Top Family Friendly things to do in Carlisle

Cumbria is a great place for families and children, and Carlisle is no exception. From beach walks, museums and ancient castles, here are some of the best things to do in and around Carlisle as a family…

  • Camping

Carlisle is surrounded by stunning coastlines and countryside ideal for a camping trip. The city and surrounding areas offers a great selection of family friendly campsites with plenty of space for kids to enjoy ball games and a night under the stars… 

  • Bleatarn Farm Campsite 

Caravans + campervans £16 per night, tents £13 per night 
Bleatarn Farm Campsite is a small and extremely well maintained, family run campsite, situated on Hadrian's Wall with stunning views overlooking the Lake District Fells & the Pennines. The site provides pitches for caravans, campervans and tents and is a perfect base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall and Carlisle city center.

  • Camping at Cardewlees

Caravans + campervans £25, EHU tent pitch- £23, 2 man pod- £65, 3 man pod £75

Cardewlees is a small, family run, working farm overlooking beautiful rolling farmland and fells. The farm’s campsite is fairly new, opening in 2019 and provides pitches for caravans and tents alongside their own camping pods. The site is a perfect base for nearby walks in the countryside, visiting Hadrian’s Wall and Carlisle city centre.

  • Little Walks for Little Legs

Carlisle and the surrounding area is an ideal place to walk with kids; from lakeside strolls to adventurous woodland trails, these routes have all you need to your little ones occupied and interested along the way!

  • Talkin Tarn & Gelt Woods

Talkin Tarn Country Park beside Gelt Woods, is an ideal place for a family walk. Explore ancient woodlands, easy footpaths, a glacial tarn and fun children’s activities. There is an easy walk to some old quarries in Gelt Woods which are Roman in origin. Once you’ve stretched your little one’s legs in the park, head to the tarn to enjoy some fun water sports! Children can also enjoy the lakeshore playground if they don’t fancy getting in the water. Once your kids are tired from exploring, treat them to a sit down and an ice cream in the café. 

  • Bitts Park

Biits Park is a peaceful haven nearby Carlisle city centre and is home to formal gardens, riverside walks, a children’s play area, splash park and skate park. There are plenty of beautiful, easy walks around the park for families with young children to explore. Hadrian’s Wall National Trail runs alongside the riverside in the park, as well as a Riverside Trail exploring a tranquil area of trees and one the Eden benchmark sculptures . There is also a large playing field perfect for ball games and a picnic!

  • Walby Farm Park

Walby Farm Park is an award-winning animal farm park, ideal for a family day out. park is a place to interact with their animals and have fun in acres of outdoor space. They offer hands-on handling sessions with grooming and feeding experiences. Animals include donkeys, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, reindeer, rabbits, pigs and more. They are a working farm with around 30 acres dedicated to the farm park. Activities on the farm include a daily events schedule including animals you can meet. Their outdoor area includes swings, trampolines and an aerial slide. Plus a JCB themed sand play area, goalie shoot out, an agility trail and grown-up go-karts. There is a young drivers area and a nature trail. Seasonal rides include a barrel ride and off-road mini land rovers. The farm is a fun attraction no matter what the weather, also boasting an indoor adventure play barn with slides, a ‘Roman Fort’ where kids can climb on ropes, and a smaller play area for young children and babies. There is a café serving food and drinks however you can also bring a picnic to enjoy outside.

  • Museums

No matter what your children’s interests, theres a museum for them here! Whether your child is mad about Romans, planes, or soldiers, there’s something for them in Carlisle.

  • Solway Aviation Museum

Privately run at Carlisle Lake District Airport, the Solway Aviation Museum is one the most impressive aviation and war history attractions in the country. Here you can learn about the various aircraft designs throughout history, including ones used by Britain during both world wars, and see a collection of aircraft, artefacts and displays reflecting Britain’s position as a world leader in aircraft design and innovation through the years.  The museum is run by passionate and dedicated volunteers. Children over 7 can climb inside the cockpit of the Vulcan Bomber and fly a WWII Spitfire in an interactive simulator!

  • Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is situated in the heart of the city’s historical quarter and are winners of the Telegraph Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award 2015. The center showcases displays reflecting the regions history. Exhibitions range from prehistoric history, to the civil war period all the way up to modern day art. The museum houses an impressive Roman collection, specifically focusing on Hadrian’s Wall and Carlisle Castle. There’s also a lookout area that offers a panoramic view of the city’s castle and cathedral.

  • Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life

Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life is located beside the castle and showcases more than 300 years of army history in Cumbria. You can see a huge variety of items including uniforms, medals, weapon and silver dating from 1700 to present day, alongside interactive displays.  A recent addition features an immersive exhibition recreating a First World War trench environment. The museum, which has been operating for over 80 years, aims to reinforce the strong link between Cumbria’s regiments and the local community. It provides a source of information for former soldiers and families as well as those interested in learning more about the region’s military history.