Ox Hotel Carlisle, Carlisle (Cumbria) ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

Hilltop Heights, Carlisle (Cumbria), United Kingdom, CA1 2NS

Close to Carlisle Cathedral

Very good

7.1

7.0

/10

2.5

3.5

Loved by Ox Hotel Carlisle guests

Spacious room
Free Wi-Fi
Friendly staff
Clean sheets
Good location

"Best value accommodation, even cheaper than a Youth Hostel."

David

Google

"Plenty of free parking and check in was faultless."

mikeylinker from United Kingdom

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"The bed size enormous!"

Michael from United Kingdom

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Rooms

The hotel offers 38 thoughtfully designed bedrooms with modern decor and amenities. Each room includes a flat-screen TV, complimentary tea and coffee facilities, and ensuite bathrooms. Guests can choose from double, twin, or family rooms based on their needs.

Dining

The Ox Hotel Carlisle features a restaurant with a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast and dinner options, with a selection of traditional and contemporary dishes. The hotel's bar serves a variety of beverages, including a selection of local ales.

Location

The hotel is situated just a short walk from Carlisle city center, providing easy access to shopping and local attractions. Historical sites like Carlisle Castle and Tullie House Museum are nearby. The hotel also offers convenient connections to major transport links, including the train station.

Business

The hotel includes a meeting room that accommodates up to 30 guests, available for business events or small gatherings. Comprehensive audiovisual equipment is accessible for presentations. High-speed internet access is available for business travelers.

Pet-Friendly

The Ox Hotel Carlisle welcomes pets, allowing guests to bring their dogs along for their stay. Specific pet-friendly rooms are available, ensuring comfort for both guests and their furry companions. This policy helps families enjoy their time without leaving their pets behind.

Highlights

Rooms: 38 thoughtfully designed bedrooms

Dining: restaurant with a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients

Location: short walk from Carlisle city center

Business: meeting room that accommodates up to 30 guests

“This Carlisle hotel emphasizes value, though opinions vary on room upkeep. I noted the free parking and fitness center as clear advantages over other options. The Scottish-themed bar adds a nice touch.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Very good

7.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingMassive space

The car park is huge. Plenty of free parking spaces are available. It made my arrival stress-free.

Richard from Wales

Review on

Sports & FitnessFun activities

There's a pool table and a table tennis room. Great to get out of the room in the evening!

Olga from Poland

Review on

BedroomComfy Bed

The bed was large and very comfy. After a long day, it was very welcoming.

Kenji from Japan

Review on

BathroomPowerful shower

The shower was powerful and had plenty of hot water. Just what I needed!

Patrick from Canada

Review on

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Select your room type

Ox Hotel Carlisle offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

15 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Twin Room

2 persons

155 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Triple Room

2 persons

155 sq. feet

3 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Facilities

Ox Hotel Carlisle offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Nice

6.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Parking
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Billiard tables
Table tennis

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Bar/ Lounge area

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Ox Hotel Carlisle Location

Hilltop Heights, Carlisle (Cumbria), United Kingdom, CA1 2NS

Map view

Hilltop Heights, Carlisle (Cumbria), United Kingdom, CA1 2NS

City landmarks

Castle

Carlisle Castle

1.3 mi

Church

Carlisle Cathedral

1.3 mi

Museum

Tullie House Museum And Art Gallery

1.4 mi

Landmark

Vue Cinema

5300 ft

University

University of Cumbria

4100 ft

Landmark

Dixon's Chimney and Shaddon Mill

1.2 mi

Landmark

Gallery Number Three

4400 ft

Landmark

St John the Evangelist

2400 ft

Public Building

Cumbria County Council

5000 ft

Museum

Cumbria's Museum of Military Life

1.3 mi

Landmark

Knoxwood Wildlife Rescue Centre

4100 ft

Stadium

Brunton Park

1.5 mi

Train Station

Hammonds Pond Railway

1.6 mi

Landmark

St John's

3400 ft

Mall

The Lanes Shopping Centre

1.1 mi

Landmark

Elim Free Church

2300 ft

Landmark

AMF Bowling Carlisle

2400 ft

Church

St Herbert's Church

3900 ft

Landmark

AMF Bowling

2600 ft

Landmark

Gallaghers Irish Bar

2600 ft

Landmark

The Linton Holme Inn

2700 ft

Landmark

Lifestyle Fitness

2700 ft

Landmark

Site of first mainland Britain post box

2700 ft

Landmark

The People First Conference Centre

1.3 mi

Landmark

Church of St Aidan

4100 ft

Landmark

DW Fitness Carlisle

2800 ft

Mosque

Carlisle Islamic Mosque Centre

3500 ft

Golf Course

Stonyholme Golf Club

1.2 mi

Landmark

Eden Rock

4000 ft

Store

House of Malt

1.2 mi

Nearby

Mosque

Carlisle Islamic Mosque Centre

1700 ft

Restaurants

KFC

2200 ft

88 London Road

Harraby Pub & Kitchen

2800 ft

Harraby Grove

Explore Carlisle (Cumbria)

Explore Carlisle

Carlisle Castle

25 minutes' walk

Historic fortress with stunning architecture and an immersive history museum. A must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Carlisle Cathedral

25 minutes' walk

A beautiful medieval cathedral known for its stunning stained glass and serene atmosphere, offering guided tours.

Tullie House Museum And Art Gallery

25 minutes' walk

Cultural hub featuring art, history exhibits, and interactive displays. Perfect for family-friendly outings.

Vue Cinema

20 minutes' walk

Modern cinema showcasing the latest films. A great choice for a relaxing evening of entertainment.

Knoxwood Wildlife Rescue Centre

15 minutes' walk

Wildlife sanctuary with opportunities to see rescued animals. Engaging for families and nature lovers.

Outdoor Hiking

30 minutes' drive

Stunning hiking trails nearby for thrill-seekers. Breathtaking scenery awaits just outside the city.

Harraby Pub & Kitchen

11 minutes' walk

Welcoming pub offering hearty British fare with a contemporary twist. Ideal for casual dining with local flavors.

KFC

8 minutes' walk

Fast-food favorite with signature fried chicken. A convenient choice for casual meals or quick bites.

AMF Bowling

10 minutes' walk

Fun-filled bowling alley perfect for families and friends. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with great deals.

Vue Cinema

20 minutes' walk

Modern cinema showcasing the latest films. Ideal for an entertaining night out with friends or a date.

Getting around

City Centre

Carlisle (Cumbria)20 min · 1.0 mi

Airports

Carlisle Lake District (CAX)22 min · 8.9 mi

Newcastle (NCL)141 min · 58.4 mi

Train

Carlisle Railway Station16 min · 4300 ft

Bus

Bus stop16 min · 4300 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP7.99 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

126

Former name

Swallow Hilltop

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Ox Hotel Carlisle from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Ox Hotel Carlisle offers spacious rooms and practical amenities, including complimentary tea and coffee, with ironing boards available upon request. Many guests appreciate the convenience of ample on-site parking. While some have mentioned the hotel is a 15-minute walk from the town center, a pleasant bar downstairs offers a convenient spot to unwind. For some, the hotel is a great bargain.

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Review score

Based on 1351 verified reviews

6.4/10

Nice

55%

Recommend

Staff

8.5/10

Value for money

8.0/10

Breakfast

6.7/10

Facilities

6.8/10

Pros

Comfy beds

Good reception

Cheap price

Cons

Run-down outside

Charlotte from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 27, 2026

7/10

Adequate stay for a short break

hearty breakfastfree parkingdraft beerarea knowledge

I booked a double room. The location provides good value for money. Breakfast was hearty and cost less than a nearby Travelodge, it also included free parking and a short walk into the town centre.

The draft beer taps were not working. I found this disappointing. The same person seemed to run both reception and the bar. This person tried hard but lacked local area knowledge.

0 Helpful

Evelyn from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 18, 2026

6/10

pretty basic, i suppose

large car parkoutdated decorbathroom state

the location was okay for getting to the lake district, and it had a free, large car park which was alright.

It was like i stepped back into the 1970s with outdated decor, bathrooms, and beds that seemed desperate for an upgrade. i think i saw dust bunnies having a party under the bed.

0 Helpful

Martin from Germany

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 07, 2025

9.0/10

solid stay near the m6

charging socketscomfy bedquiet locationclean room

i appreciated the usb charging sockets in the room, really useful. the bed was comfy, and i got a good night's sleep due to the quiet location. showers worked fine, and the room was clean (always a plus). i found it a good stopping place near the m6 (very convenient).

The heating was a bit tricky as i couldn't adjust it. Even with the radiator off, a hot pipe kept the room warm, so i had to leave the window open.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel features convenient usb charging sockets in each room, a practical amenity for modern travelers. there is accessible wi-fi available, allowing guests to remain connected for work and leisure. the parking area is quite spacious, offering ample parking. there is also a breakfast service available.

Rooms

8/10

the rooms are maintained in good condition. each room has a tv that works well (i enjoyed it!). the beds are comfortable and ensure a restful night's sleep. rooms are equipped with a large bath and good hot water.

Dining

9/10

the breakfast includes a buffet style, with a selection of options. i had a nice breakfast (especially the sausages!). the staff prepare the food well. reasonable prices are applied.

Location

10/10

this hotel is situated near the m6 motorway, perfect for those needing a stopover . the setting is quiet. nearby, there are fast-food options, very convenient. the hotel is also a secluded location close to shops.

0 Helpful

daniel from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 23, 2025

8.5/10

charmed by the basics

friendly stafftable tennispublic area

the staff was friendly, a detail i always appreciate. i found a table tennis room, a nice addition to the stay (it really made my day!).

I noticed some areas needing attention.

Service

9/10

staff members provided assistance upon request, which ensured efficiency . they answered questions about local attractions and offered helpful directions, and i felt taken care of.

Dining

8/10

i was able to have hash browns, tinned tomatoes, mushrooms and baked beans on toast. the breakfast service operated until 10 a.m., and checkout time was at 11 a.m., a detail that's helpful.

Location

9/10

the hotel is conveniently close to the town center. a short 15-minute walk or a quick bus ride will get you to many bars and restaurants. its proximity made exploring very easy.

Facilities

8/10

the room size was spacious and there was hot water available. i noticed the provision of a bar with a pool table, and this was a good option for evening relaxation.

0 Helpful

Molly from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed:October 23, 2025

8.8/10

surprisingly good value

ample parkingclean beddingspacious room

the double room was quite spacious it featured complimentary tea and coffee making facilities i found an ironing board available upon request from reception there was ample parking available on site i appreciated that. the bar downstairs was pleasant and conveniently located. i found the bedding and towels beautifully clean

Rooms

9/10

the room had a wide selection of tv channels available i noted the presence of a good shower that provided very hot water the bed comprised of two separate bases joined together providing a large sleeping area i liked it

Facilities

8/10

the hotel provided plenty of free parking spaces i observed a bar located on the premises this provided a convenient option the accommodation generally was fine and well-kept i could see it

Service

10/10

the receptionist dee was very helpful and professional she greeted me with a smile she made check-in a faultless process i was pleased by the experience and attention to detail i noticed

Location

9/10

the hotel is situated near a bus stop this location offers easy access to public transport i found this very helpful a ten minute walk will get you to the city center. i noted

Dining

8/10

the hotel has a bar i found this very convenient the breakfast included tasted good it was a simple breakfast but was fine i think it adds value to the stay and experience

0 Helpful

Theodore from Germany

Family with children

Family Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:September 18, 2025

6/10

inflexible heating systemundercooked sausages

The heating system was INflexible. I could not turn it off completely. The room became too warm, even with the radiator off because of a hot pipe. Breakfast was not great, the sausages seemed undercooked. The car park also needs work, it has large potholes.

0 Helpful