Rickerby Park
A serene Victorian park on the River Eden, Rickerby Park offers beautiful walks, abundant wildlife, and a poignant WWI memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms and bird activity
Rickerby Park
Best Time
Blossoms and bird activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Victorian park on the River Eden, Rickerby Park offers beautiful walks, abundant wildlife, and a poignant WWI memorial.
"Amazing Walk, calming river Eden. Never gets old. Recommend going here!"
🐾 Watch for Grazing Animals
Young bullocks graze here; they're usually friendly but watch your step!
📸 Capture Sunrise Magic
Misty autumn sunrises over the River Eden are stunning.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
River Eden Banks
Along the River Eden
Stroll or cycle beside the calming River Eden, spotting wildlife and enjoying scenic views. A perfect spot for a peaceful walk.
WWI Memorial Cenotaph
Central Park Area
A significant granite cenotaph and Memorial Bridge, honoring WWI sacrifices. A place for quiet contemplation.
Wildlife Encounters
Various locations
Keep an eye out for herons, sand martins, kingfishers, and even otters along the riverbanks and in the park.
Autumnal Splendor
Throughout the park
Experience breathtaking misty mornings and vibrant autumn colors, especially beautiful during sunrise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the River Eden's Charm
A Living Memorial
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Watch for Grazing Animals
Young bullocks graze here; they're usually friendly but watch your step!
📸 Capture Sunrise Magic
Misty autumn sunrises over the River Eden are stunning.
🚶♀️ Perfect for All Ages
Ideal for family strolls, dog walks, running, and cycling.
🦢 Spot Local Wildlife
Herons, sand martins, and kingfishers are common sightings. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Watch for Grazing Animals
Young bullocks graze here; they're usually friendly but watch your step!
📸 Capture Sunrise Magic
Misty autumn sunrises over the River Eden are stunning.
🚶♀️ Perfect for All Ages
Ideal for family strolls, dog walks, running, and cycling.
🦢 Spot Local Wildlife
Herons, sand martins, and kingfishers are common sightings.
💧 Flood Plains Can Be Beautiful
The park is a natural floodplain and looks striking when flooded.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rickerby Park for its beautiful riverside walks, abundant wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a cherished green space for locals and visitors alike. While some mention the presence of grazing bullocks and the park's nature as a floodplain, these are generally seen as part of its natural charm rather than significant drawbacks.
"Amazing Walk, calming river Eden. Never gets old. I don’t see cows when I go do don’t worry about them! Recommend going here!"
Rhys Campbell
"I love this park. I often choose to stroll through it on the way to and fro the City.
Suitable for activities all year around and just outside the city.
Idea for all ages and your 4 legged friends.
Grab a cuppa and a bite to eat, then head to Rickerby Park for wildlife (flora and fauna) encounters. Either walking or sitting in the park or along the River Eden.
Rickerby Park is a flood plain for the river and does look stunning when flooded, too.
It's home to the Cenotaph and Memorial Bridge, the Eden Bridge Gardens (Chinese Garden) and modern Stone Circle erected in 2011.
There are plenty of paths to walk, run,or ride, parking available off the road to Rickerby village and Linstock, and at the Swifts Nature Reserve.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Kingfishers and Otters."
Willow Tkw
"When I was a schoolboy, I used to run around that Rickaby park it was near the prefabs Saint Saint Patrick’s School headmaster Mr Wall and I knew all the teachers names too long to put it on. Was great days. It was a beautiful park then magnificent, beautiful, the river beside it lots of fishermen fishing that was a long time ago. I am an old man now and I’ll see in the pictures and the bridge good memories it was beautiful then and still beautiful. I still have a little walk with my grandson and they take me out that’s the end top marks for Cumbria I’ll look after it I do have pictures very old one and then I’ve got to go look for them when I do find some I will put them on Rickaby park Walk into bites back there next to each other and that’s where the toilets are and playgrounds good that’s i Then that connects to the Sheepmount, where they have all the sports on the very top Sheepmount are used to have Greyhound dog racing. That’s a long time ago I don’t have to still do it the summary and friends to these parks, but they are wonderful walk through time"
Henry Alexander Samuels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rickerby Park is easily accessible from Carlisle city center. You can walk, cycle, or drive. Parking is available off the road towards Rickerby village and Linstock, as well as at the Swifts Nature Reserve.
Yes, Rickerby Park is conveniently located just outside the city center, making it a popular spot for strolls to and from town.
Absolutely! Rickerby Park has plenty of paths suitable for cycling, offering a great way to explore the area.
While specific bus routes might vary, the park's proximity to Carlisle city center means it's often reachable via local bus services that stop nearby. It's best to check local transport schedules.
Parking is available off the road towards Rickerby village and Linstock, and also at the Swifts Nature Reserve.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rickerby Park is a public park and is free to enter and enjoy.
Rickerby Park is open to the public at all times, offering a continuous space for recreation and enjoyment.
As a public park, no booking or tickets are required to visit Rickerby Park.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but visitors are advised to be mindful of the park's natural environment and any grazing livestock.
Many of the paths are suitable for walking and cycling, and while some areas might be uneven, the park generally offers good accessibility for visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy walking, running, cycling, wildlife spotting, picnicking, and simply relaxing by the River Eden. It's also a great spot for photography.
Some visitors mention swimming in the river during summer, but caution is advised due to currents and water quality.
Yes, Rickerby Park is very dog-friendly, offering plenty of space for your four-legged friends to enjoy.
The park features a WWI Memorial Cenotaph, the Memorial Bridge, and the Eden Bridge Gardens (Chinese Garden).
You might spot herons, sand martins, kingfishers, and otters. The park is rich in flora and fauna. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't specific cafes within the park itself, you can grab a cuppa and a bite to eat in Carlisle before heading over.
Yes, Rickerby Park is an ideal location for picnics, with plenty of green space to spread out a blanket.
Yes, there are toilets located near the playground and picnic areas.
Carlisle city center offers a variety of cafes and restaurants just a short walk or drive away from the park.
Absolutely, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics and personal enjoyment.
📸 📸 Photography
The River Eden banks, the WWI Cenotaph, and the Memorial Bridge offer great photographic opportunities. Sunrise and misty mornings are particularly picturesque.
Yes, drone footage can capture stunning aerial views of the park, the River Eden, and the surrounding landscape.
Sunrise, especially during autumn, provides beautiful light. Evenings also offer a serene atmosphere for photography.
Wildlife like herons and sand martins, the park's historical monuments, and the changing seasons are popular subjects.
Yes, with patience, you can capture great shots of the diverse birdlife and other animals that inhabit the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park is a natural floodplain, during normal conditions, the riverbanks are safe for supervised exploration. It's a wonderful place for kids to connect with nature and learn about local wildlife in a safe and accessible environment. The historical elements, like the cenotaph, can also offer gentle learning opportunities about local history.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
You can choose to stroll at your own pace, enjoying the natural beauty and the sounds of the river and birds. The park's proximity to Carlisle means you can easily combine a visit with exploring the city. Many find the park to be a great spot for mental well-being, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. The opportunity to observe wildlife and the historical significance of the memorial sites add depth to a solo visit. It’s a place where you can feel both connected to nature and at peace with yourself.
🐶 Dog Owners
Your dogs will love exploring the different terrains and enjoying the fresh air. It's a popular spot for dog walkers, so your furry friend might even make some new pals. The park's natural beauty makes it a delightful place for both you and your dog to spend an afternoon.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The River Eden and Its Floodplain
Visitors should be aware of this natural phenomenon, especially during autumn and winter months. The presence of the river also means opportunities for wildlife observation, with various bird species and potentially even otters frequenting its banks. The gentle flow of the Eden provides a calming backdrop for walks and reflection.
For those interested in the river's impact, observing the park during and after a flood can be a fascinating experience, showcasing nature's power and resilience. It's a reminder of the dynamic relationship between the city and its natural surroundings.
A Living Memorial and Historical Significance
+1Adjacent to the cenotaph is the Memorial Bridge, an iconic structure that spans the River Eden, further enhancing the park's commemorative purpose. The park also features the Eden Bridge Gardens, often referred to as a Chinese Garden, and a modern Stone Circle erected in 2011, adding layers of historical and artistic interest. These elements provide visitors with opportunities for reflection and learning about the area's past.
Many visitors appreciate the park's dual role as a place of natural beauty and historical significance. It offers a space for both leisure activities and quiet contemplation, connecting the present with the sacrifices of the past. The park's history is deeply woven into its landscape, offering a rich experience for those who explore it.
Abundant Wildlife and Natural Beauty
+1Keep your eyes peeled for the flash of color from kingfishers and, if you're very lucky, you might even spot elusive otters along the river. The park's diverse flora also contributes to its appeal, with seasonal blooms and mature trees creating a picturesque environment throughout the year.
Many visitors highlight the joy of encountering wildlife as a key part of their Rickerby Park experience. Whether you're on a leisurely stroll, a brisk run, or simply sitting by the river, the presence of these natural inhabitants adds a special charm to the park. It's a reminder of the vibrant ecosystem thriving within this urban green space.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit