Quick Car Hire Carlisle

Carlisle town guide

Carlisle stands close to the western end of Hadrian's Wall, near the border of England and Scotland. For 1,700 years Carlisle knew warfare and struggle. First a Roman frontier town, overrun by the Picts, sacked by the Vikings in 875, it was added to England after the Norman Conquests. It was then the subject of frequent border raids between England and Scotland.

The Castle is now a museum of the History of the Border regiment.

Using Carlisle as a base, you can explore many parts of Hadrian's Wall, which winds through some of our loveliest countryside. Being so close to the Lake District and Scotland it is well worth hiring a car here and exploring the beautiful scenery so near at hand. The Eden Valley to the south of Carlisle is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a paradise for walkers and cyclists.

The famous Settle to Carlisle railway operates "steam days" so you can experience the sights, sounds and even smells of the Great Steam Age.

Carlisle is the shopping capital of Cumbria - featuring the Lanes shopping centre and the unique Victorian Market Hall with its regular Farmers' Market.