Carlisle is set in the county of Cumbria, situated just 10 miles south of the Scottish Borders and is nicknamed the Border City. During Roman times the town was established to serve the forts for Hadrian’s Wall, which runs east from the city across the country to Wallsend on the east coast and today is recognised as a World Heritage Site. During the Middle Ages, due to its proximity to the Kingdom of Scotland, Carlisle became an important military stronghold and Carlisle Castle, still relatively intact, was built in 1092 by William Rufus, after once serving as a prison for Mary, Queen of Scots. The castle now houses the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and the Border Regiment Museum. In the early 12th century Henry I allowed the foundation of a priory in Carlisle and the town gained the status of a diocese in 1122, resulting in the priory becoming Carlisle Cathedral. The Settle to Carlisle railway runs across some of the most breathtaking scenery to the popular Yorkshire town and Carlisle Racecourse has a packed fixture list including Ladies’ Day and evening fixtures. Within driving distance is the Victorian seaside town of Silloth and just over the border is Gretna Green, where you’ll find the Gretna Gateway Shopping Centre and Anvil Hall, the famous wedding venue.
