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International food and craft stalls in Carlisle city centre during the August Bank Holiday market
Guide

Carlisle International Market 2026: Opening Times, Food, Parking & Bank Holiday Guide

Plan the five-day city-centre market from Thursday 27 to Monday 31 August

Carlisle International Market is open now and runs through Bank Holiday Monday 31 August 2026. Here is the practical information you need before heading into the city.

Opening times

  • Thursday 27 August: 9am-6pm
  • Friday 28 August: 9am-6pm
  • Saturday 29 August: 9am-6pm
  • Sunday 30 August: 10am-5pm
  • Monday 31 August: 10am-5pm

Where is it?

The stalls occupy the pedestrianised city centre around the Old Town Hall and Market Cross. There is no separate showground entrance.

What can you eat?

The 2026 line-up includes gyros, kebabs, curries, tagines, Afro-Caribbean food, burgers, hog roast and dirty fries, with sweet options including macarons, tiramisu, baklava, Turkish delight and Portuguese tarts.

Best day to visit

Friday 28 August offers the biggest combination because Carlisle's regular Friday Market is also running at the top of English Street and in the cathedral grounds.

Fair Proclamation

Cumberland Council confirms the historic proclamation at the Market Cross at 10am on Thursday 27 August.

Parking

Viaduct: 228 spaces, 24-hour access, no maximum stay, current all-day charge £4.20.

Bitts Park: 53 general spaces, disabled, motorcycle and parent-and-child bays, current all-day charge £6.10.

Lowther Street: 64 spaces, EV charger, current all-day charge £6.10.

Always read the current signs and payment instructions on arrival.

Train and bus

Carlisle station is within walking distance. City-centre bus stops around English Street, Lowther Street and Market Hall serve many routes. Bank Holiday Monday commonly uses Sunday-style timetables.

Make a day of it

Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle Castle, Tullie, Bitts Park and the historic quarter are all close enough to combine with the market.

Cumbria Guru tip

Come hungry, arrive before lunch and park once rather than circling the city looking for the absolute closest space.

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