Carlisle Cathedral
Carlisle Cathedral
4.5
7:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Monday
7:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Tuesday
7:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Wednesday
7:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Thursday
7:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Friday
7:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Saturday
7:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:45 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Discover 900 years of faith and history the heart of Carlisle at one of The Border City's most visited attractions. Discover rare treasures, medieval paintings, stained glass and stunning architecture... Discover the turbulent story of the Borderlands - of kings, queens, bishops and rebels... Discover worship and music beneath our heavenly starlight ceiling... Discover peace and tranquility in the city centre... Discover more... Treasury exhibition, Gift Shop, expert Guides and Welcomers, and a treasure trail for young explorers. Free entry. Open daily.
Duration: < 1 hour
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  • Grace
    Carlisle, United Kingdom20 contributions
    A beautiful cathedral
    A beautiful cathedral, well-preserved and peaceful. A friendly information guide is also there to answer any questions, as well as big interactive boards to tell you about the history of the place. A charming visit. I particularly love the candles people have left as their prayers.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 25 January 2023
  • Dot W
    1 contribution
    First class attraction
    On entering this Cathedral we were immediately welcomed by Julie 'on the door'. . She explained that this was the second smallest Cathedral in the country and pointed out some items of interest. The ceiling with its many stars and the Altar were both magnificent. The gentleman on the reception desk helped us to look for Stone Masons marks and also pointed out ancient graffiti. There was very little road signage to the building, which if improved would surely increase visitor numbers. Julie and her colleague are good ambassadors for this remarkable building, Keep up the good work!
    Visited January 2023
    Written 26 January 2023
  • BackinBracknell
    Bracknell, United Kingdom1,502 contributions
    Lovely lunch at the cafe
    Went with friends to the Cathedral cafe for lunch. The cafe is fairly new apparently and is very light and bright. Downstairs was busy and there were no free tables but we were directed upstairs to another area - very spacious and with plenty of tables available. We went back downstairs to order the food and it arrived quickly, was excellent and the portions were generous.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 6 February 2023
  • anita f
    Folkestone, United Kingdom102 contributions
    Worth a visit
    This cathedral has been well maitained and is looked after. Stunning stain glass windows. Fanisating history The lady that met us was really friendly and welcoming. Free to enter but donation boxes scattered around.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 February 2023
  • holidaymanWashington
    Washington, United Kingdom2,108 contributions
    Magnificent.
    Central to the city, though not the largest, the Cathedral is still an impressive building. Entry is free, of course but you can donate £4 by card or whatever cash you like. I have to say that it is the best £4 we have ever spent. There are some really superb stained glass windows, particularly the one behind the altar. The Cathedral is also famous for it's magnificent vaulted, starry ceiling; which is worth the visit alone. We were very fortunate to experience the wonderful sound of the majestic Willis organ, in all it's glory, as someone was practicing for an exam on it. We sat quietly listening and reflecting, for quite some time and would have sat much longer had we not had to leave at closing time. A most enjoyable visit, thankyou.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 March 2023
  • Martin R
    3 contributions
    Excellent afternoon tea
    Afternoon tea in the Cathedral's Fratry Hall was lovely. Just nice finger size portions of savouries, sandwiches, scones with jam & cream, cakes with tea (options available & to upgrade to something a little stronger!) all nicely served in traditional way with very attentive staff (thanks Sandra!) also with piano music played by local pianist. The ambience also makes it so special a place with sun coming through the windows. Thanks to all the Cathedral staff for organising this.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 26 March 2023
  • Anglonuba
    London, United Kingdom23 contributions
    Great Little Cathedral
    We were warmly welcomed by Julie who not only was very kind and friendly but also gave us a knowledgeable overview of the highlights of this beautiful cathedral! The blue roof is stunning and the predominantly Gothic architecture was lovely - some nice Norman touches too. Highly recommended for a visit when in Carlisle.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 March 2023
  • Jennifer G
    1 contribution
    How every cathedral should make you feel!
    Such a friendly, warm, inviting cathedral with lots of areas of interest and information. Great welcome as we entered and guides around willing to point out some of the many special features. Spectacular, unique ceiling best viewed lying on the rug provided in the aisle. Such an open door feeling which a lot of cathedrals could learn from.
    Thank you very much for this lovely review, I am so pleased you enjoyed your visit!
    Written 11 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 4 April 2023
  • Nina R
    2 contributions
    Educational and welcoming
    Our first trip to Carlisle and we decided to take a look around the cathedral, I’m glad we did it was the most welcoming place. We were greeted by Julie who was amazing and give us great tips on places to visit whilst on holiday in the lakes. We were then given a highlights tour by Alan which was so educational, very knowledgable gentleman. So glad we visited here, so welcoming, friendly and educational, would definitely recommend to anyone.
    Thank you very much, your kind comments are much appreciated. I am so pleased you enjoyed your visit and hope you had a lovely holiday!
    Written 11 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 May 2023
  • petercot
    Cambridge, United Kingdom136 contributions
    Interesting small ancient cathedral
    We were staying at Haydon Bridge. Travelled to Carlisle by hourly bus 685. Pleasant ride, arrives 5 minutes walk from cathedral. Nice cake and coffee at cathedral cafe, then visited cathedral. Interesting ancient painted screens. Less interesting “treasure “ - mainly a display of miscellaneous communion cups and plates from Cumbrian churches. (Too valuable to use or keep in said churches) Also interesting boards telling of history of Christianity in Northumberland. Helpful guides to introduce the place.
    Thank you for visiting!
    Written 23 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 May 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,639 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
466
Average
58
Poor
6
Terrible
8

hsasmith
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK854 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was wonderful, with lots of information. There is a map pointing out the main features. It wasn't busy so very peaceful.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting.
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lorraine L
8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Visited yesterday. Fabulous cathedral. Staff very welcoming, your was so interesting. Great wee gift shop. Free to visit. Stunning.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much.
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Buddapies
Bedfordshire, UK152 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a fabulous cathedral, fantastic stain glass windows. There are volunteers about to help you, answer your questions. The restaurant attached to the cathedral was fabulous with drinks and cakes. Well worth a visit.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much!
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Traveling.girl
14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Very worth a stop, you are immediately welcomed at the front, I think we were welcomed by a very lovely lady called Julie. The cathedral is very beautiful and has lots of history to it. If you can, get yourself a guide, it's about 20 minutes and they tell you all about the cathedral and will try to answer any questions you have, I think we had a man called Maurice. The guides are easily recognisable by the grey cape/robe things they wear. Everyone there knows a lot and are eager to tell you so take advantage.
It was a lovely time and completely free, although at the end you will probably want to donate because it was so nice.
They also have a cafe which looked quite nice, we didn't go in though.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much, I will forward your kind words to our lovely volunteers. Glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rodut
Midlands69 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Popped in on a rainy day and got the warmest and friendliest welcome from Julie at the door. We then had a lovely short guided tour from Maurice, very knowledgeable. What a treat to hear the organ. The triptych from Antwerp is amazing and the ceiling is gorgeous. Definitely recommend.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much, I will forward your kind words to our lovely volunteers.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

John Douglas
Liverpool, UK52 contributions
Oct 2023 • Business
Beautiful Cathedral managed a quick look inside and the place and atmosphere is amazing. Not religious myself but i do admire architecture and the majesty of a church.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Owenthomas
Berthoud, CO995 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
It started out as St Mary’s Priory which was built in 1133 by King Henry I and built with red sandstone. It has 14c stained glass in the east window, with a blue painted ceiling with gold stars, Painted Panels, and nice carved misericord’s. Two Runic Inscriptions are located within the cathedral. We arrived at the end of evensong, and enjoyed an organ recital as we walked around the cathedral.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting!
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jackie G
Scarborough, UK6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Impromptu visit to the Cathedral whilst on a day trip to Carlisle. Met at the door by Julie who was very knowledgeable and helpful. Came and chatted to us while walking round made us feel very welcome especially when she found out it was my birthday. Also a shout out to James in the shop. Julie certainly made our day
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you - I will pass on your kind feedback to our volunteer team.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Vicky B
Albury, Australia1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fantastic and got a free tour. No fee to get in and loved it. The history was amazing to hear and how different this cathedral is in its structure.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Paul
Loveland, CO4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The cathedral was amazing. Volunteers told us about various aspects and history as well as the architecture of the cathedral. Well worth the time for a visit.
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Carlisle Cathedral

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