The UK Careers Fair logo
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
HomeAbout2025/26 ScheduleEventsNewsJobsLondon
Exhibit With UsBook A Stand
Contact Us
Location Guides
5 min read

Living And Working In Carlisle

Carlisle is often known as the Great Border City due to being less than ten miles from the Scottish border and it is situated in Cumbria. This cathedral city is the most northern city in England and the only city in Cumbria. Carlisle is accessible via the M6 and direct rail services from Carlisle to London last a little over three hours.
Written by
Joanna Clare
Content Manager
Published on
June 20, 2025

Carlisle is often known as the Great Border City due to being less than ten miles from the Scottish border and it is situated in Cumbria. This cathedral city is the most northern city in England and the only city in Cumbria. Carlisle is accessible via the M6 and direct rail services from Carlisle to London last a little over three hours. If you wish for a more leisurely and scenic journey to Carlisle then try the spellbinding route via steam train by joining at Settle in North Yorkshire then travelling on through some of the most breathtaking and impressive scenery imaginable.

With roots dating back to Roman times, Carlisle was once a small market town which expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution when it became a key centre for textile manufacturing and an important railway hub.

Now,the city’s economy is marked by significant development and investment, driven by a mix of infrastructure improvements, business growth and a vibrant jobs market. The key sectors and industries driving Carlisle’s economy include wholesale and retail trade with the presence of numerous retail outlets significantly contributing to employment and economic activity. The city has a strong manufacturing base with industries ranging from food processing to engineering and the city’s historical industrial roots continue to support a variety of manufacturing businesses. The strategic location of Carlisle near major transportation routes, including the M6 motorway and the west coast main line, makes it a hub for logistics and distribution. Investments in transportation infrastructure further enhance this sector’s growth and have put the city on the map for its modern developments. Healthcare is also a major sector in Carlisle and provides substantial employment opportunities and essential services to the community.

The presence of educational institutions including the University of Cumbria, which has the only university campus to be situated in a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Ambleside) and was recently established in 2007, bolsters the local economy by attracting students and staff while supporting related businesses.The university, with its headquarters in Carlisle, can boast a high percentage of graduate employability and contributes to the city’s reputation as a centre for learning and technological advancement.

Carlisle has a long and varied past of bloody battles, sieges, rebellions and victories. From Saxons and Vikings to Royalty and Celts...they have all left their mark. Carlisle Castle is over 900 years old and welcomes many visitors. Here you can see where Mary Queen Of Scots was held prisoner by her cousin all those centuries ago. It is here also that the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery along with the ancient Cathedral proudly stand in Carlisle's Historic Quarter. Surrounded by three meandering rivers and charming countryside, you can easily appreciate the timeless beauty of the city. The well known historical site of Hadrian's Wall which is the largest Roman display of archaeology in Britain and spans a staggering 73 miles in length is not too far away. Additionally, the beautiful landmarks such as the Pennines, the Lake District, Northumberland National Park and the Eden Valley are all within easy reach.

Shopping in the city offers a diverse and vibrant experience with a large selection of popular high street brands and specialist shops as well as regular markets, both covered and outdoor. Carlisle is recognised for its vibrant cultural scene including live music venues like the Brickyard, various festivals and cultural events while the city’s art and entertainment offerings contribute to its lively atmosphere.

One of Carlisle’s defining features is its close knit community who welcome visitors and newcomers alike. Compared to larger cities, Carlisle offers a much more affordable cost of living, providing a special and unique blend of historical charm, natural beauty and friendly locals. For those seeking a peaceful and harmonious lifestyle where a perfect work life balance is easily achievable then Carlisle is the preferred choice for many.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on August 30th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the Crown and Mitre Hotel, CA3 8HZ. This beautiful Edwardian hotel retains many original features and is conveniently situated in the centre of the city.

Weekly newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter to keep updated with the latest insights for the freshest trends and know-how in the career realm.
By submitting, you are agreeing to receive our weekly newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time if you no longer wish to receive these updates.
Read about our privacy policy.
Thank you! You're now subscribed to the latest news from The UK Careers Fair.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Latest News

Dive into our latest insights for the freshest trends and know-how in the career realm, updated daily.
Careers Advice

How Employers Can Break The Ageism Cycle

Joanna Clare
|
Content Manager
October 30, 2025
5 min read
Interview Advice

How Employers Can Ensure A Successful Interview

Joanna Clare
|
Content Manager
October 20, 2025
5 min read
Careers Advice

Are You Contemplating A Change Of Career or Industry?

Joanna Clare
|
Content Manager
October 16, 2025
5 min read

Upcoming Events

Check out our full and comprehensive list of upcoming events.

Exeter Careers Fair
October 29, 2025
York Careers Fair
October 31, 2025
London Careers Fair
November 14, 2025
Reading Careers Fair
February 4, 2026
Nottingham Careers Fair
February 6, 2026
Manchester Careers Fair
February 6, 2026
Swindon Careers Fair
February 6, 2026
Brighton Careers Fair
February 11, 2026
Wolverhampton Careers Fair
February 12, 2026
Cardiff Careers Fair
February 13, 2026
Belfast Careers Fair
February 18, 2026
Colchester Careers Fair
February 25, 2026
Bedford Careers Fair
February 25, 2026
Derby Careers Fair
February 26, 2026
Southend Careers Fair
February 26, 2026
Sheffield Careers Fair
February 27, 2026
Ipswich Careers Fair
March 4, 2026
Cambridge Careers Fair
March 5, 2026
Durham Careers Fair
March 5, 2026
Bristol Careers Fair
March 6, 2026
Coventry Careers Fair
March 6, 2026
Carlisle Careers Fair
March 11, 2026
Southampton Careers Fair
March 11, 2026
Bolton Careers Fair
March 12, 2026
Liverpool Careers Fair
March 13, 2026
Guildford Careers Fair
March 13, 2026
Leeds Careers Fair
March 18, 2026
 TAKE ME THERE