Carlisle Cathedral Reviews Summary

Accessibility & Admission

Pros:

• "The cathedral is easily accessible from the city centre and entry is free, donations welcomed and encouraged."
• "No charge to enter the cathedral, but they do request a donation of £5."
• "Accessibility is very good and there's no charge to visit, but donations are welcomed to help maintain the cathedral."
• "It is free to enter but donations are welcome."
• "Free to visit (a donation can be made), well worth a visit."
• "Admission is free, but there is a recommended £5 donation."
• "Free to walk in and wander around. Donation boxes throughout."

Cons:

• "Could not go in the main part of cathedral as there was an ordination service going on."
• "We were sort-of welcomed at the main (South) door (no nave), told we needed a guided tour (we don't) and told that entry is free; but we should donate £4 each (so it's not)."
• "We have been a few times and have always enjoyed it, however, today it was baking hot and no shade, we asked if we could move a table into the shade, plenty of room so no social distancing problems, we're told not possible."
• "Was there to attend a service, was nearly late due to lack of signage for cathedral and parking."
• "We wanted to eat our lunch on the grass just inside the castle walls but were told we had to pay £12.50 to do so."
• "I checked website before I set off, and it was still advertised. Done a 35mile round trip to be told it was cancelled!"

Architecture & History

Pros:

• "Must see when in Carlisle. Loads of history."
• "A truly historic place that will offer much to those keen on cathedrals or local history and specialist knowledge."
• "Always an uplifting experience to visit this magnificent place where faith meets people from round the globe."
• "Highly recommended to those who are visiting Carlisle with an interest in, not only religion but architecture as well."
• "Beautiful Cathedral with really stunning ceiling, seeing is believing!"
• "The Cathedral is very interesting and beautiful dating from 1122."
• "The unique inner structure after losing its nave and the combination of Norman architecture and Gothic decoration are worthy to see."

Cons:

• "A remarkably small, but interesting cathedral."
• "Personally I found the building grand but rather ugly, constructed as it is from red brick."
• "For a cathedral, this one feels..like a building. No evidence of people, no clergy (hopefully busy with a thriving congregation)."

Staff & Volunteers

Pros:

• "Greeted by very helpful and polite staff who made us feel very welcome and offered a trail for the kids."
• "Such a warm welcome on arrival! The volunteers are so friendly and helpful."
• "Stunning cathedral, and the most friendly and welcoming staff I've witnessed, their knowledge and warmth are a credit to this cathedral."
• "The friendly volunteers were very knowledgeable and answered our questions, adding more insight to our visit."
• "Very helpful members of staff around the building to answer any questions."
• "We are visibly Muslims and they were welcoming and chatty to us."
• "This is how every cathedral should be run. Friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable volunteers."

Cons:

• "But I always get the feeling they don't really want to do them."

Cafe & Amenities

Pros:

• "Went to the cafe for coffee and home made scones. Very Covid aware with good table cleaning between customers."
• "The cafe is very good!"
• "Also nice cafe in the grounds with homemade food."
• "Cathedral cafe serves great coffee and nice food."
• "Had very nice food and coffee in the cafe. Coronation Chicken Jacket Potato was nice."
• "The cafe offers vegetarian and vegan snacks and I recommend the veggie sausage buns."
• "Lovely little cafe just outside for sandwiches, drinks and some hot food."

Cons:

• "Also their covid one way system is awkward when you as sitting outside! You have to carry a tray all around the building from the door furthest away from the seating area."
• "Ambience is lovely, drinks are good but I find the food over the top especially sandwiches, for me they over fill them."
• "The only gripe I have, if you order a pot of tea for two, it should have two tea bags in the pot."