Car Hire Carlisle

Carlisle is in the north-west of England, less than 20 kilometres south of the Scottish border. An important city historically, dating all the way back to Roman times, today it still enjoys excellent connections to its surrounding area.

The M6 is the UK’s longest motorway, running from the Midlands to the town of Gretna on the Scottish border, and it links Carlisle to other major northern towns and cities. Head south from Carlisle along this route and you’ll reach destinations including Lancaster, Preston and Wigan.

The M6 eventually connects to the M62, the major route that runs from east to west across the north of England. You can use this route to reach Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.

In the other direction, the M6 continues north of Carlisle to Gretna Green, where it joins the A74(M)and M74 towards Glasgow. From Carlisle you can also take these major roads north towards the Scottish capital Edinburgh, just over two hours’ drive away.

To visit Hadrian’s Wall, you can travel on the A69, which runs roughly parallel to the wall all the way from Carlisle across the north of England to Newcastle. Meanwhile, the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just a short drive away via the B5307. This route will take you to Bowness-on-Solway, which lies at one end of the wall – the other is at the appropriately-named Wallsend, near Newcastle.

If you are driving in Carlisle itself, you will find much of the historic city centre and its main shopping streets are pedestrianised. But there are plenty of convenient parking spots available for your hire car, including pay-and-display car parks on Devonshire Walk next to the castle and at Fisher Street and the Lanes Shopping Centre, both of which are within walking distance of the cathedral.

Speed limits in the UK are displayed in miles per hour, and are typically 20mph (32km/h) or 30mph (48km/h) in towns and cities, 60mph (96km/h) on many rural roads and 70mph (112km/h) on motorways and dual-carriageways. But always check the signs as this can vary.

Situated in the scenic north-west of England near the Scottish border, Carlisle offers a great starting point for picturesque drives taking in coast and countryside.

But don’t hit the road before checking out the city’s best attractions.

Historic landmarks and must-see museums

One sight you can’t miss in Carlisle is the castle, a grand medieval fortress that’s loomed over the city skyline for more than 900 years. Built to secure England’s northern border, it played an important role in battles including the Jacobite rising in 1745, and was also used as a prison, with Mary Queen of Scots being held here in the 16^th century.

You can buy joint admission tickets which also provide access to the Museum of Military Life, situated in the castle grounds. Opening times vary throughout the year, so it’s best to check online before you arrive.

Another landmark that’s well worth a visit is Carlisle Cathedral, located at the heart of the city on Castle Street. Don’t miss the chance to step inside and admire its beautiful blue and gold ceiling and intricate stained-glass East Window, parts of which date back to medieval times.

Just a short distance from the cathedral is Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, a Jacobean mansion that now houses an excellent array of paintings and historical objects. Highlights include its display of Pre-Raphaelite art and extensive collection of Roman artefacts, as well as the zoological collections.

By the sea

With a hire car in Carlisle, it’s easy to visit the attractions that lie just beyond the city walls. A short drive west will lead you to the Solway Coast, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

One of the largest estuaries in the UK, it’s home to a diverse array of birds and wildlife and boasts some fantastic beaches, including Rockcliffe in the north and Maryport to the south. Leave your hire car in one of the conveniently-located car parks and head out along one of the scenic walking paths to explore this rugged and beautiful area of coastline.

The Solway Villages Trail takes you through countryside and historic settlements, while the Eden Estuary Trail allows you to get a glimpse of the birds and wildlife – if you’re visiting in winter, look out for peregrine falcons feeding along the coast.

Roman remains

Hiring a car in Carlisle also offers an opportunity to see one of the world’s most famous Roman landmarks. Once the north-western frontier of a powerful ancient empire, Hadrian’s Wall still attracts visitors from all over the world today.

Take the short drive from Carlisle to Birdoswald to see the longest surviving stretch of the wall, as well as the remains of a Roman fort. Alternatively, head west towards the coast to the Senhouse Museum in Maryport, where you can see one of the UK’s most important collection of Roman objects, many of them found at the nearby fort of Alauna.

Don’t miss the reconstructed Roman watchtower, where you can enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding coastline. With car hire in Carlisle, it’s easy to explore all this and more during your stay.