Carlisle seems like it is trying very hard to be a destination, but like so many cities around the world, is having to rely on retail establishments as a draw, and that is not really working out well anymore. It is a cute little town and had some great architecture and has good access to Roman sites that we wish we had more time for. We stayed overnight on a Sunday and did manage to see the lovely cathedral and Carlisle Castle in the span of a couple hours and pretty much had both properties to ourselves. That was kind of the problem--there was NO ONE AROUND except for some sketchy looking lads scattered about town, two of which we believe were stealing a bicycle from in front of a shop in broad daylight. We were a bit too nervous to get involved, and unlike most UK cities that we visited, I do not think we saw a single police officer in Carlisle. I felt safe at the Halston, the apartment hotel where we stayed, but once it got dark, we were not going out on the streets. When we were out, we stayed aware of our surroundings and kept our belongings close by. The Settle to Carlisle rail line is LOVELY and the reason we had a connection in town. You just don't need to spend a lot of time in Carlisle to enjoy what it has to offer.

Good central location. Room clean but a bit run down. Noisy plumbing, possibly air locked. Lights went out one night, called reception and was fixed in 10 minutes but went out later and reception did not answer my calls. Room was opposite Wetherspoons beer garden and back alley. Very noisy, no sleep until 3am and then woken by bottle yard emptying at 6.30am as well as street cleaning and plumbing noises. Charged for 4 days for carpark £10 per day for a three night stay.

We didn't schedule enough time here (just overnight). Toured the castle and cathedral, and soaked up some of the old-world charm. But it did seem that Carlisle is experiencing an economic downturn: too many empty storefronts, and late in the evening the streets are pretty much empty. I wouldn't feel comfortable staying out too late. That might've been due to it being a week-night, however. I'd like to go back again someday.

Carlisle is a very interesting historical city and very easy to walk around. I always come for the football. However if you want to learn about the Romans and more recent history of the Border Reivers this is the place. Plus a fabulous castle and cathedral.

Lovely castle! As we were resting after our trip to England from the USA we were not able to give this town justice! There is so much to see and it is a great walking town! A real highlight was Evening Matins at the Cathedral.. we were welcomed to participate in the service and the Choir was just beautiful. The Spanish restaurant ‘Lorca’ was excellent. The food magnificent. The staff so helpful and kind. And with all that ... a great value.

Carlisle is a compact city with great transport links. Lots of great places to eat and drink. Loads of history, a great place to learn more is Tullie House Museum. Ate at Alexandros one evening, beautiful Greek restaurant with attentive staff and delightful food. There are lovely parks and green spaces in the city another of my favourite places is Carlisle Castle.