Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Castle Standing strongly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle was a constantly updated working fortress until well within living memory.
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Now its rich and varied visitor attractions reflect its long and eventful history. Even before the medieval castle was begun, this site was an important Roman fortress. Today, the castle still plays a prominent role in Cumbria as one of its best loved landmarks. With the picnic area, a unique gift shop and being so close to Hadrian's Wall, the castle makes for a full family day out. The Cumbria Mu

seum of Military Life situated inside the castle's outer ward is open to visitors and is included in the Castle's admission price. Carlisle Castle is currently open daily from April-October, and weekends during the winter. The Military Museum is open daily throughout the year. HOUSE RULES

This page is designed as a place to discuss Carlisle Castle - to share tips for a great day out at the castle, upcoming events and news from the property. We love hearing the ideas and opinions of our social community, and encourage you to leave comments, photos, videos and links (‘content’) here on our page. However, in the interests of our whole community, by using this site you accept our ‘house rules’ and agree that any content posted by you on our page will follow these rules. Content posted on our page must not:

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If you have any questions about the house rules, Carlisle Castle, the work of English Heritage, membership or queries that need a more in depth answer our Customer Services team would be happy to help. Please email us at [email protected].

🏰 Fun Fact Friday 🏰Taking its name from a certain royal prisoner, the bank outside the front of our keep is known as the...
28/08/2026

🏰 Fun Fact Friday 🏰

Taking its name from a certain royal prisoner, the bank outside the front of our keep is known as the 'Lady's Walk'.

In May 1568, after fleeing Scotland, Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in Carlisle Castle under the watchful eye of Sir Francis Knollys. It was said he allowed Mary to take walks along the front of the Castle, giving this area its name.

Well... it's certainly been a manic few weeks! We've been chasing this Dragon all over the Castle and, with your help, w...
26/08/2026

Well... it's certainly been a manic few weeks!

We've been chasing this Dragon all over the Castle and, with your help, we have finally caught him!

We can now properly introduce Drak the Dragon! 🐉

He told us he's enjoyed his stay at the Castle this summer and that he just might be back next year... it seems we're going to need some more knights!! 🛡 🏰

Whilst Drak may have flown the nest, there's still a few days left of summer to visit us! Book in advance to save 15% - https://bit.ly/4uOU3XY

Our Dragon has been naughty this week and gotten into our off-limits areas! Can you spot them in this picture and help u...
23/08/2026

Our Dragon has been naughty this week and gotten into our off-limits areas! Can you spot them in this picture and help us make sure they're safe? 🏰🐉

🏰 Fun Fact Friday 🏰The Outer Gatehouse currently serves as the main entrance and shop for the site, but it has had many ...
21/08/2026

🏰 Fun Fact Friday 🏰

The Outer Gatehouse currently serves as the main entrance and shop for the site, but it has had many other roles during its time.

These range from front line defence to a Sherriff's office, and from a soldier's barracks to the sergeant's mess! Although, a 1938 report observed that the staircases could prove quite a risk to the sergeants if they enjoyed a little too much drink... 🍻

The ghosts in the Warden's Apartment have been getting more restless lately... it seems someone has been stealing their ...
19/08/2026

The ghosts in the Warden's Apartment have been getting more restless lately... it seems someone has been stealing their food!

Now who could be the culprit? 🤔🐉

We're starting to like having this Cheeky Dragon around site... perhaps it's time we gave them a proper name? 🐉Can you s...
16/08/2026

We're starting to like having this Cheeky Dragon around site... perhaps it's time we gave them a proper name? 🐉

Can you spot where they're hiding in this picture? 🏰

Let us know your name suggestions in the comments below!

Next Sunday (23rd) Hot Aire! have very kindly offered to come to our site and play some music. They are a concert band b...
15/08/2026

Next Sunday (23rd) Hot Aire! have very kindly offered to come to our site and play some music. They are a concert band based in West Yorkshire with over 40 musicians across brass, woodwind, keyboards, and percussion!

They will be on site playing a wide variety of movie themes, show tunes, pop music, and big band classics between 12:00 - 2:00pm. Tickets to the event are included with membership or our usual day tickets.

Find more information here - https://bit.ly/3SiPmbO

🏰 Fun Fact Friday 🏰Currently we enter the keep at ground level through a 16th Century doorway, but the foundations eithe...
14/08/2026

🏰 Fun Fact Friday 🏰

Currently we enter the keep at ground level through a 16th Century doorway, but the foundations either side suggest there used to be a much grander entrance to the keep.

It is likely a forebuilding was built during the 12th Century which would have made for a more impressive and secure entrance. It would also have housed an imposing external staircase to the first floor.

This forebuilding was most probably a short-lived change that could possibly be associated with the period between 1135 and 1157, when Carlisle was under Scottish occupation.

Recently our guards have been complaining about the feeling of being watched whilst they have their lunch... 🐉🏰Can you s...
12/08/2026

Recently our guards have been complaining about the feeling of being watched whilst they have their lunch... 🐉🏰

Can you spot the Cheeky Dragon?

Our staff have been working overtime to clean up the mess left by a certain winged rascal playing with our Dress-Up Clot...
09/08/2026

Our staff have been working overtime to clean up the mess left by a certain winged rascal playing with our Dress-Up Clothes... 🐉🏰

Can you spot where they're hiding?

Come and try on some costumes yourselves whilst you explore the Warden's Apartments - book your tickets in advance for an extra 15% off: https://bit.ly/4uOU3XY

Address

Castle Way
Carlisle
CA38UR

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

01228591922

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