The Historic Quarter

Developing a must-see tourism destination

Carlisle’s distinctiveness derives from its cultural heritage. The Historic Quarter contains a truly unique mixture of cultural and heritage assets in close proximity, including Carlisle Cathedral, the old city's West Walls, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Citadel Station, Carlisle Castle, and the world heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall.

This combination of assets has the potential to establish Carlisle as one of the country’s leading heritage cities and the Historic Quarter as a signature tourism product for Cumbria, a must see destination capable of attracting a growing number of visitors.

To achieve this each of the assets and their visitor offer will need to be improved and linked together though better interpretation (a more compelling story). Access and the quality of the public realm will also need to be improved and the profile of heritage tourism in Carlisle must be raised.

We have brought partners with a stake in the area together to agree a plan for the Historic Quarter and we are facilitating development plans for individual assets. We are also working with Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council on plans for public realm improvements and improvement of access, including car parking. 

The Historic Quarter Steering Group was established to secure consensus on the strategy for developing and promoting Carlisle’s Historic Quarter.

Useful Links:

Our Publications
Historic Carlisle
Cumbria Tourism
Carlisle Castle - English Heritage
Carlisle Cathedral
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd