Things to see and Do at Carlisle Castle
Visit Carlisle Castle for the chance to follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots; the latter was once held prisoner here. You can also see some fascinating 15th-century grafitti; and learn about military life in times past at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life.
See Queen Mary’s Tower
Visit the site where Mary, Queen of Scots was held captive from 1568, on the orders of her cousin Queen Elizabeth I.
Fleeing from her rebellious Scottish subjects, Mary was heir-apparent to the English throne. She was also a Catholic, and ally of the French, so far too dangerous to be allowed to remain free.
She was imprisoned at Carlisle under the watchful eye of Sir Francis Knollys. He allowed the Queen to take walks at the front of the castle on what is now known as ‘Lady’s Walk’.
Explore the Exhibition
Step into the rich and turbulent past of Carlisle Castle in the exhibition that brings the castle’s most famous inhabitants to life.
Discover their stories, from Mary Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, to notorious Border Reivers such as Kinmont Willie Armstrong. Hear about his dramatic rescue in the exhibition.
Discover how the castle was occupied by the Scottish King, David I, during a long period of turbulent border conflicts between Scotland and England.
Easily accessible in the Old Militia Store, the exhibition at Carlisle Castle includes a 3D virtual tour of the keep and Captain's Tower.
Examine Prisoners’ Carvings
Uncover the truth behind the mysterious stone carvings found in the castle keep. The beautifully crafted pieces of graffiti include images of a knight, a mermaid and many animals. See if you can spot a stag, a fish, and a boar.
Originally thought to have been carved by prisoners, recent research suggests these carvings may be the work of bored prison guards. Probably dating back to the 15th century, they show support for the ruling family of the time, the Dacres, and include images of their crests.
Step into the Warden’s Apartments
Step into this suite of rooms, which once included the bedroom of the King of England, Richard III. It's now known as the Warden's Apartments. Carlisle Castle was the seat of the Lord Warden of the West March, and Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later King Richard III) filled this role.
Don't forget to visit the Captain's Tower, which is one of the best-preserved gatehouses in the country.
Visit Cumbria's Museum of Military Life
Located in the former Regimental Institute, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life tells the story of Cumbria’s Infantry Regiment and its soldiers past and present.
Get closer to history with state-of-the-art audio/visual displays, dioramas and a great variety of items on display. See the WWI bible that stopped a bullet, drums once touched by Napoleon and military hardware that served the British Army through two World Wars and beyond.
Visit to find out what life was like for ordinary people doing extraordinary things. For more information visit their website, cumbriasmuseumofmilitarylife.org