|
The extreme northern location of Carlisle not only made the city a strategic military stronghold, but also attracted many to fight for the territory including neighbouring Scotland. Following Celt occupation, the Romans established the area, developing industry and trade. After the Romans, the Scots are believed to have ruled the region until forced out by William Rufus in the 12th century. William, son of William the Conqueror, began erecting timber castles in the locations formerly occupied by earthen and stone Roman forts. A wall was built around the city for protection, and construction included three gates and six towers. Once again, an industrial city, a weekly town market sold agricultural and textile wares.
During the reign of Henry VIII, buildings were reinforced with stone. A century later, a civil war required rebuilding of the castle and city walls. Thought to be a time of peace and prosperity, the town began removing the walls and expanding the city, but Bonnie Prince Charlie invaded Carlisle in the middle of the 18th century. After the English regained control, the textile industry bloomed, allowing manufacturing mills to be constructed, along with a canal for shipping. Railway transportation soon developed spurning the construction of many new industries. The city remains a cultural, commercial and industrial hub for northern England.
Activities and Attractions
Being a conglomeration of medieval and modern, Carlisle contains numerous activities of interest. Castle Carlisle, constructed over a Roman fort in the 11th century, remains largely intact and welcomes thousands of visitors daily. The motte and bailey castle was not only a military settlement, but was also employed as a prison and briefly held the infamous Mary, Queen of Scots. Over 21.3 meters (70 feet) of Hadrian's Wall remain standing along the city dotted occasionally by ancient Roman forts. On the southern end of the metropolis, sit two-drum towers known as the Citadel. Once used as a defensive gateway of protection, the towers eventually became the location of criminal and civil court cases, but now stand as an attraction and reminder of days gone by.
Other sites of interest include Carlisle Cathedral and the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. Numerous paths exist for biking, walking or horseback riding in and around the medieval city. Water sports are popular at the nearby Talking Tarn, a 45.5 hectare (120-acre) lake and outdoor recreation area. The city maintains many parks having sprawling lawns and manicured gardens, in which to enjoy a leisurely stroll, relax or partake in a game of football. In the evenings, Carlisle comes alive with many forms of entertainment including live stage performances of theatre productions to musical concerts. Carlisle also contains numerous quaint country pubs, contemporary bars and nightclubs.
Places To Stay and Dining
When it comes to accommodations, guests have a wide selection of options with everything from elegant country estate hotels with English gardens to local bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, self-catering cottages and hostels. Regardless of the setting, most facilities offer modern amenities and conveniences. For those without private transportation, the city has buses, taxis and railways travelling to numerous locations.
Whether looking for fast food favourites or a fine dining experience, Carlisle has bars, bistros, cafes, sandwich shops and restaurants to please a wide range of appetites. The cuisines include traditional English to Asian, Indian, Mexican and Greek.
Accommodation in Carlisle
Show Bed & Breakfasts in Carlisle
Show Hotels in Carlisle
Show Cottages in Carlisle
Show Holiday Apartments in Carlisle
| 
