The old part of the building.
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Tullie Museum and Art Gallery

4.6
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

Eclectic museum in Carlisle showcasing history, art, and natural sciences, with a popular dinosaur exhibit and Roman artifacts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
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The old part of the building.

Tullie Museum and Art Gallery

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Eclectic museum in Carlisle showcasing history, art, and natural sciences, with a popular dinosaur exhibit and Roman artifacts.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"So many interesting displays that we ended up having to call time due to our brains being overloaded. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Consider an Annual Pass

Great value if you plan to revisit; reviewers say there's loads to see!

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Carlisle is compact and walkable, perfect for a car-free city break.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur World Exhibition

Dinosaur World Exhibition

Roar into the past with impressive dinosaur displays, a hit with kids and adults alike.

Roman Carlisle

Roman Carlisle

Explore the rich history of Roman Britain with well-presented artifacts and stories.

Local History & Archaeology

Local History & Archaeology

Discover the story of Carlisle through the ages, featuring local relics and impressive artifacts.

Fine Art Collection

Fine Art Collection

Admire a diverse range of fine art, including contemporary pieces and local artist showcases.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Tullie House

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery offers a vast collection spanning history, art, and natural sciences. Consider an annual pass for repeat visits, as many reviewers found it packed with information. Check for special exhibitions like the popular Dinosaur World.

Getting to Tullie House

Located in Carlisle, Tullie House is easily accessible, especially for car-free travelers. It's a compact city perfect for exploring on foot, and accessible by train from major hubs like Newcastle. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Crowd
Low
When
During special exhibitions
Why
Unique displays, engaging for all ages
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ad. Join me on a beautiful city break to Carlisle, just 1 hr 30 by train with @Northern Trains from Newcastle, it’s perfect for a car free getaway.  Carlisle is a compact city so ideal for a car free break - it's so easy to explore by foot. My first stop was @Tullie - art gallery, museum and cafe. Home to almost 1 million objects telling the story of Carlisle and Cumbria, there is something for ev...
@newgirlintoon
2.4K likes • 57.5K views

🎟️ Consider an Annual Pass

Great value if you plan to revisit; reviewers say there's loads to see! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Carlisle is compact and walkable, perfect for a car-free city break. TikTok

Delighted to find Tullie house Museum & Art Gallery have displayed amongst their recent acquisitions - my portrait of Donald Nattrass and 'Spanish Scene' by my father Colin Allen(1926-1987) We are shown alongside each other! #artincumbria #tulliehousemuseumandartgallery #fineartpainting #allanbanknationaltrust #lakeartistssociety
cerimallenart
43 likes • 722 views
reddit.com

London-Edinburgh Itinerary

🧠 Prepare for Information Overload

So many interesting displays, you might need to pace yourself! Reddit

🎨 Check for Art Talks

Local arts and crafts talks are sometimes held, adding to the cultural experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Went to the Army Heritage Center

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Consider an Annual Pass

Great value if you plan to revisit; reviewers say there's loads to see! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Carlisle is compact and walkable, perfect for a car-free city break. TikTok

🧠 Prepare for Information Overload

So many interesting displays, you might need to pace yourself! Reddit

🎨 Check for Art Talks

Local arts and crafts talks are sometimes held, adding to the cultural experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery is widely praised for its engaging exhibits, particularly the Dinosaur World and Roman Carlisle sections, making it a hit with families and history buffs alike. Visitors appreciate the extensive collection and recent refurbishments, though some minor interactive elements could be improved. The museum is noted for its accessibility and value, especially with an annual pass.

"Excellent museum, the dinosaur exibit very well laid out and informative. Plenty of space inside for wheelchairs users. Recommend to buy the annual pass as there is loads to see."

H L D

"What a superb museum. So many interesting displays that we ended up having to call time due to our brains being overloaded.
The Roman exhibition is very well put together, as is the story of the city through the ages.
Definitely worth a visit"

Mick Oldham

"Attractive local museum which has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment. Nice cafe and arts and crafts related talks are sometimes held. Cafe gave a positive impression, did not consume anything there. Only looked at some free displays, some impressive artefacts like a prehistoric gold bangle and a large key to one of the old city gates. Attractive tiled stairway, mosaic floor and bannister with coats of arms"

Hannah Wolf

What People Like

Engaging dinosaur exhibit
Rich Roman history
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Minor interactive flaws

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tullie House is located in Carlisle city center. It's easily accessible by train, with services from Newcastle taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. TikTok The city is compact, making it easy to explore on foot once you arrive. TikTok

Yes, Tullie House is very accessible. Carlisle is a great destination for a car-free getaway, and the museum is centrally located within the city. TikTok

The nearest train station is Carlisle Station, which is a short walk from the museum. TikTok

While the city is walkable, parking options are available in Carlisle city center. However, many visitors opt for the convenience of public transport. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Tullie House website before your visit. Reddit

Admission fees apply, but many visitors recommend purchasing an annual pass for excellent value, especially if you plan to visit multiple times. Reddit

It's advisable to check the Tullie House website for information on advance ticket purchases, which can sometimes save time. Reddit

Yes, Tullie House often has free displays alongside its ticketed exhibitions, allowing visitors to experience some of its impressive artifacts. Reddit

Absolutely! Tullie House frequently hosts special exhibitions, such as the popular 'Dinosaur World,' which are highly recommended. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Yes, Tullie House is very family-friendly! The 'Dinosaur World' exhibition is a huge hit with kids, and the museum has been significantly updated to be engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

The museum is well-equipped for wheelchair users, with plenty of space for accessibility throughout the exhibits. Reddit

You can expect a diverse range of exhibits covering natural sciences, local history, archaeology, and fine art. Highlights include Roman Carlisle and impressive artifacts like a prehistoric gold bangle. Reddit

Information on guided tours can usually be found on the Tullie House website. Check their schedule for availability and topics. Reddit

Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival regarding photo permissions. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Tullie House has a cafe that offers refreshments. Reviewers have noted it gives a positive impression. Reddit

Being in the city center, there are numerous dining options available in Carlisle, ranging from casual cafes to restaurants, just a short walk from the museum. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Look for the attractive tiled stairway, mosaic floor, and bannister with coats of arms. The Roman exhibition and dinosaur displays also offer unique visual moments. Reddit

Photography rules for artwork can differ. Always check for specific signage or inquire with museum staff to ensure you're following guidelines. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tullie House is a fantastic destination for families! The Dinosaur World exhibition is a massive hit and highly recommended for keeping children entertained and educated. Reddit The museum has been significantly updated, making it much more engaging for younger visitors. Reviewers confirm that 'the kids absolutely loved it.' Reddit

Beyond the dinosaurs, the museum offers a broad range of exhibits that can capture a child's imagination, from natural sciences to local history. The space is also noted as being wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for families with varying needs. Reddit Consider an annual pass if you're local or planning multiple visits, as there's a lot to explore. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Car-Free Travelers

If you're looking for a car-free city break, Carlisle and Tullie House are ideal. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, making it perfect for a relaxed getaway. TikTok Tullie House is centrally located, so you can easily walk to it from your accommodation or the train station.

Reaching Carlisle is also convenient via train, with services from cities like Newcastle making it an accessible destination for those avoiding cars. TikTok This makes Tullie House a great stop on a longer itinerary or a destination in its own right for a short, hassle-free trip. TikTok

🏛️ History & Archaeology Enthusiasts

For those who love history and archaeology, Tullie House offers a wealth of content. The Roman Carlisle exhibition is a major highlight, providing in-depth insights into the region's Roman past. Reddit You'll find impressive artifacts and well-presented displays that tell the story of this significant historical period.

Beyond the Roman era, the museum covers the 'story of the city through the ages,' featuring a variety of local relics and impressive artifacts. Reddit From prehistoric items like a gold bangle to keys of old city gates, there's plenty to satisfy a keen interest in historical discovery. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Roman Carlisle at Tullie House

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery boasts a significant collection dedicated to Roman Carlisle, offering a deep dive into the region's past as a frontier of the Roman Empire. The Roman exhibition is described as 'very well put together' by visitors, showcasing a range of artifacts that bring this historical period to life. Reddit You can expect to see items that illustrate daily life, military presence, and the administrative importance of this northern settlement.

The museum aims to make history accessible and engaging. While one reviewer noted a minor issue with a missing letter in an interactive element, the overall presentation of the Roman exhibition is praised for its detail and informative nature. Reddit This section is a must-see for anyone interested in archaeology and the enduring legacy of Roman Britain.

Visitors often find the Roman displays particularly captivating, providing a tangible connection to centuries-old history. The museum's commitment to presenting these findings in an accessible way ensures that both history buffs and casual visitors can appreciate the significance of Roman Carlisle. Reddit

Family Fun: The Dinosaur World Experience

The Dinosaur World exhibition at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery is a major draw, especially for families with children. Reviewers consistently highlight it as a 'very well laid out and informative' exhibit that kids absolutely love. Reddit It's an exciting opportunity for younger visitors to learn about prehistoric life in an engaging and memorable way.

The exhibition features impressive displays that spark imagination and curiosity. It’s a testament to the museum's effort to cater to a wide audience, ensuring that even the youngest visitors have a fantastic experience. Reddit The positive feedback suggests that this exhibit is a standout feature, making Tullie House a great destination for a family day out.

Planning a visit around this exhibition is highly recommended if you're traveling with children. It provides a fun, educational, and awe-inspiring experience that is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Carlisle. Reddit

Art at Tullie House: From Local Talent to Notable Acquisitions

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery showcases a diverse fine art collection, ranging from historical pieces to contemporary works. The gallery is a space where local artistic talent is celebrated, with recent acquisitions including portraits by artists like those mentioned by cerimallenart. Instagram This demonstrates a commitment to featuring both established and emerging artists within the Cumbrian art scene.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of artistic styles and mediums. The inclusion of works by local artists alongside other significant pieces ensures a rich and varied exhibition experience. Instagram Whether you're an art aficionado or simply appreciate visual culture, the art gallery offers a stimulating and enjoyable part of the museum visit.

The integration of local art into the museum's collection adds a unique dimension to Tullie House, connecting visitors with the creative spirit of the region. Instagram It’s a space that complements the historical and scientific exhibits, offering a well-rounded cultural experience. Instagram

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