Carlisle, England
The Border Roundabout of Doom
"Where England Gives Up and Scotland Takes Over"
Official Coat of Arms
A shield bearing the ancient Norman castle besieged on one side by Scottish raiders and on the other by confused motorists circling the A69 junction indefinitely. Above, a cathedral spire pierces a sky the colour of wet slate, motto beneath reading 'Nearly Scotland, Technically Not'.
TripAdvisor Review
★★★☆☆ 3/5
"Stopped here on the way to Scotland and honestly ended up staying longer than planned because the castle is genuinely impressive and the cathedral is lovely. That said, the city centre shuts down alarmingly early and I struggled to find anywhere serving food after 8pm on a Tuesday. Also whoever designed the one-way system around the station deserves a stern talking to. Worth a visit but don't expect Newcastle-levels of nightlife."— Gary Pettifer, Solihull
Property Listing
Charming border city offering unparalleled access to TWO countries, a genuine medieval castle within walking distance, and property prices that'll make your friends in Manchester weep with envy. Ideal for commuters who don't mind occasionally being unsure which nation's news to watch.
Twinned With
Berwick-upon-Tweed — Both towns have spent centuries being fought over by England and Scotland and are frankly a bit exhausted by it all.
Supporting Evidence
Carlisle Castle has been besieged more times than any other castle in Britain, changing hands between England and Scotland at least a dozen times over its history.