A day out in Cumbria often brings to mind the fells, mountains and lakes.

But there’s a city to enjoy here too.

And Carlisle – the City of the Lakes – can bring just as much joy to visitors as the stunning Cumbrian countryside that surrounds it.

Cumbria’s only city is both historic and vibrant and bustling with bars and places to eat.

And its city centre streets offer shoppers a wide blend of independent retailers alongside the well-known brands.

Over 70 stores are located in the Lanes Shopping Centre alone while the Market Hall is one of England’s few remaining covered Victorian markets.

It’s home to a wide variety of stalls and several cafes.

Once you have shopped till you drop, and refreshed yourself in a café or restaurant, your thoughts might turn to the history surrounding you.

Your first port of call could be Carlisle Castle.

Exploring its passageways and dungeons gives you a real insight into the varied history it has been through.

Search out the infamous “licking stones” - imprints on the dungeon walls where prisoners were forced to lick the damp walls for water to help them stay alive.

Just across from the castle is Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery which this year stages three exhibitions linked to HW1900 – the festival marking 1900 years since construction work began on Hadrian’s Wall.

From Tullie House you could head to Carlisle Cathedral which celebrates its 900th Anniversary this year – founded by Henry 1 in 1122 as an Augustinian Priory.

Here you can admire stained glass windows and gothic-style architecture from the 13th and 14th centuries.

If you’re only in Carlisle for a day trip, you can still manage to fit in a trip to Hadrian’s Wall, there are plenty of ruins that are easily accessible from the city to give you a sense of adventure.

But don’t forget to explore the city’s vibrant high street – its shops, cafes and restaurants.

Cumbria’s only city is all things to all people: a shopper’s delight, a food lover’s joy and a history buff’s “must see” destination.

Find out more about Cumbria’s vibrant high streets at: www.visitlakedistrict.com/highstreets.