Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in The Lake District
"Carlisle's brooding, rust-red castle lurks on the north side of the city. Founded around a Celtic and Roman stronghold, the castle's Norman keep was added in 1092 by William Rufus, and later refortified by Henry II, Edward I and Henry VIII (who added the supposedly cannon-proof towers). From the battlements, the stirring views stretch as far as the Scottish borders. The castle also houses Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, which has collections of military memorabilia associated with the region's regiments."
"It has withstood many sieges, contained a valuable royal prisoner, and been home to the King's Own Royal Border Regiment. Discover the castle's turbulent past in the fascinating family-friendly exhibition. Explore medieval castle rooms as well as 19th century military buildings, and visit Cumbria's Museum of Military Life"
"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."
"The ruins of Caerlaverock Castle, by Glencaple on a beautiful stretch of the Solway coast, are among the loveliest in Britain. Surrounded by a moat, lawns and stands of trees, the unusual pink-stoned triangular castle looks impregnable. In fact, it fell several times, most famously when it was attacked in 1300 by Edward I: the siege became the subject of an epic poem, ‘The Siege of Caerlaverock’."
"This old slate mine has been reinvented as a centre for all kinds of activities: you could venture underground into the bowels of the old 'Edge' and 'Kimberley' mines, tackle a via ferrata, or climb inside the mine along a system of fixed cables, tracing the route followed by the slate miners. A tour into the 'Cathedral' mine runs on Friday by request, but you'll need eight people and it costs £25 per person."
"Consecrated as an Augustinian Priory in the 12th century, Carlisle Cathedral is the second-smallest cathedral in England after Oxford. One reason for this is that a big piece of the nave was torn down in the English Civil War to bolster Carlisle Castle. The architecture is Gothic, mostly from the 13th and 14th centuries."
"08/06/2021: Not heard of this place or read any reviews, but called in for lunch because Keswick was heaving and they happened to have a spare table. Very impressed with the original menu. Recommend the grilled halloumi with slow-roasted tomatoes, poached eggs, smashed avocado, hummus, cob bread, dukkah and hot sauce."
"Merienda has cafes and restaurants in both Keswick and Cockermouth. The food is best described as international café fare, using seasonal ingredients drawing influences from around the world. It aims to have a simple but eclectic evening menu and offers a great selection of wine and beer."
"Quite possibly the most famous outdoors shop in the Lake District, founded in 1967 and still the place where discerning hikers go to buy their gear (even if it is a bit more expensive than the chains)."
"George Fisher is one of the UK’s leading retailers of outdoor equipment and clothing and it’s flagship story is here… read more →"