Carlisle
County seat of Cumbria, northern frontier and garrison for Roman occupiers and medieval lawless space, Carlisle makes much of its two thousand years of history. The city is served by a solid Norman Castle which once ‘imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots’, and its often turbulent history is explored at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery. Long a meeting and market place, a confluence of English and Scottish interests are explored at the Guildhall museum. Modern retail tastes are catered for in the city’s compact centre and Victorian covered market. The Settle-Carlisle railway, along which steam still propels, and Hadrian’s Wall offer gentle pleasures.