Carlisle

When selecting a destination in the UK for a holiday, there is much to consider; the location, activities, attractions, accommodation and welcome. Here in Carlisle, all those requirements are exceeded. This part of England offers so much, it can cater to just about any traveller's pleasure. The history is evident in the incredible architecture, legends and museums that invite you to discover more. Nature wears her finest in every season and offers an abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna as a feast for the eyes. Activities abound with the modern blending well with the old and the welcome exceeds all expectation. The warmth of the people in this part of the country is legendary.

Hadrian's Wall is an essential on any itinerary in this area, famed the world over, the history and heritage are in every stone. Nearly 2000 years ago, in 122 AD, the Emperor Hadrian embarked on a huge undertaking: to mark the northernmost boundary of Roman Britain with an unusually long fortified wall. Warring tribes were contained behind it for over 350 years and Hadrian's name became historic.

Today, parts of Hadrian's Wall are still visible; the line of it stretching from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west and the fortifications continuing down the west coast to Ravenglass; all easily reached from here in Carlisle.

Hadrian's Wall though, marks more than just the extent of the Roman occupation. There is an amazing number of forts and museums to be discovered. The Wall is also the centre of Hadrian's Wall Country, a rich and varied corridor featuring some of Britain's most unforgettable scenery and a diverse range of ancient and modern attractions stretching from the east coast to the west coast and ten miles north and south of the Wall.

The Roman's first chose this area as their northernmost settlement around 80 AD. They called their town Luguvalium, and then used it as an important supply depot for Hadrian's Wall. Carlisle's history is a record of warfare and strife because of its strategic border position, it became a natural catalyst for warring factions of Scotland and England. Nowadays though, Carlisle is a haven. Still a crossroads where cultures blend, but in modern times this just means it is a cosmopolitan place of contrasts and interest. Many remarkable buildings remain and the museums pay homage to the bygone times when war was the pastime.

The Guildhall Museum is an excellent place to visit not only for its collection but for its architecture too; it is housed in an interesting medieval building. In 1382 a huge fire destroyed much of Carlisle and the site of a waste tenement was turned into a home in 1407 by Richard of Redeness. When he died he left his home to Carlisle and it became the Guildhall for the city's trade guilds. Its timber-framed construction is in-filled with thin medieval tile bricks and the internal walls are made of interwoven twigs with a covering of clay. Each floor projects out over the one beneath, a way of using less ground to create a larger home. In 1844 and 1935 repairs were undertaken. A unique and enthralling place to visit.

But the Carlisle today offers so much more. Since the arrival of the railways in the 1830's Carlisle looked favourably on visitors. No longer seen as threats and invaders, traders and holiday makers helped to add to the colour and vibrancy of this great place. The Carlisle Citadel Station, built in 1847, accommodated seven different lines. Today the 72-mile Settle to Carlisle scenic railway is a tourist attraction itself.

In Carlisle, you can also relive the times between the 14th to the 17th century, when the Western end of the border was a lawless place, beset by feuds and bloody battles between warring families to uphold their honour and protect property and possessions. The city's Cathedral, with its famous 14th Century stained glass window, is a must-see as is the award winning Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, with its innovative Millennium Gallery.

For those with a love of the outdoors, Carlisle offers an exceptional array of activities including cycle routes, scenic walks, horse riding and so much more. The abundance of students and professionals who have moved to this area has led to a cultural renaissance within the city too, with a host of excellent restaurants, cafes, art galleries, bars and museums catering for today's visitors. Shopping too is exceptional with plenty of unique craft and independent shops nestled in alongside recognisable high-street names.