huge variety of uniforms, medals, weapons and silver that bring to life the history of Cumbria’s County Infantry Regiment and its soldiers past and present.

Carlisle, on the border with Scotland in northeast England, is 3 hours 15 minutes from London by train.

Content provided by Cumbria Tourism

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Carlisle CastleCarlisle Castle © VisitEngland/CumbriaTourism

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