Carlisle Cathedral
A historic cathedral with a breathtaking star ceiling and impressive stained glass, offering a peaceful and artistic experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Carlisle Cathedral
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cathedral with a breathtaking star ceiling and impressive stained glass, offering a peaceful and artistic experience.
"A beautiful but small and modest cathedral church. A lovely homely feeling, and a magnificent awesome east window."
Free Entry & Donations
:moneybag: Entry is free, but donations are welcome and can be made contactless.
Look for the Missing Star
:mag: A fun challenge for visitors is to find the 'missing star' hidden within the ceiling art.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Starry Ceiling
Choir and Sanctuary
A breathtaking 14th-century wooden barrel vault adorned with a vibrant blue and gold star ceiling, a Victorian masterpiece.
Magnificent East Window
East End
England's largest and most complex east window, depicting scenes from Christ's life with some original 1350 panes.
Treasury and Exhibition
Downstairs
Explore fascinating exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the cathedral's long and storied past.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
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Free Entry & Donations
:moneybag: Entry is free, but donations are welcome and can be made contactless.
Look for the Missing Star
:mag: A fun challenge for visitors is to find the 'missing star' hidden within the ceiling art.
Friendly Staff
:speech_balloon: Staff are very friendly and happy to answer questions about the cathedral's history.
Cafe & Gift Shop
:coffee: Enjoy refreshments at the cafe and browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry & Donations
:moneybag: Entry is free, but donations are welcome and can be made contactless.
Look for the Missing Star
:mag: A fun challenge for visitors is to find the 'missing star' hidden within the ceiling art.
Friendly Staff
:speech_balloon: Staff are very friendly and happy to answer questions about the cathedral's history.
Cafe & Gift Shop
:coffee: Enjoy refreshments at the cafe and browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
Parking Availability
:car: Several car parks are conveniently located within a half-mile radius.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carlisle Cathedral for its stunning star ceiling and impressive east window, often describing it as a 'hidden gem' with a 'lovely homely feeling.' The free entry and friendly staff are frequently highlighted as positives, making it a worthwhile visit for its historical and artistic merits. Some find it smaller than expected compared to other cathedrals, but its unique charm and beauty are widely appreciated.
"A spectacular old cathedral in the northeast corner of England. It is a personal favorite and I would recommend a visit.
Begin in 1123 in the Norman style, it was built with local red sandstone. Much of the church was rebuilt in the 13th century in the Gothic style.
The ceiling is spectacular. Owen Jones designed and specified the painted star ceiling in Carlisle Cathedral’s choir during its 1856 restoration under architect Ewan Christian. The wooden barrel vault dates to the 14th century, but the medieval scheme was lost, and Jones—a prominent Victorian decorative artist known for his work on the Crystal Palace interiors—created the blue background with gold stars and angels, drawing from historical styles. It was later repainted in 1970 for preservation, maintaining Jones’s original vision.
The east window is impressive. It is the largest and most complex such window in England at 51’ by 26’. It depicts events from the life of Christ; some of the panes in the upper portion are original, dating back to 1350.
Parking in the area is good. There are several car parks within half a mile."
Shane Giddings
"Very old and interesting. The stain glass windows are in very good shape considering the age. The organ pipes along with the organ itself are really worth the visit. There are lots of buildings on the site which you can look around the library is interesting the entrance to which is through the cafe, the cafe has a large area outside and quite a large area inside the food is good.
Would recommend trip here."
ian foster
"A beautiful but small and modest cathedral church. A lovely homely feeling, and a magnificent awesome east window spanning nine lights. The cathedral ceiling in the choir and sanctuary are also most definitely worth seeing, decorated with beautiful guilded angels. Very welcoming and most definitely worth a visit If you are ever in Carlisle City or the surrounding area."
Daryl Watkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carlisle Cathedral is easily accessible by train, with Carlisle station being a short walk away. Buses also serve the city center.
Yes, there are several car parks within a half-mile radius of the cathedral, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Carlisle is a city in Cumbria, North West England, located very close to the Scottish border. +1
Carlisle was a major Roman military base, and remnants of Roman structures, including parts of Hadrian's Wall, can be found nearby.
Many visitors recommend exploring Carlisle on foot to discover its historical sites, including the cathedral and castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Carlisle Cathedral is free. Donations are gratefully accepted to help with its upkeep.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the cathedral is open daily. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
While not always advertised, guided tours may be available. Inquire at the cathedral or check their website for details on tours or special openings.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and items related to the cathedral.
Donations can often be made with Gift Aid, which allows the cathedral to reclaim tax on your donation, increasing its value.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning star ceiling in the choir, the impressive east window, and the treasury exhibition.
The 14th-century wooden barrel vault was restored in the Victorian era with a spectacular blue and gold star ceiling designed by Owen Jones.
It's the largest and most complex in England, featuring scenes from Christ's life, with some original medieval glass.
The treasury offers an incredible exhibition of artifacts and historical items related to the cathedral's past.
Yes, children often enjoy the visual spectacle of the star ceiling and the treasury exhibition. The 'missing star' is a fun challenge for them.
🎫 🎶 Music & Events
Yes, Carlisle Cathedral has a choir that performs regularly, contributing to the spiritual and musical life of the building.
The cathedral hosts a variety of music events, including organ recitals, concerts, and choral performances.
Check the official Carlisle Cathedral website or their social media channels for the latest information on events and performances.
Yes, it features a significant organ, the Walker/Harrison & Harrison organ, which is used for recitals and services.
The cathedral also hosts events like graduations, art exhibitions, and community gatherings.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions, especially during services.
The star ceiling and the east window are particularly photogenic. The exterior architecture also offers great photo opportunities.
Drone photography is typically restricted around historic buildings and city centers due to privacy and safety concerns. Always check local regulations.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful light, especially with the new LED floodlighting, and weekday mornings are less crowded for unobstructed shots.
Yes, the organ pipes are a notable feature and can be photographed, though access might be limited during performances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
A fun challenge for younger visitors is to find the missing star hidden within the ceiling artwork. While the cathedral is a place of quiet reflection, its sheer scale and the visual elements like the stained glass windows and the grand organ pipes can capture children's attention. The friendly staff are also often happy to engage with younger visitors, answering their questions.
⛪ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Key highlights include the Victorian star ceiling and the expansive medieval east window, both offering insights into different periods of artistic and religious expression.
🎶 Music Lovers
+1 The cathedral's choir contributes significantly to its musical life, performing during services and special events. Keep an eye out for the diverse range of Carlisle Cathedral events, which often include concerts and other musical performances.
The acoustics within the cathedral are excellent, making any musical performance a memorable experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The cathedral's artistic heritage is particularly noteworthy. The spectacular star ceiling in the choir, a Victorian restoration of a 14th-century wooden barrel vault, is a highlight. Designed by Owen Jones, it features a vibrant blue background with gold stars and angels, creating a celestial effect.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, Carlisle Cathedral serves as a living place of worship and community. It hosts various events, from graduations to musical performances, showcasing its adaptability and continued relevance.
+1 The treasury exhibition offers a deeper understanding of its rich past, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts. The Artistry of Carlisle Cathedral
The east window is another masterpiece, a vast expanse of stained glass that tells a story through its intricate designs. The sheer scale and complexity of this window are remarkable, and the presence of original medieval glass adds a layer of historical authenticity.
Beyond these prominent features, the cathedral's treasury holds a wealth of artistic and historical artifacts. These exhibits provide context and depth to the visitor's experience, revealing the craftsmanship and devotion that have shaped the cathedral over centuries.
Music and Performances
+1The cathedral frequently hosts a variety of musical events, from intimate organ recitals to larger choral performances and concerts. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience the cathedral's acoustics and its role as a cultural venue.
+1 The presence of the choir adds to the spiritual ambiance, providing beautiful music during services and special occasions. Beyond traditional music, the cathedral has also been a venue for more unconventional performances, such as circus acts, highlighting its versatility as a space for artistic expression.
Checking their schedule for Carlisle Cathedral events is recommended for anyone interested in experiencing its musical offerings. 
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