Car Rental - Carlisle
Perched on the border between England and Scotland, car rental in Carlisle leaves you perfectly placed to see some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside scenery. Framed by luscious green rolling hills, this idyllic city is quintessentially British, and a wonderful jumping-off point for a vacation in the UK.
We have several pick-up points in Carlisle, so however you arrive in the city, you can easily collect your rental car and be on your way.
You’ll no doubt be keen to get on the road, which is why you can browse our car rental collection online before you arrive. We have a wide range of vehicles to suit every need, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or as a family.
In the unlikely event you find Hertz car rental in Carlisle cheaper, we offer a best price guarantee, which means we’ll refund the difference. Plus, we can assure you there are no hidden extras to pay.
Carlisle Locations
A Quick Guide to Carlisle
The River Caldew winds through the center of the city, connecting with the River Eden just behind historic Carlisle Castle. It tells the story of the important role the city played for more than a thousand years on the frontline of England’s defences.
Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere, you’re in a great spot to explore the cities, coastline and national parks on both sides of the border.
Step Back in Time at Carlisle Castle
Make your way towards Carlisle Castle and marvel at this powerful building. Built in the mid to late 12th century, the majority of the structure is still firmly intact and ready to be explored, a testament to the strength of this fortress. The majority of the building was made with grey and red sandstone, giving it its distinctive red hue.
Make sure you see the Captain’s Tower. Added almost a century after the building was initially constructed, it’s a fine example of 14th century design. To really get a feel for the castle and learn about the history and significance of the place, book onto a guided tour. Parking for your Carlisle rental car is available here at a fee.
Walk Alongside Hadrian’s Wall
Head out of the city towards the picturesque market town of Brampton to find Hadrian’s Wall. Construction of the wall began in the 2nd century and, almost 2,000 years later, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of Roman ingenuity and engineering left today.
You can follow the entire 84 miles of it from coast to coast, or park up your rental car so that you can walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans and enjoy a relaxing trek alongside the wall.
To see different stretches of the wall and get a better feel for the history, you can explore even further in your car rental. Set off to Housesteads to delve into the day-to-day life of the Roman Empire.
Here, you’ll find forts along the wall, where you can clearly make out the floor plan, and even low walls of the buildings that once stood here. You can explore the barracks, see the hospital and even see ancient flushable toilets.
Sensational Views at Scafell Pike
The Lake District, which has earned itself UNESCO World Heritage Status, is the largest of the UK’s national parks. It’s home to over 150 peaks including England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. The 978-meter mountain forms part of Britain’s three peaks, and is worth visiting for the views, even if you don’t fancy taking on the challenge to the top.
If you do, however, there are two main routes – although you should be aware that it’s a steep hike over tough terrain. The first is Seathwaite, which is nine-and-a-half miles long and includes 996 meters of ascents. The start point of this route is quicker to reach by car, but take note, it will add around an hour to your hike if you do decide to use your car rental. The other is Wasdale Head, which takes an hour longer to reach in your car rental but is a shorter walk. Whichever option you choose, breath-taking views of lakes and peaks are waiting to greet and reward you once you reach the peak.
Book your car rental in Carlisle and you’re ideally placed to explore the border between England and Scotland and the surrounding countryside, making memories as you go.
Driving In and Around Carlisle
Sitting right on the edge of both England and Scotland, Carlisle, often known as the ‘Border City’, is ideally situated for you to discover both UK countries in your rental car.
The first thing to remember is that you’ll be driving on the left and overtaking on the right. Speed limits are in miles per hour and vary from as low as 20mph in residential areas to 70mph on main highways, known as motorways in the UK.
In most towns, cities and urban areas, the limit drops to 30mph. If you’re unsure, speed limits are regularly signposted. If you see a white circular sign with a black diagonal line going through it, that means you shouldn’t exceed the national speed limit, which is 60mph on a single lane road and 70mph on a highway.
The city is well connected – the M6 runs along one side and the A689 along the other, making it easy to head north or south in your holiday rental car. Take Castle Way and you’ll come to Carlisle Castle. Continue following the road onto Bridge Street and it will take you over the River Caldew. Alternatively, turn off Castle Way at Castle Street and you’ll come to Carlisle Cathedral.
Join the M6 heading north and if you take the A74(M) and M74 it’s an hour and 45 minutes to one of Europe’s friendliest cities, Glasgow. In the opposite direction, the M6 will take you towards the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Roll down the windows and breathe in the fresh countryside air as you head out towards the winding roads of these national parks.
Hop in your rental car and take the A69, and it’s an hour and 20 minutes to the vibrant and lively city of Newcastle upon Tyne. You may also like to visit the seaside town of Whitley Bay, which can be found just eight miles east of the city.
It’s just over half an hour via the A69 to the nearest part of Hadrian’s Wall, at Brampton. Built by the Romans at the behest of Emperor Hadrian in AD 122, you can still walk along parts of it today.
