On visiting Carlisle and the Borderlands you are embarking on a historic tour that takes in almost two thousand years of recorded history.

Attractions recounting the often turbulent times include the impressive Carlisle Castle which has seen many battles between the feuding English and Scots. Carlisle Cathedral which sits just off the town centre is an imposing building which contains many priceless artefacts.

Find out about both of these important structures and many more including Hadrians Wall and Birdoswald Fort, both on the Roman Way, by visiting Tullie House Museum. Here you can also find out about the Border Reivers and their livestock raids on many local landowners.
The Sands Centre hosts many concerts and events including Pop and Classical along with comedy events and stage shows varying from ballet to broadway music.

The Lanes Shopping Centre has many national and international stores to tempt you as you wander through its award winning walkways.

:: Other attractions in Eden and North Pennines

Attractions in the Eden valley include Rheged near Penrith, the impressive visitor centre. The ‘Village in the Hill’ was voted Cumbria's Best Visitor Attraction 2002, and is Europe's largest grass covered building. Rheged has something for everyone.

For a gentle stroll in the woods you could consider a trip to Hutton in the Forest near Penrith, an impressive historic house on the northeastern edge of the Lake District. Magnificent terraced gardens, woodland walks and tearooms all on one site.

Take a trip on an Ullswater Steamer and ride along England’s prettiest lake or visit the nearby Dalemain and view the impressive gardens and the fascinating interiors.

The Alpaca Centre near Ullswater is a working farm, breeding and rearing these fine animals for their superb fibre.
Come and see the world famous Lilliput Lane miniatures being produced near Penrith or take trip to Eden Ostrich World's award winning visitor centre.

The world famous Lowther Driving Trials take place every August and includes many attractions and over 400 stands in the shopping village.

There is a great choice for garden lovers. You could choose from Hazeldene Nursery, Acorn Bank Gardens, Larch Cottage Nurseries or Winderwath gardens.

The North Lakes area is compact and centred around Keswick with many diverse things to see and do.

Keswick Climbing Wall has a large indoor climbing wall and can be used by both beginners and experienced climbers. Catering for individuals and larger groups they also offer cycle hire and many outdoor adventure pursuits.

Take to the trees with Go Ape in the Whinlatter Forest and experience an exhilarating course of rope bridges, tarzan swings, and zip slides all set up to 40 feet above the forest floor

The Puzzling Place in Keswick is an interactive exhibition of puzzles and illusions where all is not what it seems - many optical illusions and the amazing anti gravity room await you.
The Theatre by the Lake in Keswick is Cumbria’s only purpose built all year round theatre which has an acclaimed resident professional company. The theatre also offers many varied visiting drama, music and dance productions.

The Cars of the Stars has many original vehicles from famous film productions including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Batmobile and several James Bond cars.

Mirehouse Historic House has many exciting things for families to do including a natural adventure playground, a sheltered poetry walk and a walled garden.

Rookin House Equestrian and Activity Centre offers horse riding, quad biking and clay pigeon shooting amongst other activities.

The Pencil Museum in Keswick features the world’s largest pencil.

The Western Lake district has many visitor attractions. You could visit The Beacon visitor centre in Whitehaven and find out about the history of this important town and its harbour and visit the top floor weather centre with panoramic views over the town and harbour.

Also in Whitehaven is The Rum Story where you will learn about the town's links with the Caribbean and the production of Rum through trade between the two areas. Whitehaven also features Haig Colliery Mining Museum, situated within the site of Haig Pit, on the cliffs high above Whitehaven with the magnificent views of the Scottish Hills and the Isle of Man.

The Sellafield Visitor Centre makes learning about nuclear energy fun and interesting. For something completely different to Sellafield, visit the Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge railway. The winding line goes through some of the most dramatic and beautiful countryside in the UK.

Muncaster Castle is home to the World Owl Centre as well as having a breathtaking Himalayan Garden and the amazing Meadowvole Maze.

Trotters World of Animals at Bassenthwaite "family attraction of the year 2002" offers hands on experience of many differing species including gibbons, lemurs and many more.

The World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness on Windermere brings all the Lakeland tales of Beatrix Potter to life by way of recreating the countryside complete with sights, sounds and smells.

Take to the trees with Go Ape in the Grizedale Forest and experience an exhilarating course of rope bridges, tarzan swings, and zip slides all set up to 40 feet above the forest floor.

Come and visit The Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole and see the wonderful gardens and grounds. Interactive exhibitions, a games lawn and a shopping area await. A place to find out more about the history and geography of the Lake District.

Blackwell, the recently refurbished and inspirational arts and crafts house designed by Baillie Scott, sits in an elevated position overlooking Lake Windermere.

Take a boat trip along England's longest lake and marvel at the scenery by visiting Windermere Lake Cruises.

The Lake District Peninsulas offer something for everyone from Animal Parks to historical Abbey's.

The South Lakes Wild Animal Park is home to the Sumatran Tiger Conservation Centre and has many species of animals from the world over, including rhinos, giraffes, lemurs and spectacled bears.

Furness Abbey was one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Take the audio tour and explore the remains of this towering Abbey. Visit Conishead Priory and Buddhist Temple, a superb example of early Victorian gothic architecture.

The Dock Museum in Barrow is a spectacular modern museum built over an original Victorian graving dock and learn how Barrow-in-Furness became the biggest iron and steel centre in the world.

Experience the manufacture of full lead crystal at The Lakes Glass Centre; see the glass being blown before being shaped into beautiful Cumbria crystal.

Everything you wanted to know about Laurel and Hardy can be found at The Laurel and Hardy Museum in Ulverston.

Holker Hall dates back to the 16th century and has glorious 25 acre formal and woodland gardens.

The Aquarium of the Lakes takes you on a voyage of discovery and features the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish.