The site of many an ancient battle due to its proximity to the Scottish border, Carlisle is the northernmost city in England. This busy industrial market town sits neatly between Hadrian’s Wall on one side, and the Lake District National Park on the other.
Our self-catering accommodation in Carlisle is perfect for a week-long get-away or for a shorter business trip. Whether you are looking for a one-bedroom city centre apartment or a four-bedroom house, then here at Situ we have the perfect place. Or why not treat yourself and opt for a luxury apartment in Carlisle?
All our Carlisle short-stay accommodation is equipped with everything you need for a relaxing home-away-from-home, including a smart TV, free wifi, and on-site parking. Each property has a fully-equipped kitchen and most of our serviced apartments in Carlisle, as well as our other properties, have laundry facilities and a dishwasher.
If you're looking for a get-away with your four-legged friend, why not check out any dog-friendly properties in Carlisle? Of course, there is also the option of staying at an aparthotel in Carlisle with many on-site amenities such as a gym and meeting rooms.
Our contemporary and comfortable serviced apartments in Carlisle are perfectly located for a trip to the beautiful Lake District National Park or a jaunt across the border into picturesque Dumfries & Galloway in Scotland.
Where is Carlisle?
With a population of around 73,000, the city of Carlisle is the administrative headquarters of Cumbria. In fact, 15 % of the county’s population live here.
Carlisle also has the region’s only cathedral and is the North’s main railway junction before Scotland. Carlisle is located just off the M6 motorway from the South and is accessible via the M74 from the North. London is around 300 miles away, Manchester is 122 miles, Edinburgh is 93 miles, and Newcastle 59 miles.
Carlisle is strong in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. The former shouldn’t be surprising due to its proximity to Scotland and where there is much border crossing.
Food is also big in Carlisle, along with agriculture and forestry. Cumbria as a whole is a key farming area. There is also a significant media presence in Border TV and Radio Cumbria. And, in keeping with many forward-thinking areas, there is also a 'crea-tech' sector (creative and digital) in the area, particularly between Carlisle, Barrow and Kendal. Big international named employers in the area include Pirrelli tyres, United Biscuits and BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness.
Kingmoor Park is the city’s prime business location, sitting just off the M6, and the only Enterprise Zone in Cumbria. It boasted a 13 % rise in employment in 2019 (from 2,000 jobs to almost 2,300). The opening of Carlisle Lake District Airport to commercial flights in the same year has proven attractive for international business links.
The University of Cumbria has a large presence in Carlisle with two campuses, while the city also has its own Carlisle College.
Whatever business brings you here, opting for one of our self-catering apartments in Carlisle means that you can retreat to your own private home-from-home after a busy day.
There is plenty of history in Carlisle to investigate, and Carlisle Castle is a good place to start. Built in the12th century, it provides an excellent glimpse into medieval history and the life of King William II (son of William the Conqueror).
The magnificent Carlisle Cathedral is a place you must visit, with its beautiful fifty-foot high stained glass East Window dating back to 1350. Tullie House Museum is fascinating (particularly the Roman section) and, of course, there is Hadrian’s Wall (a mere thirty minutes' car drive away).
There's a covered shopping centre in Carlisle, and most of the city's main thoroughfare is pedestrianised, which makes shopping a much more enjoyable and relaxed activity. In terms of evening entertainment, large live concerts are held at Carlisle United FC’s Brunton Park stadium, while smaller performances can be found at the Sands Centre.
The McVities Biscuits factory (now ‘United Biscuits’) is well worth a visit. It’s been baking biscuits in the city for more than 180 years now. Think Bourbon Creams, Digestives, Rich Tea, Ginger Nuts…
An area of outstanding natural beauty, Carlisle is often described as the ‘gateway to the Lakes’ and certainly, the Lakes National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful areas in England. It’s not just the scenery – there’s also the lovely country villages and market towns such as Grasmere, Keswick and Ambleside to happily spend a day or two in.
Be sure to browse Situ's range of serviced apartments in Carlisle to find the perfect place to stay in this great city.
Carlisle Lake District Airport has flights to London Southend and Europe, as well as Belfast and Dublin. Newcastle Airport is just over an hour's drive from Carlisle and just over three hours by train and bus. Manchester Airport is 2 hrs 6 mins' drive and 2 hrs 4 mins by train, while Glasgow Airport is 1 hr 47 mins by car and 1 hr 49 mins by train.
London Heathrow is 4 hrs 36 mins b train to Edinburgh Airport and then flying to Heathrow. A similar journey via Manchester Airport takes 4 hrs 33 mins.
Carlisle is a major rail junction with routes to Scotland, London, Newcastle and West Cumbria. The station itself is a magnificent building, built in neo-Tudor style and designed by architect William Tite.
Virgin Trains run on the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Glasgow Central. Another service operates from Glasgow by First ScotRail, with local services from Leeds and Barrow-in-Furness run by Northern Rail.
West Coast Mainline has a direct route to London in 2 hours 30 minutes. Non-direct journeys to the capital take around 3h 53m to Euston.
Edinburgh is 1 hr 18 mins away from Carlisle. Newcastle is 1 hr 21 mins away, and Manchester 1 hr 48 mins.
Carlisle’s bus station is on Drury Lane off Lonsdale Street in the city centre. London is 6 hrs 54 mins by National Express coach. Newcastle is 2 hrs 7 mins by bus, Manchester is 3 hrs 17 mins and Edinburgh is 3 hrs 15 mins.
Stagecoach bus 554 goes to Keswick in the Lake District and connects with bus 555 to Lancaster via Ambleside, Windermere and Kendal.
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