Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Moota

"Of course, it wouldn’t be a summer in Carlisle without a trip to the city’s iconic castle. The city itself has over 2,000 years of history, from Celts and Romans to invading armies and bloody battles. Carlisle castle was built way back in 1092 by William Rufus, and is now in the hands of English Heritage."

"There may not be a castle in England that has lived through as much carnage as Carlisle Castle. It was established by the Normans on top of a Roman fort during the reign of William II at the end of the 11th century. For the next 650 years there was near-constant conflict."

"If you’re in Carlisle with kids in tow, Hammond’s Pond in the southern Upperby suburb comes into its own in summer. The pond and its surrounding park are on a hill, and has ducks and swans, as well as an aviary and dovecote. You can rent rowboats on the east end of the pond in summer, and the park has a miniature railway that operates in the summer holidays, along with two separate play areas, one for toddlers and the other for bigger kids."

"Seven miles east of Caerlaverock Castle, in tiny Ruthwell, a church holds one of Europe’s most important early Christian monuments. The 6m-high 7th-century Ruthwell Cross is carved top to bottom in New Testament scenes and is inscribed with a poem called ‘The Dream of the Rood’; written in a Saxon runic alphabet, it’s considered one of the earliest examples of English-language literature. Bus 79 running between Dumfries and Annan stops in Ruthwell."

"This top-notch museum is centred on a Grade I-listed Jacobean mansion from the start of the 17th century. The museum opened inside in the 1890s, and modern extensions were made in the 90s and early 2000s. The Tullie House Museum has enthralling artefacts from the Roman forts in Carlisle, including Petriana, which was the largest on Hadrian’s Wall."

"Play, education, History, Archaeology, Museums, Art, Collections. Tullie House, where historic collections, contemporary art and family fun are brought together in one impressive museum and art gallery."

"Lake Road, Keswick (15 min walk) — Art Gallery and cafe in Keswick, serving great lunches. One of The Independent’s top 50 coffee shops in the UK. Same family ownership as Bristowe Hill."