Carlisle Cottages with Hot Tubs

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Carlisle Guide

Carlisle's cottages with hot tubs offer a brilliant base for exploring this historic border city and the nearby Lake District. Most properties sit within 15 minutes of Carlisle Castle, the 900-year-old fortress that's witnessed countless border conflicts.

The city boasts Trip Advisor's top-rated Tullie House Museum (4.5/5 stars) and Carlisle Cathedral (4.5/5 stars). Many visitors don't realise that Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame attended school in Carlisle - a fact celebrated with a small plaque on the former King's Arms pub.

Cottage options range from converted barns sleeping 10+ for group holidays to intimate stone cottages for couples. Most provide private outdoor space where you can enjoy your hot tub regardless of Cumbria's changeable weather.

Self-catering gives you freedom to explore Carlisle's food scene or cook local Cumberland sausage back at your cottage. Many properties welcome dogs too, perfect for walking Hadrian's Wall or the Eden Valley.

Get More From Your Carlisle Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Carlisle packs serious historical punch with attractions that'll keep you busy between hot tub sessions. Carlisle Castle (CA3 8UR, open 10am-5pm daily) dominates the cityscape and costs around £10 for adults. It's got a solid 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the well-preserved dungeons.

Tullie House Museum (CA3 8TP) houses Roman artefacts from nearby Hadrian's Wall and gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. I recommend their excellent café for lunch - the scones are fantastic.

Carlisle Cathedral (CA3 8TZ) is free to enter and boasts stunning medieval ceiling paintings. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with many commenting on the peaceful atmosphere.

For shopping, The Lanes Shopping Centre provides high-street brands while Carlisle Market Hall offers local produce and crafts. We found the market perfect for stocking up on Cumberland sausage and local cheeses to enjoy back at our cottage.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Carlisle! Bitts Park (CA3 8UB) provides excellent walking space right in the city centre with dedicated dog exercise areas. The park connects to riverside paths along the Eden - perfect for morning walks.

Many Carlisle cafés welcome dogs, including Foxes Café Lounge (CA3 8JG) which even offers dog treats. The Shabby Scholar (CA3 8QX) not only allows dogs but provides water bowls and has outdoor seating.

Talkin Tarn Country Park (CA8 1HN) is 15 minutes from Carlisle and offers a 1.3-mile path around a glacial lake - dogs need to stay on leads in some areas but can splash in designated swimming spots.

When bringing your dog to a hot tub cottage, pack their bed and familiar toys. Most cottages have enclosed gardens, but always check the boundary height if your dog's a jumper!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Carlisle

Hadrian's Wall is unmissable. The best section near Carlisle is at Birdoswald Roman Fort (CA8 7DD, open 10am-5pm). This well-preserved fort sits on a dramatic escarpment above the River Irthing. The visitor centre explains how the wall functioned as Rome's northwest frontier. One recent visitor wrote: "The exhibition brings Roman Britain to life and the wall sections are impressive even after 2000 years."

Carlisle's Guildhall Museum (CA3 8HZ) is the oldest building in Carlisle still used for its original purpose. Dating from 1407, this timber-framed building houses exhibits on medieval trade. It's only open Saturdays (10am-4pm) but admission is free. The volunteer guides know their stuff - ask about the building's narrow escape from demolition in the 1930s.

Lanercost Priory (CA8 2HQ, open 10am-5pm) lies 15 minutes east of Carlisle. These atmospheric ruins of an Augustinian monastery include the still-intact church. The priory suffered repeatedly during Scottish border raids and later housed Edward I when he was too ill to continue his campaign against Scotland. TripAdvisor reviews (4.5/5) frequently mention the excellent tearoom in the old brewery.

Is Carlisle worth visiting?

Absolutely! Carlisle combines 2000 years of border history with excellent shopping, dining and access to both the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall. The compact city centre means you can explore the main attractions on foot, then return to your hot tub cottage to relax.

When is the best time to visit Carlisle?

Summer offers the most reliable weather for enjoying your hot tub, but spring (April-May) brings beautiful blossom to the city's parks and fewer tourists. The Carlisle Great Fair in late August brings street entertainment and markets.

How far is Carlisle from the Lake District?

Keswick, the northern Lake District's main town, is just 30 minutes' drive from Carlisle. Ullswater, the second largest lake, is even closer at about 25 minutes away.

Are there good restaurants in Carlisle?

Yes! Carlisle punches above its weight for dining. Alexandros Greek Restaurant (CA3 8JG) consistently tops TripAdvisor ratings. For special occasions, try Pentonbridge Inn (CA6 5QD), a Michelin-recommended restaurant with rooms about 15 minutes north of the city.

Can you get around Carlisle without a car?

The city centre is compact and walkable. Buses connect to outlying attractions and the train station offers connections to the Lake District, Newcastle and Scotland. However, a car gives you more flexibility for exploring the countryside and reaching your cottage.

What's the weather like in Carlisle?

Carlisle's weather is changeable year-round. Summer temperatures average 18-20°C while winters hover around 5-8°C. The city gets less rainfall than the Lake District proper, but bringing waterproofs is always wise. The good news? Your hot tub will be welcoming whatever the weather!