Guide to Carlisle – 20th March 2019

Carlisle Sands Centre, Hardwicke Circus, Carlisle CA1 1JE

The Sands Centre in Carlisle is a multi-purpose venue, incorporating a leisure centre, cafe and music venue, situated on the northern edge of the city centre, by the River Eden and backing onto the start of the Hardrian’s Wall walk – if the weather is fine, you can explore by the river and fields behind the venue.

It is designed to be accessible, on a main route and with good parking. There are cafes, restaurants and pubs nearby, although people may prefer to stay in the city centre as there are lots more places close to the station.

The venue is a good 15-20 minute walk from the station, and 10 minute walk from the shopping part of the city centre. Carlisle is a historic city, with a castle and several other places of interest to visit.

If you are travelling to Carlisle from Scotland or the North East, use Junction 44 of the M6, and from the south, junction 43. The postcode for your SatNav is CA1 1JE and the centre is well signposted within the city.

Parking – Parking is plentiful in Carlisle – the easiest and nearest is at the venue itself, and there are several car parks within walking distance.

• Sands Centre, CA1 1JE
• Lowther Street Car Park, CA3 8DP
• Civic Centre Car Park, CA3 8XP

Accommodation – There are quite a few budget hotels within the city centre and close to the railway station. The Premier Inn, however, is a fair way out of the city and best only used if you’re driving.

• Travelodge, Cecil Street, CA1 1NL
• Ibis, Botchergate, CA1 1RL (close to station)
• Hallmark Hotel, Court Square, CA1 1QY (near station)
• Crown & Mitre, English Street, CA3 8HX
• Premier Inn, Warwick Road, CA1 2WF (30 min walk to venue and city)

Food – Lots of places within the city centre and also by the venue:

• No.10 Cafe, Sands Centre – 9am til 9.30pm
• Turf Tavern – Hungry Horse, behind the Sands Centre
• Gone To The Dogs, dog friendly cafe, Corporation Road, other side of the roundabout by venue
• Ristorante Adriano, Rickergate, other side of the roundabout close to the venue
• The Thin White Duke, music themed bar & restaurant, named after Bowie, Devonshire St
• Botchergate by the station has lots of fast food, pub food places – Nando’s Wetherspoons, Costa, Pizza places, Subway etc

Pubs – There are several bars and pubs both in the centre and close to the venue.

• Turf Tavern – Hungry Horse behind the venue
• The Thin White Duke, Devonshire St, music bar with food
• Botchergate by the station has a long line of bars – Wetherspoons (The William Rufus), The Griffin, House of Vodka, Cumberland Inn.

VIP & Stage Times will be added, along with other information, when available.