Carlisle and its surrounding countryside can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. Whether you’re staying within the city and want to explore its green spaces, or venturing further afield, there are plenty of places to stretch your legs and get a dose of the great outdoors. From scenic trails along Hadrian’s Wall to Talkin Tarn Country Park with its lakeside strolls, watersports, or picnic sites, you don’t need to venture far to find yourself immersed in nature.
Birdwatchers and those seeking a breath of salty air will love the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – with its salt marshes and dunes, home to diverse wildlife. Gelt Woods – an RSPB protected ancient woodland with riverside walks and an ancient Roman quarry – is a mere 9 miles from the centre of Carlisle. For families, Walby Farm Park is a fun day out with hands-on animal encounters, adventure play areas, and tractor rides. For more tranquil family fun, Watchtree Nature Reserve offers accessible trails and the chance to spot native wildlife, including deer and rare bird species. If you’re looking for green spaces within walking distance of Carlisle city centre, head to Bitts Park for riverside walks and a great playground for your young ones. Or check out Rickerby Park, with its open meadows and woodland along the River Eden, ideal for picnics and a sense of space within the city.
Find outdoor activities in Carlisle and the surrounding area.
Carlisle Tourist Information Centre
Old Town Hall
Market St
Carlisle CA3 8JE
Funded by the UK Government though the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield Limited. .
Share a link to your Discover Carlisle board and inspire friends, fellow travellers and family. Only you can add or remove items from your board.
The selected image or images do not meet the requirements, please upload an image that is no more than 1mb in size and has the following minimum pixels:
Main Image : 1920px by 500px
Event Images : 756px by 573px
About Us Gallery Images : 756px by 573px
Local Area Image : 756px by 573px