It’s all about history in Carlisle, much of it distant and not terribly significant outside the immediate area. It’s true of the city (see below) as well as the club. Formed in 1904 and at Brunton Park since 1909, they climbed through the leagues to reach the Second Division (now Championship) in the 1960s and, for one season, the First in…

The main one seems to be Barrow, who at 85 miles are actually their closest neighbors in England. Last year was the first time they’d played in years, but with Carlisle promoted again, it’s off. This rivalry is officially known as the Cumbrian

Carlisle Ladies play in the North West Women’s Regional League, Division One North. Home games are at Creighton Rugby

“Proud to be a

Brunton Park, which holds 17,949 people, looks exactly like what it is: a place where football has been played for a long time and pieces of a stadium have been added here and there. None of it seems to quite match up, which adds to the charm, really. The uncovered Petteril End has terracing, about two dozen seats, and a police control box. The…

GETTING THERE: It’s about a mile from the train station, so a fairly straightforward walk. Bus 63 also goes there from just outside the station. PUBS: Right next door to the ground is the Carlisle Rugby Club, whose bar opens for game days. The Beehive, just down Warwick Road, is a nice option, as are The Griffin and The Caledonia by the station….