Carlisle Castle, (EH)

Open April to October, daily 10am-6pm. November to March, daily 10am-4pm. (closed 24-26 December & 1 January). Admission charge; toilets; parking, disabled only; wheelchair access except interiors of buildings); no dogs allowed. Guided tours available at extra charge, daily June to September and at weekends in May and October.

This impressive medieval castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned, has a long and tortuous history of warfare and family feuds. A portcullis hangs menacingly over the gatehouse passage, there is a maze of passages and chambers, and endless staircases to lofty towers and you can walk the high ramparts for stunning views. There is also a medieval manor house in miniature; a suite of medieval rooms furnished as they might have been when used by the castle's former constable. The castle is also the home of the Museum of the King's Own Border Regiment (included in admission charge).