Carlisle Castle: A Dog-Friendly Place To Visit In Cumbria

Carlisle Castle is the city’s centrepiece attraction. It is visually stunning and has a fascinating backstory. The castle is the most besieged in Britain, and when visiting, you will learn about these sieges and more.

The castle is a short walk from Carlisle city centre, with options to cross the bridge or go via an underpass to reach it. Approaching from the bridge offers splendid views and is great for photos. The underpass to the castle has some interesting heritage items to peruse. Thus, I suggest you go one way, then back to the city the other way.

Entry & Opening Times

Entry to the castle is via an impressive gate with a portcullis. At the gatehouse, you either need to show your pre-purchased tickets or buy them. These cost £12.60 for adults or are free to English Heritage members. They are open from 10 am until 5 pm daily.

Is Carlisle Castle Dog Friendly?

The castle is dog-friendly, and dogs are welcome in all areas of the castle except in the Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life building. There were quite a few dog owners visiting Carlisle Castle, with the dogs having a sniff and saying hello to each other. Dogs are to be kept on a lead at all times. They also had water bowls dotted around the site. The helpful staff pointed these out on entering.

How They Used The Castle

This is the plan of the castle, with descriptions of how each part was used. It’s a rather big castle compared to many I’ve visited.

Carlisle Castle Museum

The museum in the castle is in the inner courtyard and is rather interesting. They house it in the fortress’s former militia store. The museum chronologically covers all of those who have been in the castle before us. This includes some very influential figures from the past, including Hadrian and Mary, Queen of Scots. The museum area has an accessible toilet inside and a ramp for ease of access. The museum also tells the story of the various sieges that happened here. After all, this is the most besieged castle in Great Britain.

Inner Gate

The inner gate leads to many of the castle’s more historic parts to explore. You can climb a narrow spiral staircase into the structure and onto the battlements to see some splendid views.

Outside of this is the half-moon battery, where 2 levels of guns were positioned to defend the castle. You can climb the stairs to go inside the half-moon battery. This is dark and damp, but the slats have great views, and I can see why it was a great defensive position.

The Keep

The keep is a multi-level building in the principal part of Carlisle Castle and is fascinating to explore. They used this part of the building as a living quarter and for storage. There are some rather big rooms here to peruse and read information boards.

One room on the second floor has some mysterious carvings on the walls. Also, there are a few cells to see. These were tiny and rather dark places.

Views from The Fortifications of Carlisle Castle

You can reach the top of the battlements by climbing an easy set of stairs alongside the keep or via the narrow spiral staircases in the inner gate.

This part of the castle has splendid views of the main courtyard, the city, the nearby parks, and the peaks of the Lake District. There are also a few cannons to see pointed towards Scotland. Another fine example of why this place was so formidable.

Dungeon

The dungeon was quite an intimidating place, and I got a very dark feeling about it. It was very dark and damp, and I could imagine it would be a nightmare to be locked away here. The castle has some fascinating ghost stories attached to it, including the story of the woman who was buried alive.

Picnic Area & Cafe

The big courtyard had a selection of picnic tables to enjoy lunch while visiting. They also have a cafe serving refreshments. Sadly, unlike Kenilworth Castle, they didn’t serve beer or cider. However, I highly recommend their Elderflower Rose drink or the ginger beer. Outside of the cafe are a few bowls of water for dogs to drink.

English Heritage Shop & Mead

At the exit is a souvenir shop where you can purchase all sorts of goodies. They sell trinkets, books, photos and toys for children. I fancied a wooden sword, but since I’m downsizing for backpacking, I vetoed the idea. They also sold some interesting alcoholic drinks in the shop. I fancied trying something new, and the English Heritage Mead appealed.

Review of My Visit to Carlisle Castle With a Dog

Carlisle Castle is a great day out for anyone interested in history or architecture. It is suitable for those who have a dog or children. Visitors can learn a lot about the castle’s history and British history, too. This is one of many interesting castles in England. I have always enjoyed days out at English Heritage sites; when back in the UK, I really should become a member.

You can find out more about the castle and how to visit on the English Heritage website.