The city of Carlisle is the largest of all settlements that you will find in Cumbria, England. The building has many different functions: it houses the administration for both the city of Carlisle and the entire county of Cumbria. It is also the host for the University of Cumria’s main campus. Carlisle vacations are ideal for those who would like to discover more about this historic city.

It’s really easy to get to Carlisle from almost anywhere in the UK. The city is well linked with the rest of the country. The M6 motorway provides easy access to the South of England whilst the M74 motorway provides good links with Scotland. However, actually getting around the city itself in a car can prove quite eventful especially when the rush hours are in full flow.

If you’re not going to drive to the city, then there are plenty of regular train services that are direct to the railway station. Trains not only arrive from London, but also from Newcastle, Leeds and Glasgow. That said, the line from Glasgow actually travels through Dumfries on its journey.

When you actually arrive in the city for your vacation, there is plenty of things for one to do and see whilst staying there. Carlisle is famous for both it’s castle and the cathedral.

Since it was built over nine hundred years ago, the castle has marked the western edge of the city and is close to the border between England and Scotland. It has witnessed many conflicts and even been subject to the occasional siege. Today, these are but memories as you tour the dungeons, stairways and chambers. It is in the dungeons you will discover the legendary “Licking Stones” that the thirsty Jacobite prisoners which were being held in them would lick desperately to obtain moisture to help them stay alive.

Carlisle cathedral dominates the city’s sky line and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, which has been the case since it was founded in 1122 AD. The crypt’s decoration is exquisite. If you take the time to actually go into the crypy, you’ll be greeted by a display that covers over a thousand years of Christian history throughout Cumbria.

However, if you are looking for a little more excitement when visiting Carlisle then a day or an evening at the races should be considered. The racecourse is located on the outskirts of the town and is set in beautiful countryside and this is why the course undulates somewhat. Throughout the year top quality horse racing events take place with the National Hunt ones taking place between September and April and the flat races taking place between April and August.

Carlisle vacations are ideal for those who are looking for a quiet romantic time away with their partner. But they are also the place for families who are looking for a little adventure and fun during their Carlisle holiday.