Retire to Carlisle
RETIREMENT LIVING IN CARLISLE
This thriving 'Great Border Town' boasts a dramatic history and incredible location
The buzzing city of Carlisle, Cumbria, has a dramatic setting and a 2,000-year-old heritage. It’s just 10 miles from the border with Scotland, close to the UNESCO world heritage site, Hadrian’s wall and a short distance from the glorious Lake District National Park. As well as hosting an enviable array of incredible historic attractions, the city is also the shopping and commercial centre for Cumbria and the North-East, making it the perfect place for retirement living.
SIGHTS
As the commercial heart of Cumbria, it’s unsurprising that Carlisle is well served with shops – you’ll find more than 70 high street names in the huge Lanes Shopping Centre and independent stores, local produce and cafes in the charming Victorian covered market of Carlisle Market Hall.
The beautiful medieval Carlisle cathedral is the spiritual and architectural heart of the city and Bitts Park makes a lovely spot to enjoy outside space in the centre. Perfect for a stroll alongside the Eden river – it’s also a great place to practice your canoeing skills.
For memorable days out, the 900-year-old Carlisle Castle is hard to beat. Explore the spooky dungeons and the fascinating Museum of Military Life. Alternatively, head to the English Heritage site, Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the earliest megalithic structures in the country.
ATTRACTIONS
Carlisle is a vital connection between Scotland and England and is easily accessible by rail and road. By road, romantics can reach Gretna Green in just 20 minutes and nature lovers can be in the magnificent Lake District in half an hour.
By rail, Carlisle to Glasgow takes just over an hour from Carlisle train station, Carlisle to Newcastle takes less than 90 minutes and you can reach London in just over 3 hours by train. The most beautiful rail journey though has to be Carlisle to Settle line that takes you over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct.
If retirement means looking forward to more holidays, Newcastle International Airport is your closest bet for international travel and will take you to sunny Jamaica and intriguing Egypt as well as destinations all over the Europe.
COMMUNITY
If you choose to settle in Carlisle, you’ll be part of a friendly, vibrant city packed with community spirit. If you’re a sports lover then there’s plenty of choice. You can join the ranks of fervent fans of Carlisle United FC, enjoy a day at Carlisle Racecourse, watch - or get involved with - the riverside cricket matches at Carlisle Cricket Club or play a round at the picturesque and welcoming Carlisle Golf Club – just one of many golf clubs in the area.
If you’re keen to make the most of the great outdoors, the Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club is always keen to welcome new members – or if you prefer curling up with a good read instead why not try the Books Cumbria book group or the – ladies only – Cumbria Girly Book Club?
Sound good? Take a look at McCarthy Stone retirement homes in Carlisle. 83% of homeowners experience a sense of community in their new retirement property.
SURROUNDING AREAS
Carlisle is close to a wealth of incredible places to visit, with Hadrian’s wall and the glacial splendour of the Lake District on the doorstep, visit Kendall, Windemere and Ambleside for spectacular scenery and abundant activities. For seaside strolls, Solway Coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is only 40 minutes away. Be sure to visit Campfield Marsh and the Solway wetlands centre. And, if that’s not enough, there’s a second Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty nearby - the North Pennines, a striking landscape of heather moors, peatlands, dales, rivers and woods.
If you fancy a big city vibe, then nearby Newcastle is a buzzing cultural hub. And of course you’re on the border of bonny Scotland, with the great city of Glasgow making an ideal spot for a day trip of weekend away.
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