Carlisle – York – Chester

Stop 1 – Carlisle

Carlisle is the most northerly English Heritage City, just 16 kilometres south of the Scottish border and home to Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage Site. Built by the Romans, much of the 117 kilometre, stone wall still exists today so you can enjoy a walk along this impressive structure and imagine life as a Roman soldier. You can then visit the impressive Carlisle Castle and explore its dungeons, stone-lined passageways and medieval rooms. The castle was built by William Rufus (William the Conqueror’s son) in 1092 and used as a temporary prison for Mary Queen of Scots in 1567.

Carlisle also boasts the award-winning Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, including the Roman Frontier Gallery which features the museum’s significant Roman collections within an absorbing interactive exhibition.

Stop 2 – York

No visit to York is complete without a tour of York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe which sits proudly in the city centre. Its new exhibition takes you on an interactive journey of more than 2,000 years, following in the footsteps of Roman soldiers. You can also climb up the 275 steps to the top of the Central Tower, the highest point in the city, where you can enjoy views over the city and beyond.

The city has plenty of stunning architecture and narrow streets to explore as well as the famous Jorvik Viking Centre, which recreates a Viking city with authentic sights, smells and sounds.

Stop 3 – Chester

Chester has a long and fascinating history. Follow in the footsteps of the Romans with a walk around the city walls, the most complete in Britain, which take you past the remains of the amphitheatre, Chester Racecourse, Roman Gardens, River Dee and Eastgate Clock, as well as providing some of the best views of the city and across to the Welsh mountains.

Chester Cathedral is a must-see attraction in the city. Its history spans nearly 2,000 years and boasts some wonderful sights such as the Nave Mosaics dating back to 1880, which are said to be some of the finest in the country. It’s also home to Cathedral at Height, a guided tour that takes you behind the scenes, providing an unparalleled level of public access, and Chester Cathedral Falconry and Nature Gardens, which has daily flying displays by birds of prey.