It’s been so hot lately you might be getting fed up of the sun. So, why not take some time out to Rest Under the Stars at Carlisle Cathedral instead? The installation is an immersive experience where you can enjoy a bit of peace and a sense of calm.
At Rest Under the Stars you relax on deckchairs inside the cathedral, while admiring the stars on its world-famous painted ceiling. Headphones with specially-created soundscapes add to the restful atmosphere. It’s just one of the highlights in a year-long celebration to mark 900 years since the foundation of Carlisle Cathedral.
This unique visitor attraction has already welcomed guests from as far afield as Alaska and Israel and is only on until Friday 2nd September. So, if you fancy a bit of time out from the daily grind, now’s the time to take a trip to this often-overlooked part of Cumbria.
The Cathedral has partnered with Carlisle-based charity Prism Arts to create the installation. And it’s open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. The event is free to visit, with tickets for the 45-minute slots available to pre-book in advance. Or you can simply walk-in, although there are only seven slots available each day.
The theme of the 900th anniversary year is Journey and Rest, to reflect the Cathedral’s role as a place of rest; welcoming and giving shelter to visitors, travellers and pilgrims throughout the centuries. While you’re there, why not take a look in the Treasury and at the shrines dotted around? There’s also a new cafe to stop and enjoy some refreshments.
Many of the events in the programme are supported by grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Friends of Carlisle Cathedral. And they take place in and around the Cathedral. This includes the Fratry Hall, which reopened in 2020 following a major restoration project of the former medieval dining hall.
Rest Under the Stars is also one of the Historic Quarter Arts Festival events. This arts programme helps you make the most of your time in Carlisle. There’s an art trail you can follow around the city, taking you around Carlisle’s most-loved spaces including the Tullie museum as well as independent cafes and bookshops. There’s 50 pieces of art by 40 artists to discover, so what are you waiting for?
Cumbria has a wealth of arts and cultural festivals throughout the year. Head over here to find more of this creative county’s events.
When: Installation open until 2nd September 2022, from Monday to Saturday
Where: Carlisle Cathedral (and around the Historic Quarter)
£: Free but book in advance for Rest Under the Stars. Donations welcome
More info: carlislecathedral.org.uk