Hidden Gems to find in Carlisle

Carlisle is bustling city filled with tourists with lots going on. For a day away from the crowds, seek out some of the hidden gems in and around Carlisle…

  • Lanercost Priory

Nestled amongst woodland in a quiet, tranquil setting close by Hadrian’s Wall at Brampton, Lanercost Priory is a lesser-known Augustinian priory founded in 1169. It suffered frequent attacks during the Anglo-Scottish wars and was once visited by Robert Bruce. Despite its involvement with war, the east end of the 13th century church survives to its full height, housing beautifully preserved triple tier of arches and fine monuments. The Lancercost Cartulary, an ancient scripture written by the priory’s canons in the 1300’s, survives today and is stored in the Carlisle Archive Centre.

  • Bewcastle Cross

The Bewcastle Cross is a superbly carved late 7th or early 8th-century cross shaft, standing in the churchyard of St Cuthbert’s Church in the nearby, remote hamlet of Bewcastle. The stunningly crafted decoration on the cross is one of the finest examples of pre-Norman carving in England. Near the church are the ruins of a medieval castle, made with stone from Hadrian’s Wall. On the south side of the churchyard is a free exhibition on Bewcastle church, castle, and cross, with examples of medieval carving found near the site, and displays on Reiving in the border region.

  • Cursing Stone

Installed as part of the Millennium Gallery underneath Castle Way, a granite stone inscribed with a ‘curse’ from an old, local folklore tale was placed in the underpass near the castle by the local council in 2001. The inscriptions are words from the Curse of Carlisle; a 16th-century curse that is said to have been invoked by Archbishop Dunbar of Glasgow in 1525 against cross-border families, known as the Border Reivers, to stop them from stealing cattle and pillaging.

Following the installation of the stone, Carlisle suffered floods, foot-and-mouth disease, job losses and a "goal famine" for the football team. Many locals blamed the stone for the cities bad luck and the City Council even considered removing it. Some members disagreed with the decision, stating it was a nice piece of history. You can still seek the stone out now, if you’re not afraid of curses!