Detailed review by jipp05
As you leave Carlisle train station the first thing you will notice is the cities citidel. The two large oval towers are the entrace into the city centre and they completely dominate the area due to their size and impressiveness.
The original citadel was demolished and the towers that stand there today were built in 1810 by the architect Sir Robert Smirke.
Although the towers are an impressive sight and lend themselves well as a tourist attraction until fairly recently they were in use with the west tower hlding the cities criminal courts and the east tower holding the civil courts. The cours have now been moved and visitors interested in finding out more about the citadel are able to visit the west tower.
I know Carlisle extremely well and the sight of the Citdel towers never fails to leave me impressed. It is easy to take for granted these impossing towers when you see them a lot but sometimes especially at night when they are lit up I will be struck with just how stunning they actually are.
In spring and summer the small garden areas of the Citadel are overflowing with flowers and there ae benches where you can sit and admire them. Becasue the citadel is next to a main road it isn't the most peaceful and relaxing experience but on a sunny day it is enjoyable nethertheless.
Visiting the west tower is an interesting experience and you can view the court rooms, grand jury rooms and also the cells where they held the prisoners awaiting trial.
As it has been refubished to pretty much how it was originally it gives a real sense of history and especially in the court rooms with the circular seating and wood panelled walls you can really get a sense of how a trial would have been conducted back in the 1800's.
We visited the tower as part of a guide tour and I loved hearing about the local history and the significane of the citadel and I think it would be well worth making sure that you try and go on one of these with a local knowledgable guide to get the most from your visit.
The Citadel9
