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Plan Your Visit
Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life is located within the historic walls of Carlisle Castle (operated by English Heritage) in the city centre of Carlisle, Cumbria. Our collections showcase over 300 years of the county’s military history.
Planning ahead helps make your visit easy and enjoyable. Here’s what you need to know…
Opening Times
We’re open 7 days a week between April and mid-November. Our opening hours vary throughout the year, take a look:
- Thursday 13th November 2025 to Monday 16th February 2026: Open Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 16:00
- 24th-26th December and 1st January: Closed
- Monday 16th February to Sunday 22nd February 2026: Open Daily 10:00 to 16:00
- Monday 23rd February 2026 to Sunday 30th March: Open Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 16:00
- Monday 31st March to Saturday 25th October 2026: Open 7 Days a week 10:00 to 17:00
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Admission
Museum only:
- Adult: £5.45
- Concession*: £4.35
- Child (over 5 years): £3.25
- Family (2 Adults, 3 Children): £11.95
*Concession includes: over 60s, disabled (free entry for accompanying carer), students with a valid NUS card, ex-Regimental members, serving military/Ministry of Defence personnel, and jobseekers claiming JSA.
Free entry is available to children under 5 years, English Heritage members, and those currently serving in The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (King’s, Lancashire and Border).
Joint tickets with Carlisle Castle
Joint Tickets are available from English Heritage if you would also like to visit Carlisle Castle on the day.
For those looking to visit Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life only, simply pay for admission at the Museum’s front desk – there’s no need to go through the English Heritage gatehouse.
Group visits
Planning a visit with a group of 11 or more? Take advantage of our special 15% discount for larger groups. To organise your visit, please get in touch with us to make the necessary arrangements and ensure a memorable experience for your group. Find out more about our Group Visits.
Accessibility
Our main collections are housed on the ground floor with step-free access into the Museum. We have a stairlift to access temporary exhibits and events upstairs. If you have mobility issues and would like to access upstairs, please contact the museum beforehand. Blue Badge holders can park in the outer ward of the castle.
Getting to the Museum
You’ll find us on the north side of Carlisle city centre, just a short walk from the train and bus stations.
By bike: There is an area to secure bikes.
By bus: Carlisle bus station is a 15 minute walk away.
By train: We’re a 15 minute walk from Carlisle train station.
By car: If you’re travelling from the north, east or south, use Junction 43 and 44 of the M6. Those travelling from the west can get here via the A595. The best postcode to use with a satnav is CA3 8UL which takes you to the nearest car park next to the castle. Click here for a list of local car parks.
Contact us
Get in touch if you have any questions.
Telephone: 01228 532774
Email: enquiries@cmoml.org
Frequently asked questions about Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life
Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life tells the story of Cumbria’s County Infantry Regiment and its soldiers past and present.
Our collections cover over 300 years of Cumbria’s military history, including uniforms, medals, weapons and silver from 1702 to the present day.
There are activities for kids and special exhibitions and events that run throughout the year. Check our Events page to see what’s on.
Yes, our gift shop sells souvenirs, books, toys, and locally-sourced food and drink. It’s a great place to pick up a memento of your visit and to support local businesses.
We have an on-site cafe that’s open daily between April and October. It’s run by Carlisle business, John Watt & Son, and offers a selection of locally sourced produce as well as coffee roasted in the city.
We have a stairlift to access temporary exhibits and events upstairs. If you have mobility issues and would like to access upstairs, please contact the museum beforehand.
For an additional charge, guided tours can be booked for groups of 11 or more. Please get in touch to book.
Yes, we offer a range of educational workshops and tours for Primary and Secondary school groups. See our Schools Page for more information.
Yes, photography without flash is allowed in the museum for personal use.
