Name: Carlisle Castle
Rating: 5.0

Carlisle Castle

Castle Way, Carlisle CA3 8UR, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Carlisle Castle, One of the most besieged castles in England, Carlisle Castle guarded the wild western end of the Anglo-Scottish border for hundreds of years. After surviving seven sieges by the Scots between 1174 and 1461. It was adapted for artillery and, in 1568, held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner.

You can explore the Tudor battery, the 12th-century gatehouse and the recently conserved keep, which has intriguing 15th-century carvings on its second floor. The castle was operational well into the 20th century. Today it hosts Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, exploring the Border Regiment’s 300-year history. English Heritage members get free entry to the museum.

Price starts from £14.50 for Adults, £9.00 for Children(5-17) and £23.50 for Family. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

See Queen Mary’s Tower: Visit the site where Mary, Queen of Scots was held captive from 1568, on the orders of her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. Fleeing from her rebellious Scottish subjects, Mary was heir-apparent to the English throne. She was also a Catholic, and ally of the French, so far too dangerous to be allowed to remain free.
Explore the Exhibition: Step into the rich and turbulent past of Carlisle Castle in the exhibition that brings the castle’s most famous inhabitants to life. Discover their stories, from Mary Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, to notorious Border Reivers such as Kinmont Willie Armstrong. Hear about his dramatic rescue in the exhibition.
Examine Prisoners’ Carvings: Uncover the truth behind the mysterious stone carvings found in the castle keep. The beautifully crafted pieces of graffiti include images of a knight, a mermaid and many animals. See if you can spot a stag, a fish, and a boar.
The Warden's Apartments at Carlisle Castle: Step into this suite of rooms, which once included the bedroom of the King of England, Richard III. It's now known as the Warden's Apartments. Carlisle Castle was the seat of the Lord Warden of the West March, and Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later King Richard III) filled this role.
Museum of Military Life: Located in the former Regimental Institute, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life tells the story of Cumbria’s Infantry Regiment and its soldiers past and present.
Magical Creatures: Looking for an adventure with your little ones? Uncover English folklore with our Folktale Creature Trails, where children can discover magical creatures from English myths and legends.

Facilities

Parking: Parking at the castle itself is only available for disabled visitors, but there are several car parks nearby in the city centre. These are sign-posted and charged-for (not managed by English Heritage). Devonshire Walk car park (CA3 8UL) is next to the castle (not managed by English Heritage).
Food And Drink: The shop sells a selection of snacks including crisps, cold drinks, confectionery and ice cream. There is a café in Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, located in the grounds of the castle, open April to October.
Toilets: We have male, female and accessible toilet facilities on site.

What to see

Events:

Ghost Tales at Carlisle Castle: Date: Thu 30 Oct - Sat 1 Nov 2025. Time: 7pm & 8.30pm. Location: Carlisle Castle. Explore Carlisle Castle after dark this Halloween. Join our storytellers as they guide you on a journey through the past, with tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors from history.
The Many Faces of Medieval Carlisle Castle: Fortress, Residence and Prison: Date: Sat 7 Feb. Time: 11am - 1pm. Location: Carlisle Castle. Join English Heritage historian Will Wyeth at Carlisle Castle for a tour of one of England’s most strategically significant castles, focusing on its medieval heyday. For over 900 years, there has been a castle in Carlisle. What was it for? How did it change over time? This tour will explore the castle’s rich history and development, uncovering fascinating details of daily life in this important border fortress. You’ll also hear about some of the people, great and small, who lived, worked, or were imprisoned here.

For more information please visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carlisle-castle/events/

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Advance online tickets:

Adult: £14.50 With donation & £13.10 Without donation.
Child(5–17 years): £9.00 With donation & £8.10 Without donation.
Family(2 adults, up to 3 children): £38.00 With donation & £34.30 Without donation.
Family(1 adult, up to 3 children): £23.50 With donation & £21.20 Without donation.
Concession: £13.00 With donation & £11.80 Without donation.
Member: Free.

On the day tickets:

Adult: £17.50 With donation & £15.90 Without donation.
Child(5–17 years): £11.00 With donation & £10.00 Without donation.
Family(2 adults, up to 3 children): £46.00 With donation & £41.80 Without donation.
Family(1 adult, up to 3 children): £28.50 With donation & £25.90 Without donation.
Concession: £15.50 With donation & £14.00 Without donation.
Member: Free.

Membership: Starts from £42.

For more information please visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/

Pricing URL: http://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carlisle-castle/prices-and-opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open Daily: 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)

Address: Castle Way, Carlisle CA3 8UR, UK

Post Code: CA3 8UR

Council: Cumberland

County: Cumbria

Road Access: The castle is located in Carlisle city centre. Follow Castle Street, past Carlisle Cathedral on left. At the main road, take the underpass to the castle.
Bus Access: Several buses stop at Market Hall, round the corner from the castle, including frequent buses 61, 63 and 67 (all operated by Stagecoach). They run every few minutes from the Courts, close to the railway station and take about five minutes to reach Market Hall. It’s then a short walk to Carlisle Castle. Hourly bus 300 runs from Flimby and Maryport and there are buses a few times a day from Keswick and Cockermouth.
Train Access: Carlisle Castle is a 15 minute walk from Carlisle railway station.
Bicycle Access: Carlisle Castle is very close to National Routes 7 and 72.
Parking: Parking at the castle itself is only available for disabled visitors, but there are several car parks nearby in the city centre. These are sign-posted and charged-for (not managed by English Heritage). Devonshire Walk car park (CA3 8UL) is next to the castle (not managed by English Heritage).