Carlisle Cathedral
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I have been lucky enough to visit here twice now . The first time through curiosity and always remembered the beauty of the place . I have just visited again and WOW I had forgotten just how beautiful it is . This place of worship is a real gem the second you walk in your breath will be taken away . You will be faced with a magnificent stained glass window and the incredible Brougham Tryptich below . What a beautiful man-made wonder . To the right are three gloriously painted wooden panels depicting the lives of St Anthony and St Cuthbert also the twelve apostles . Everywhere you turn your senses will be sent into overdrive . The wonderful organ and font are close by . I am sure the designers of this place were sent by God himself . For all of this Cathedrals magnificence a simple candle encircled with barbed wire perhaps impressed me the most . The Choir and its star painted ceiling are beautiful and the Cathedra chair grand . Founded as an Augustinian priory it was granted Cathedral status in 1133 . The Church was begun by one Athelwold the first prior during Henry 1 reign and thank God for him . It is built from local red sandstone . The East Window is the largest and most complex of its kind in England and is beautiful . Anthony and Cuthbert are included amongst others in the carvings on the misericords . In the treasury are detailed panels giving information of its history through the centuries . I have posted quite a few pictures not to be boring but for anyone interested who may not be able to get here . They far from do this Cathedral justice .
Heimdal OdinsonHeimdal Odinson
00
Absolutely stunning cathedral set back slightly from the main shopping area (I expected it to be further away like the castle), boasting the largest full flowing stained glass window in the uk and the cloisters ceiling. From the minute you enter the ground it takes your breath, and the more you look the more you see, like the fist sized gargoyle carvings all around the window rims and intricate details of everything. Upon entering (this happened the first time but not the second as the lady looked busy with guests) I was given a laminated paper with info and ‘what’s where’ drawings on however it’s very easy to navigate without. The cathedral is free however you are able if desire to give a donation of any amount. The recommended is £4. Downstairs is a small “museum” of sorts. The place is definitely worth a visit and pass an hour unless you take time to sit and reflect or simply marvel. The grounds have other interesting places and a coffee shop which is a tad on the expensive side but it’s what id expect given location. If you do visit, make sure you use the mirror below the ceiling for a better look at it, it really is something special. Also if you take the time to read the history it is an even more interesting place. Overall a very well preserved, peaceful, beautiful, astounding place.
Leanne HarrisonLeanne Harrison
10
Carlisle Cathedral was the reason for us visiting Carlisle for the day. We were sort-of welcomed at the main (South) door (no nave), told we needed a guided tour (we don't) and told that entry is free; but we should donate £4 each (so it's not). I like to get to know a church, feel a sense of history and join the pathway that worshippers have trodden over time. You know, that sense of a faith community in a place? For a cathedral, this one feels..like a building. No evidence of people, no clergy (hopefully busy with a thriving congregation). A lovely East window, dating from a mixture of mid 1300s and mid 1800s; and a stunning ceiling, repainted but in the medieval style. Thank you to Mary and her friend in the gift shop: you represented the people of Carlisle Cathedral, and it was a joy to chat with you.
Catherine PrestonCatherine Preston
00
An attractive cathedral with a stunning interior, situated in well kept grounds. Highlights include the beautiful starlight ceiling, magnificent stained glass east window and medieval painted panels. The helpful staff are happy to answer questions, or provide information sheets to guide you around the cathedral. The treasury exhibition is highly informative and houses an impressive collection of artefacts. Accessibility is very good and there's no charge to visit, but donations are welcomed to help maintain the cathedral. The grounds are well worth a look, with ruins of the Augustinian priory. There's also a well staffed café on site serving lunch and refreshments. The cathedral is open between 07:30 and 18:30 Monday to Friday, and until 17:00 on weekends.
Andrew ThomasAndrew Thomas
20
This was a huge red sandstone building that had evolved over the last 900 years and looks like a lot of the ornamental stonework was replaced recently. Outside there were the remains of the original Augustinian cloisters and a nice cafe area and inside I was almost the only visitor. There were a few original Norman features and some amazing medieval paintings too. The ceiling had been repainted in the 1860’s and really added to the serenity of the building. There was a lot of magnificent stained glass and also regimental colours, now faded and darkened. Moving with the times the cathedral had contactless donation terminals which was a great idea as I had no cash.
Marcus HurleyMarcus Hurley
00
Beautiful church. Its beautiful Inside the church, with a stunning architecture. You get a pocket guide which explains everything about the church. It is not open for visit on Sundays but you can enter for free on all other days. There are many stained glass windows with murals. The altar and the woodworks within the altar is stunning. The ceiling seems to be newly painted with stars in blue background which was really cool to look at. Organ pipes were stacked in the walls outside a hidden chamber and the guide explained that they will be played only during service. Over all stunning and peaceful place.
Jithin S MankadJithin S Mankad
20
Nearby Attractions Of Carlisle Cathedral
Carlisle Castle
Primark
The Market Hall
Vue Cinema Carlisle
Tullie
The County Hotel
Bitts park
Vasey style store (Carlisle) Ltd
RED HERRING ESCAPE ROOMS
Cumbria's Museum of Military Life

Carlisle Castle
4.4
(2K)Click for details

Primark
4.2
(1.1K)Click for details

The Market Hall
4.1
(821)Click for details

Vue Cinema Carlisle
4.2
(842)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Carlisle Cathedral
The William Rufus - JD Wetherspoon
Woodrow Wilson - JD Wetherspoon
Turf Tavern
Alexandros Greek Restaurant and Deli
The Last Zebra
Nando's Carlisle
Thin White Duke
Shanghai Shanghai
Apple Tree
Casa Romana

The William Rufus - JD Wetherspoon
4.1
(1.3K)Click for details

Woodrow Wilson - JD Wetherspoon
4.2
(941)Click for details

Turf Tavern
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(733)Click for details

Alexandros Greek Restaurant and Deli
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Basic Info
Address
The Abbey, Carlisle CA3 8TZ, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1228 548151
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Website
carlislecathedral.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(969 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
Carlisle Cathedral is a Grade I listed Anglican cathedral in the city of Carlisle, Cumbria, England. It was founded as an Augustinian priory and became a cathedral in 1133. It is also the seat of the Bishop of Carlisle. Carlisle is the second smallest of England's ancient cathedrals.
attractions: Carlisle Castle, Primark, The Market Hall, Vue Cinema Carlisle, Tullie, The County Hotel, Bitts park, Vasey style store (Carlisle) Ltd, RED HERRING ESCAPE ROOMS, Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, restaurants: The William Rufus - JD Wetherspoon, Woodrow Wilson - JD Wetherspoon, Turf Tavern, Alexandros Greek Restaurant and Deli, The Last Zebra, Nando's Carlisle, Thin White Duke, Shanghai Shanghai, Apple Tree, Casa Romana

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