I would recommend Tullie House Garden to anyone who has only an hour or so to spend in Carlisle.
I arrived via an excursion on the wonderful Settle to Carlisle Railway, so time was precious and I felt utterly disinclined to race around the castle or cathedral or any of the other wonderful and varied options on offer. Actually there are numerous distractions in Tullie House itself, should the weather be poor or you allow a moment of inattentiveness to overcome you. The building itself is Grade 1 listed Jacobean, and contains a museum, art gallery, permanent and temporary displays, hands-on exhibits; interest for children as well as non-garden-loving adults in your party.
However, if you are as single-minded as I can be, head straight through the reception area for the garden (no charge) and spend a happy hour or more wandering through the delights of a very-long-established walled garden. The beds are colourful, and thoughtfully set out. There are benches to sit on if legs are tired. And when you are done, pop inside for tea-and-a-slice or a full meal in the award-winning restaurant. There was a great choice, but for me the Grade A fruit cake was the jewel in the crown; my friend chose and raved over a chocolate slice. And take a moment to marvel at the wall tiles as you pass them.
