It may not have the same glamourous profile as some of the other North of England cities that have enjoyed regeneration in the last quarter-of-a-century but Carlisle has a unique identity of its own that makes it an attractive option when considering a new place to live. Considered to be the gateway to Scotland, Carlisle is steeped in a history that is clearly evident in its stunning landmarks. It was very much a strategic battlefield as the city changed hands between England and Scotland over centuries of conflict. But fast-forward to 2024, and the Cumbrian capital has many of the modern facets of urban life that means more and more people are looking to Carlisle for their next move.
This underrated city ticks most, if not all of the boxes on the mover’s checklist, offering affordable housing, educational opportunities, shopping and leisure amenities, scenic beauty, a cultural landscape with a vibrant nightlife, and a thriving local economy, not to mention a well-balanced lifestyle with opportunities for outdoor activities. Added to the not-so-small plus of having The Lake District, the Pennines and Northumberland National Park on its doorstep, Carlisle has excellent transport connections to major cities in both England and Scotland. The details make for even more impressive reading.
Sightseeing
'The Great Border City' has so much history on show, demonstrating its importance to the heritage of Great Britain throughout centuries of conflict; Carlisle Castle alone stands as testament to this. The castle, the mediaeval cathedral and museum are linked by the cobblestone streets, spreading out to show the city's graceful expansion through the centuries. But if you want to go further back in history, Carlisle is within hiking distance of Hadrian's Wall, once marked the Northern Frontier of the Roman Empire. Mixed in with the city’s ancient history, modern Carlisle has lively bars and stylish cafes nestled within the elegant Victorian arcades and buildings that hark back to the temperance era.
Amenities
For lovers of shopping, Carlisle boasts a blend of traditional charm and modern convenience. From the comprehensive offerings at the Lanes Shopping Centre – with over 70 stores under its roof – to the unique products of many local independent retailers, the city is a vibrant hub for consumers. Carlisle’s local retailers are a treasure trove of distinct merchandise and local flair. The city also has a good mix of primary and secondary schools, several of them well-regarded top-performing state schools as well as some very notable private schools. The University of Cumbria brings a diverse student population to the city and is known for its focus on sustainability and outdoor activities, priding itself on its dedicated focus on employability, as it ensures that students are well-equipped to enter the job market upon graduation.
Culture and Entertainment
Carlisle offers residents so much to do in their leisure-time, whether it’s one of the cultural events based on its rich history or one of several activities provided by the city’s recent regeneration. The latter has brought an exciting culinary scene to Carlisle, and there is now an amazing choice of highly rated restaurants and gourmet pubs to pick from, to add to an array of cool cafes, farmers' markets and food festivals. For younger consumers, the local nightlife includes the best bars and clubs near Botchergate and Market Square. The annual Carlisle Festival showcases local arts, crafts, and performances, contributing significantly to the community’s cultural life. The regeneration has also brought the city a new multi-million pound entertainment and leisure complex, The Sands Leisure Centre, offering an outstanding combination of prestige music and performance venue, with top-class leisure and sports facilities.
Residential Areas
In terms of places to live, Carlisle offers a fine variety of residential areas to fit different lifestyles and budgets. From the family-friendly suburbs to more urban living in historical city-centre flats, there really is a place for everyone. Areas like Stanwix and Houghton have retained their rural charm while still providing essential modern amenities. As well as Stanwix and Houghton in the north of the Carlisle area, suburbs like Botcherby, Harraby and Currock come highly recommended for newcomers due to their community atmosphere and access to local services. With multiple parks and green spaces, such as Bitts Park and Rickerby Park, residents have ample opportunity for walking, jogging, or enjoying family picnics. In addition, the Lake District’s proximity opens up a whole new range of possibilities and allows for a large range of outdoor pursuits from hiking to cycling.
Transport Links
If you choose to relocate to Carlisle, it’s good to know that the city is anything but isolated. The excellent transport links from Carlisle include direct train services to Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Newcastle and Manchester from its main railway station; and of course, in fitting with Carlisle’s identity, the station is another beautiful, historical, landmark building . For local travel, there is regular, efficient park and ride bus service for shuttling around the city and its regions. And perhaps most importantly, Carlisle’s location at the top of the M6 motorway provides connections to the major Scottish cities to the North and the major English cities to the South. The nearest airport to the city is just 50 miles away, in Newcastle. It’s not just a Gateway to Scotland these days – Carlisle is a gateway to the rest of Britain.
There is so much more to Carlisle than a small, vibrant city with unrivalled access to countryside and leisure activities. Benefitting from both its historic past and regenerated present, Carlisle’s future is looking very attractive. With a local economy that’s thriving again, thanks to many high-profile manufacturing companies as well as the Tourist trade, the city is back on the rise. It’s time that the list of cities in the North of England benefitting from urban regeneration – Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle – was broadened to include the less fashionable cities catching up with the modern standards of urban living. And Carlisle could very well top that list.
