Coronavirus lockdown rules may be easing, but the restrictions around travelling abroad are ever changing.

Even if you do decide to book a holiday abroad, it could be cancelled at any time.

However, you don’t have to jet off to an exotic location in order to have a dream holiday- there are a lot of places to visit right here in Carlisle.

If you’re not going on a summer holiday this year, there here are some ways you can recreate your foreign holiday without straying far from home.

Go to the beach

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Silloth Sea Front (Photo: Geograph, Oliver Dixon)

Relaxing on the beach, with a book in hand, is an essential part of many people’s holiday.

However, you don’t need to travel abroad in order to get to the beach- while you aren’t guaranteed to have Spanish sunshine, you can visit some great beaches.

Silloth Beach is a sand and shingle beach, which is around twenty miles from Carlisle.

It’s the ideal beach for animal lovers and dogs are allowed on it.

While relaxing on the beach, you could also take the time to read novels by Cumbrian authors- Ian Hall and Melvyn Bragg are just two names to look out for.

Eat at an exotic restaurant 

(Credit: Google Maps)

Eating out and trying some exotic food is a huge part of the holiday experience- and you can replicate it in Cumbria.

Alexandros Greek Restaurant in Carlisle is the place to go for Mediterranean cuisine. For some people on Trip Advisor, this was their first restaurant visit since lockdown and they gave resoundingly positive reviews of Alexandros.

The sea bream and spicy prawns seem to be popular dishes here.

Go sightseeing

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Carlisle Cathedral (Photo: Geograph, William Starkey

Some people use their holiday to explore the culture and monuments in the area- you can do the same in Carlisle.

There might be hidden gem locations and unexplored areas right on your doorstep.

For a taste of Carlisle culture and history, why not visit Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, or Carlisle Cathedral?

You can also immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape of the city by going on a Hike along part of Hadrian’s Wall Path, or Kingmoor South Nature Reserve if you fancy something easier.

Book some unique accommodation

News and Star: Townhead Shepherd's hut (Photo: Air bnb)Townhead Shepherd's hut (Photo: Air bnb)
You may be close to home but you can still book some unique accommodation to stay in.

Air bnb has plenty of unique accommodation choices in Carlisle, such as a Tiny House in Longtown, or even a Shepherd’s Hut in Townhead.  

There are also some great camping and glamping hotspots right on your doorstep. 

Roman Wall Lodges is a popular place in the area, with camping pods, firepits, a reading room and even a small library on site- prices start from £50 per night.

Enjoy a drink…or two

(Credit: Google Maps)

You might not be able to enjoy a beer abroad, but there are still some excellent pubs in Carlisle to visit.

Lane Bar was founded in 2011 and has an extensive range of cocktails on their menu- they even have a “garden of Eden” outdoor area to make it feel as if you are in an entirely different place.

The Kings Head is another classic pub in Carlisle and the perfect place for ale loves and those with a passion for history- ale is reputed to have been available on the site of The Kings Head as early as the 10th century.