Things to do in Carlisle

Gretna Green Sculpture Garden

Gretna Green Sculpture Garden is located in the village of Gretna Green in the Dumfries and Galloway region of Scotland, UK. After years of expansion, it has become a unique attraction that combines art, nature and romantic culture. The sculpture garden covers a large area and is dotted with dozens of sculptures created by local, British and international artists, covering a variety of styles such as abstract and figurative, with themes ranging from people, animals to emotional expressions. While strolling through it, visitors can not only appreciate the intriguing artistic expression, but also feel the tranquility of nature in the colorful green area. There are many rest areas in the park where visitors can stop and watch or take pictures, which is especially suitable for couples and family tourists. The couple sculptures in traditional Scottish costumes in the park are one of the more popular photo-taking spots in the park, vividly interpreting the local historical heritage as a "famous place of love."

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Dumfries and Galloway

Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop

It is a single-story stone structure with a steep slate roof and a stone sidewall with a distinctive curved entrance. The blacksmith's furnace inside is still intact. The shop now serves as a tourist attraction and also has a wedding room inside, which is used for weddings.

Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Castle is located in the city of Carlisle, Cumbria, in the United Kingdom, and is a medieval military structure of significant historical value. The castle was first built in 1092 by order of King William II of England, initially to strengthen border defenses. Due to its location on the border between England and Scotland, it has served an important military and strategic role for hundreds of years, enduring numerous sieges and wars, and is one of the most besieged castles in the history of the United Kingdom. Carlisle Castle is constructed primarily of sandstone, and its surviving structures include the keep, gatehouse, defensive walls, and inner courtyards, with repairs and renovations over the centuries giving it a multi-period architectural style. Among these, the keep is one of the castle's most iconic structures, having served as a defensive core and an important living space. In the 16th century, the castle's defensive system was further strengthened to adapt to the development of artillery technology, allowing it to continue to serve its military function.

Carlisle Cathedral

This is a historic church with a beautiful pipe organ, vaulted ceilings, and stained glass windows.

Walby Farm Park

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle stands atop a volcanic rock cliff at the end of the Royal Mile. For nearly a thousand years, it has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison, bearing witness to Scotland's turbulent history. The castle brings together several iconic buildings and exhibition halls: St Margaret's Chapel, built in the twelfth century, is one of the earliest surviving stone structures in Edinburgh, and this Romanesque chapel still retains its medieval appearance; the One O'Clock Gun, in use since 1861, was originally fired to help calibrate time for ships in the Firth of Forth, a tradition that has continued for more than a hundred years and is one of the castle's most recognizable traditional features. In the Crown Room of the Royal Palace, the Honours of Scotland are displayed alongside the Stone of Destiny; this set of treasures, comprising a crown, a sceptre, and a sword of state, dates back to the sixteenth century and is an important symbol of Scottish sovereignty. The National War Museum on the west side of the castle uses uniforms, medals, and weapons to trace Scotland's centuries of military history. Looking north from the high ramparts of the castle, visitors can take in the magnificent sea views of the Firth of Forth; this is also an excellent spot for overlooking the skyline of Edinburgh's Old Town.

Tullie - Museum & Gallery

Hollywood Bowl Carlisle

The Sands Centre

Watchtree Nature Reserve