Planning a family holiday in Carlisle? Sitting close to the Scottish border, Hadrian’s Wall and the northern Lake District, Carlisle makes a fantastic base for families who want plenty of choice when it comes to days out.
From castles and Romans to farm animals, outdoor adventures and beautiful countryside, there’s much more to Carlisle than you might expect. Better still, many attractions are only a short drive from the city, so you can spend less time travelling and more time making memories together.
Here are our top 7 family things to do when staying in Carlisle and the surrounding area.
1. Step Back in Time at Carlisle Castle
Standing proudly in the heart of the city, Carlisle Castle is a must for families visiting Carlisle.
One of England’s most frequently besieged castles, it has guarded the Anglo-Scottish border for centuries and was once used to imprison Mary, Queen of Scots. Children can explore the ancient rooms, discover mysterious carvings in the keep and imagine what life would have been like when the castle was preparing to defend the city.
There are exhibitions bringing some of the castle’s most colourful characters to life, and families can also take part in the World Builder trail.
Perfect for: Young explorers, budding knights and families who love history.
2. Spend the Day at Walby Farm Park
Just a few miles outside Carlisle, Walby Farm Park is one of the area’s favourite family attractions – and you can easily spend most of the day here.
Meet farmyard animals, groom ponies, watch goat racing and ferret shows or have a go at hand feeding. When the children still have energy to burn, there are pedal go-karts, outdoor activities and a huge indoor adventure play area, making this a particularly good choice when the Cumbrian weather isn’t behaving itself.
Walby is around four miles from Carlisle, making it an easy day out when you’re staying in or around the city.
Perfect for: Younger children, animal lovers and rainy days.
3. Discover the Romans Along Hadrian’s Wall
You can’t stay near Carlisle without exploring a little of Hadrian’s Wall.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches across northern England, with fascinating Roman remains, forts and museums dotted along its route. Families can combine a gentle countryside walk with a history lesson that feels much more exciting than sitting in a classroom!
Pick a manageable section of the wall for younger children, pack a picnic and spend the day imagining Roman soldiers keeping watch over the northern frontier almost 2,000 years ago. We have lots of Hadrian’s Wall Cottages ideal for those interested in this sight.
Perfect for: Walking, history and family adventures in the fresh air.
4. Enjoy a Family Day at Talkin Tarn
Sometimes the best family days out are the simplest.
Near Brampton, Talkin Tarn Country Park is a lovely place to escape into the countryside. Take a walk around the tarn, enjoy a family picnic and give the children plenty of space to enjoy the fresh air.
Depending on availability and the time of year, you may also find activities on the water. Carlisle’s official visitor guide recommends Talkin Tarn as one of the family attractions within easy reach of the city.
Perfect for: Picnics, walks and inexpensive family days out.
5. Climb, Jump, Put and Relax
If your children prefer climbing walls to castle walls, Carlisle has options for more energetic days too.
When you’ve had enough sightseeing – or when rain stops outdoor adventures head to Eden Rock for indoor climbing walls or Fusion Trampoline Park, providing an alternative activity to let off steam – also includes Jurassic Mini Golf now. Too energetic? We have you, spend an afternoon at The Vue Cinema watching the latest film releases.
It’s also a great way for older children and teenagers to burn off some energy and try something different during their holiday.
Perfect for: Active families and older children.
6. Take a Trip to the Solway Coast
One of the advantages of staying in Carlisle is that you can enjoy countryside, city and coast during the same holiday.
Head west from Carlisle and you’ll soon reach the Solway Coast, where big skies, peaceful coastal scenery and views towards Scotland make a refreshing change from a busy day sightseeing.
Pack buckets and spades, take a picnic and enjoy a family walk beside the sea. Stay until later in the day and you may be rewarded with one of the spectacular sunsets for which the Solway is known.
For a traditional family day out, add fish and chips before heading back to your holiday cottage.
Perfect for: Beach days, picnics, dog walks and sunsets.
7. Have a Family Adventure in the Lake District
Stay in Carlisle and the Lake District is close enough for a fantastic day trip, Lake Ullswater is only half an hours drive.
Head south towards Ullswater for lakeside walks, family-friendly adventures and spectacular mountain scenery, or travel towards Keswick to explore independent shops, enjoy a cruise on Derwentwater or head into the surrounding fells.
The beauty of staying around Carlisle is that you don’t have to choose between a city break and a Lake District holiday – you can enjoy a little of everything.
Perfect for: Families who want to experience the Lake District without necessarily staying amongst its busiest tourist hotspots.
Make Carlisle Your Base for a Family Holiday
Carlisle and the surrounding countryside can sometimes be overlooked by families heading straight into the central Lake District, but that’s exactly why it’s worth considering.
Stay here and you have Carlisle Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, family attractions, beautiful countryside and the Solway Coast all within easy reach, while the Lake District is waiting when you fancy a day amongst the mountains.
There’s plenty to keep children entertained too, whether your family prefers meeting animals, exploring castles, climbing, walking, museums or simply packing a picnic and heading into the countryside.
At Cumbrian Cottage Holidays, we have a choice of welcoming family-friendly holiday cottages in Carlisle and the surrounding area, giving you the freedom to explore this fascinating corner of Cumbria at your own pace.
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