Name: Carlisle Castle
Address: Castle Way, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8UR
Telephone: 01228 591922

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Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Castle will be hosting Cumbria Pride on Saturday 25th September. Pre-booking is unavailable and Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life will be closed so our usual joint ticket will be unavailable on the day. However you can still purchase a Castle only ticket on the door.

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Keeping you safe

What to expect on your visit

Ghost Tours at Carlisle Castle

Find out more

See full prices and opening times

Address

Castle Way, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8UR

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What you need to know

We've made some changes to help keep you safe, and things might be a little different when you visit. Here's everything you need to know.

Do we need to Book?

You don’t need to book your ticket in advance, but you will always get the best price and guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit.

If you are a Member and wish to book, your ticket is still free.

Your booking is for the site/event only and does not guarantee a car parking space, which may carry an additional charge.

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Booking FAQs

Keeping you Safe

Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe. We’re continuing with enhanced cleaning and you’ll find hand sanitiser stations on site. Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you to do the same. You can also help us keep you and other visitors safe by not visiting if you have symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate.

General Safety Information

Do I need to wear a face covering?

Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you to do the same.

I still have questions.

The answers to all frequently asked questions can be found on our FAQ page.

Read our FAQs

Things to See and Do

What's On

Ghost Tours at Carlisle Castle

Thu 28 - Sun 31 Oct 2021 Tours at 7pm & 8.30pm

Timeline

72Roman City

A large Roman fort is established on the site of the later castle. This becomes the nucleus for a prosperous town called Luguvalium, occupied by the Romans until the end of the 4th century

1092First Castle

William II advances north and defeats local warlord Dolfin. William takes Carlisle, makes the town a borough and builds the first castle on part of the Roman site.

Find out more about the history of Carlisle Castle

12th-15th CenturiesBesieged

The Scots hold the town and castle to siege in 1173, 1174, 1216, 1296, 1297, 1315 and 1461, making it the most frequently besieged place in the British Isles.

1122The Castle Fortified

Henry I visits Carlisle and orders that the castle be fortified. This may be the origin of the keep.

Read a description of Carlisle Castle

1308Added Comfort

Queen Mary's Tower is added to provide better accommodation.

15th-Early 16th CenturiesBorder Reivers

Families and clans on both sides of the border form armed bands of 'reivers' who regularly rob and pillage their neighbours, causing a prolonged economic decline.

16th CenturyRenovations

Henry VIII orders a review of Carlisle's defences, resulting in the largest building campaign since the 12th century.

1567Expensive Royal Guest

Mary, Queen of Scots, flees to England and is housed in the Warden's Tower, later Queen Mary's Tower, at Elizabeth I's expense.

1596Great Escape

The castle is used as a reivers' prison. The notorious reiver William Armstrong ('Kinmont Willie') is rescued when armed friends use ladders to break into the castle.

1641-5Surrender to Starvation

In the Civil War the castle is garrisoned for Charles I. The Scots and Parliamentarians starve out the castle. Almost a year later, the garrison finally surrenders.

1745-6Second Jacobite Rising

Prince Charles Edward Stuart takes the city and castle with 400 men. The Duke of Cumberland besieges the castle and the Jacobites surrender. Many are imprisoned and 31 are executed.