Carlisle Castle
Cumbria, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Carlisle, 0.6 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle Wy., Carlisle CA3 8UR
Telephone 0370 333 1181
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- 20 percent off entry for visitors arriving by public transport or bicycle instead of car.
A border fortress with nine centuries of continuous military use behind it - Mary, Queen of Scots was held here after fleeing to England in 1568, and Edward I based himself here during his Scottish campaigns. It's one of the more complete castles in the north, with a roofed keep and a regimental museum on site.
Who to know
Mary, Queen of Scots · held here after fleeing to England in 1568
Worth the trip
The keep, one of the few in the region that's still roofed - reviewers rate the guided tours here as genuinely excellent, not just informative but engaging.
Before you go
The on-site cafe has been reported closed on occasion, so don't rely on it for food; if paying by card from outside the UK, be aware some visitors have had payment issues at the car park machines.
Reviewers consistently praise Carlisle Castle's history, the on-site military museum, and knowledgeable English Heritage guides. A couple of visitors mention the cafe has limited food options or was closed on their visit, and one suggests more of the rooms could be furnished to improve the presentation, but overall the experience is rated highly.
Working border fortress with roofed keep
“Really interesting tour with Harry, he was very knowledgeable, entertaining and engaging. The ticket includes access to the military museum which has lots in interesting artefacts, definitely recommend a visit here as…”- Suzanne Curry, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “We had a bit of a struggle paying for parking, had to call to pay because you can't use out of country credit cards to pay.” - David Head
- Guided tours
- “Our guide, Derrick, was fantastic and very passionate.” - John Robbie Clark
- Facilities
- “The cafe was closed when I last went but the time before, the food was very limited.” - Damon Atkins
Common questions about Carlisle Castle
Where is Carlisle Castle?
Carlisle Castle is in Cumbria, England, at Castle Wy., Carlisle CA3 8UR.
Do you need a ticket to visit Carlisle Castle?
Yes - Carlisle Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Carlisle Castle?
The keep, one of the few in the region that's still roofed - reviewers rate the guided tours here as genuinely excellent, not just informative but engaging.
Is Carlisle Castle a ruin or still intact?
Carlisle Castle is largely intact - Working border fortress with roofed keep.
