Looking for a relaxing and beautiful way to experience Carlisle? This self-guided walking tour takes you through the city's most scenic flower-filled locations - perfect for garden lovers, photographers, and anyone in search of a peaceful stroll. Starting at the majestic Carlisle Cathedral, this route includes Tullie House Gardens, Bitts Park, Eden Bridge Gardens, and finishes with the tranquil green expanses of Rickerby Park.

1. Carlisle Cathedral - A Historic Start

Begin your walk at Carlisle Cathedral, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Its quiet gardens and medieval stonework set a peaceful tone for the floral journey ahead. Expect to find seasonal planted beds, and established trees and shrubs intertwined with the beautiful buildings. Bonus, you can start your day with a coffee in the cafe before heading on your way.

📍 Postcode: CA3 8TZ
🕰️ Recommended Time: 15–20 minutes

2. Tullie House Museum Gardens - A Touch of Heritage

Just a few steps away from the cathedral is Tullie House, enter via the gardens on Abbey Street. Home to a small yet charming heritage garden. Designed to reflect Carlisle’s Roman and medieval past, it features native plants, herbs, and historic landscaping styles. A great place to see cherry blossom in the spring! Stop by the newly re-opened galleries too if you have time on your walk.

📍 Postcode: CA3 8TP
🕰️ Recommended Time: 15 minutes

3. Bitts Park - Carlisle’s Floral Showcase

Walk north from Tullie to Bitts Park, where well-maintained flower beds explode in colour from spring through autumn. The rose garden is a highlight, and the riverside paths offer a calming natural escape just minutes from the city centre. Around the Victoria monument you can see formal manicured gardens with the best of the season. You can also enjoy the Memorial Garden, and before leaving to cross Eden bridge check out the weeping willows in the hollow by the bridge.

📍 Postcode: CA3 8UL
🕰️ Recommended Time: 30 minutes
🛝 Family-friendly with play areas and open lawns.

4. Eden Bridge Gardens - The Hidden Gem

Next, cross Eden Bridge (exit Bitts park under the bridge, then turn right and loop back to cross the bridge on the pavement) Here you will discover the peaceful Eden Bridge Gardens - also known locally as both the Chinese Gardens and Italian Gardens. With ornamental planting, manicured lawns, and quiet seating areas, it’s the perfect pause point before entering the final and largest garden space.

📍 Postcode: CA3 9AH
🕰️ Recommended Time: 20 minutes

5. Rickerby Park — Finish in Tranquility

Conclude your walk in Rickerby Park, an expansive riverside parkland dedicated to fallen soldiers of World War I. It features wide open spaces, mature trees, and natural wildflower meadows during spring and summer. From Eden Bridge Gardens, head towards the river and follow the path along. Along the river line you’ll see wild flowers, and nature galore. Following the River, passing the memorial on your left, you’ll get to the memorial bridge, from here you can cross over the river and loop back on yourself. This path also follows the river, and is abundant with wildflowers in spring and summer.

📍 Accessible via Eden Bridge
🕰️ Recommended Time: 30–45 minutes
🐕 Dog-friendly and ideal for picnics.

📍 Total Walking Distance & Tips

Distance: Approx. 2.5 miles (4 km)
Time: Around 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace
Accessibility: Mostly flat and paved routes
Seasonal Best: April–September for peak floral displays

Carlisle Flower Walk