Day trips in Carlisle

Carlisle is a well-connected city and has direct services to destinations such as Penrith, Oxenholme, and Glasgow. Here’s all you need to know about train travel in Carlisle.

Train stations in Carlisle

Located on the edge of the city center on Court Square, Carlisle station is a major railway hub. Frequent train services are operated by Northern, ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, and TransPennine Express, with London North Eastern Railway and Caledonian Sleeper calling at the station less often. Trains serve stations like Lancaster, Middlesbrough, Edinburgh (Waverley), and Newcastle.

Carlisle station is also on a renowned scenic rail line: the Settle–Carlisle Railway. Journey past stunning countryside and 20 viaducts, including the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct. Northern services from Carlisle to Settle run seven times a day, costing as little as £5.00. If you’re visiting around early May, why not take part in the ride2stride Festival? The week-long celebration hosts events and walks from stations along the line, plus folk music at the local pubs. Just turn up at the station and meet the walk leaders.

Trains from the airport to Carlisle

Manchester Airport is the closest major international airport to Carlisle. It has its own station, where you can get direct trains to Carlisle hourly. Alternatively, catch the more frequent Northern service to Lancaster or Preston, changing for a train to Carlisle station. Journeys take around 2 hours and 24 minutes on average, costing roughly £23.00.

Another nearby option is Newcastle International Airport. The airport is on the Green line of the Tyne and Wear Metro network, offering convenient access to Newcastle station (25 minutes). From there, take a direct Northern train to Carlisle (1 hour and 30 minutes). Up to two trains run an hour, and the cheapest tickets cost around £4.00. Metro services run up to five times an hour, and Single tickets cost about £4.00 or £3.60 on a Pop Pay As You Go (PAYG) card.

Trains from London to Carlisle

Direct trains to Carlisle from the capital depart from London Euston station. Journeys take four hours on average, and Advance fares start from around £44.00. Two services operate every hour.

With over 2,000 years of history and a mix of long-standing sights and modern additions, day trips in Carlisle are truly unique. Add these attractions and dining spots to your itinerary.

Places to visit in Carlisle

Few may know that Carlisle has a cathedral. Open to visitors daily, the medieval church is England’s second smallest cathedral with figurative stone carving, beautiful monastic gardens, and an amazing starlight ceiling. It’s a nine-minute walk from the station, passing the city center and its shops.

Carlisle Castle, a prominent landmark in the city’s skyline for almost 930 years, is only 13 minutes away from Carlisle station on foot. On your way, make a stop at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. Its impressive collection contains paintings by regional artists, 18th-century English ceramics, and almost a million objects unveiling the history of Carlisle and Cumbria. Next to the castle is Bitts Park - a serene contrast to the city center only half a mile away. Stroll through the gardens and along the River Eden. 

Where to eat in Carlisle

Carlisle has endless dining options catering to a wide range of palates. For food and drinks, head to Coco Mill or Print Yard, tucked away on a back street four minutes from the station. The Bordo Lounge is a modern café bar in the heart of Carlisle with all-day brunch as well as vegan and gluten-free menus. If you’re looking for traditional British dishes, The Last Zebra has a delicious selection on its menu, from English breakfast with Cumberland sausages to sticky toffee pudding.

Carlisle is conveniently close to the Lake District and other cities in the North of England. Here’s our pick of destinations for great day trips from Carlisle.

Hadrian’s Wall

As one of the most important sites in Carlisle’s history, Hadrian’s Wall is unmissable for day trips in Carlisle. While there are ruins right by Carlisle Castle, the fortification is perhaps best enjoyed out in the countryside. The Hadrian’s Wall Path stretches over 84 miles (135 kilometers) from the east to west coast. Take the train to Hexham, then hop on the AD122 bus to The Sill (30 minutes). From here, it takes 34 minutes to walk to the stunning Sycamore Gap Tree. Continue exploring Crag Lough, the Housesteads Roman Fort, and the Vindolanda fort and museum. The site houses rare treasures, including the Vindolanda Writing Tablets. Sandwiches, cakes, and scones are served in the café with picturesque garden seating. Up to three Northern trains operate from Carlisle to Hexham, taking about 50 minutes. You can even find cheap train tickets for £3.00 when booking in advance. Don’t forget to wear a pair of sturdy walking shoes for the undulating route.

Lake District

Exploring the Lake District National Park makes for one of the best day trips from Carlisle. Northern services stop at many stations with connecting buses, such as Wigton and Penrith (North Lakes). For a scenic hop-on, hop-off trip, buy a Stagecoach North West Explorer ticket (£12.00 or £33.00 for groups up to five) and catch the X4 or X5 bus from Penrith to Keswick. This beautiful market town is just north of Derwentwater and has excellent green spaces like Hope Park, plus independent shops. Your bus pass is also valid for many other routes, including the 555 to Lake Windermere (1 hour and 3 minutes) and 505 to Wray Castle (50 minutes from Keswick, changing at Ambleside). With buses running up to every 30 minutes, you can see all of the sights you want within a day. Trains to Penrith run up to three times an hour; the cheapest tickets are £5.00.

Glasgow

Sitting just a few miles from Carlisle, Scotland is well worth the visit. And what better way to do that than touring the first city in the country to be named European Capital of Culture? Glasgow has the largest music economy after London and is filled with venues celebrating art and heritage. Browse the collections of endless museums, including the Riverside Museum and the Burrell Collection, and vibrant street art along the mural trail. The Glasgow Necropolis just off the trail has amazing views of Saint Mungo's Cathedral and the city. Music can be heard everywhere, from the buskers on the streets to bigger acts at iconic venues such as King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. Three trains head to Glasgow Central each hour, taking around two hours on average. Faster trains take only 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Thanks to frequent trains and an extensive rail network, you can have incredible day trips in Carlisle, the North of England, and Scotland. Book in advance and travel outside of rush hour for the best fares. Using a Railcard can get you 1/3 off your tickets. To save even more on North England travel, use the code NORTHERNUK2025 for an extra 10% discount on Northern rail journeys*. 

*Offer valid on Northern services only until December 31, 2025, for new registered Trip.com users outside the United Kingdom. This offer can be used in combination with flash sale discounts, welcome offers, and Railcard discounts.

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