Where is Carlisle, Cumbria? Plus, facts and info.

Some interesting facts about Carlisle, Cumbria.

Something a bit different now. Bear with us on this page – Now you’ve found storage, you may be someone who has relocated (or is considering) to Carlisle. This page will be added to periodically and contains fun facts about Carlisle and it’s history ….

First of all, where is Carlisle? We’re eight miles from the Scottish border at the confluence of the River Eden, Caldew and River Petteril. It’s the ‘capital’ of Cumbria and has a population of around 100,000. It’s post code district is CA1 to CA6. Carlisle is 56 miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne, 90 miles north of Lancaster, 90 miles south east of Glasgow and 120 miles north west of York. It covers a much wider area from the nearby surrounding villages including Dalston, Scotby etc and surrounding towns such as Brampton, Wigton, Penrith etc.

Whats on our doorstep then? The Lake District, which is a twenty minute drive (if that!) away from Carlisle, is a World Heritage Site that offers stunning views of rolling hills, serene lakes, and lush forests. This area is popular for its outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports. The Lake District is also home to many charming villages and picturesque towns, making it a great place to explore and immerse yourself in local culture.

Another aspect that makes Carlisle a great place is its accessibility. The city is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to travel to other parts of the country ie. M6, A66, A69 etc. This makes it a great base for exploring the rest of Cumbria and the UK.

Our unique combination of natural beauty, quality of life, and affordability along with stunning scenery, charming countryside, and fantastic amenities means Carlisle is a place that has something for everyone.

Pictured above is the amazing Carlisle Castle.

The castle is a working one which dates from the year 1092. Interestingly, Mary Queen of Scots was held captive here and has been continually occupied since William II in the year 1092.

And a little more about Carlisle ….

It’s the regional capital of Cumbria and as such has a loads to offer anyone looking to relocate here. And why not relocate here! With its beautiful scenery, quality of life, proximity to the Lake District, and affordability, it’s is an excellent place to call home.

One of the biggest plus points is its stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by rolling hills, verdant forests, and rolling countryside, making it an ideal location for those who love the great outdoors. Additionally, the city is located just a short drive from the Lake District National Park, which is renowned for its stunning beauty and numerous outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for a peaceful stroll through the countryside or a more strenuous hike through the hills, Carlisle and its surrounding area has something for everyone.

Another factor that makes Carlisle an attractive place to relocate is its quality of life. With a friendly and welcoming community, its residents enjoy a relaxed and easy-going pace of life. Additionally, it has a has a relatively low cost of living, especially compared to the South East, which results in a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

In terms of infrastructure and amenities, Carlisle has a lot to offer. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with a number of museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as a thriving nightlife. Additionally, there are plenty of national and local retailers, restaurants, and other local/national businesses, so most things are on hand never having to travel that far.

For those who are looking for self storage options, you’ve found one here! With our range of storage options, you can be assured we can easily find you a storage solution that meets your specific needs, whether short-term or long term storage while you transition to your new home.

As we’ve previously skirted around, one of the most appealing aspects of Carlisle is its affordability. Plenty of amenities, great bars, cafe’s and high end restaurants with a low cost of living, makes it an ideal place to relocate for families, retirees, and young professionals. Our strong job market with a number of major employers operating in the area are all great assets.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in new home building in the area which has been driven by the city’s growing popularity as a place to live. With the demand for new homes on the rise, a number of developers have stepped up to meet the needs of the city’s growing population. The new homes being built in the area are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of residents, with a range of sizes, styles, and price points to suit everyone from first-time home buyers to growing families.

So, whether you are looking for a spacious family home or a cosy starter home, Carlisle has something to offer – it’s an ideal place to call home, and the recent boom since 2020 in new home building means that there are plenty of excellent quality housing available to suit everyone’s needs.

Now, let’s look at a bit of history. Carlisle has loads ….

Carlisle Cross in the centre of Carlisle, Cumbria

This is Carlisle’s Market Cross, situated in the centre of Carlisle’s English Street. This Cross was erected to represent the rights granted to the citizens of Carlisle by Edward III to hold an annual fair every August. This is still the case today, since the year 1353.

Pillar Box: Did you know Carlisle had the very first pillar box back in the year 1853? Sited at Botchergate in the City, it didn’t survive unfortunately, but this replica pillar box installed in the City Centre near The Old Town Hall pays respect to John Penfold, the designer of this particular design of pillar box.

Aboce: Post Christmas 2022 Carlisle City Centre taken from Scotch Street. The Lanes Shopping Centre is one of Carlisle’s City Centre shopping destinations, though now the City has extensive out of town shopping retail estates.

More interesting facts about Carlisle, Cumbria

Here are some more interesting and unique facts about Carlisle:

Roman Roots: Carlisle has a long and rich history dating back to the Roman era. The city was originally established as a Roman fort in AD 79 and was named ‘Luguvalium’. Today, the Roman walls that once surrounded the city can still be seen, providing a glimpse into the city’s past.
The Border City: Carlisle has a long history as a border city, being situated on the border between England and Scotland, some ten miles or so from Scotland. This has shaped the city’s cultural identity and has led to a rich history of conflict and cooperation between the two nations.
St Cuthbert’s Church: St Cuthbert’s Church is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Carlisle. This medieval church is believed to have been built on the site of a Roman temple and has been a place of worship for over 1,300 years.
Carlisle Cathedral: The city of Carlisle is home to a stunning cathedral, which was built in the 12th century. The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings.
The Border Reivers: Carlisle was once home to a group of raiders known as the Border Reivers. These raiders were known for their raids and skirmishes along the border between England and Scotland. The Border Reivers left a lasting impact on the city and the surrounding region and are remembered today through local folklore and traditions.
The Carlisle Citadel*: The Carlisle Citadel* is a historic fortification that dates back to the 16th century. This impressive structure was built to defend the city against Scottish raiders and has been well-preserved over the centuries. Today, the citadel is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Tullie House Museum: The Tullie House Museum is a museum located in Carlisle that is dedicated to the history and culture of the city. The museum is home to a wide range of exhibits and artifacts, including Roman coins and pottery, medieval weapons and armor, and works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Solway Firth: The Solway Firth is a large tidal estuary located near Carlisle. This area is known for its stunning scenery and is a popular destination for bird-watching, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
The Carlisle Racecourse: The Carlisle Racecourse is a historic racecourse that has been in operation for over 300 years. This racecourse is one of the oldest in the country and is still a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts.
The Hadrian’s Wall Trail: Hadrian’s Wall is a historic Roman wall that runs through Carlisle. The Hadrian’s Wall Trail is a popular walking trail that follows the route of the wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

These are just a few of the many unique and interesting facts about Carlisle and its rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, outdoor activities, or simply experiencing local culture, we have it.