Venue Hire
A special place in the centre of Carlisle, the Cathedral precinct has some of the city's most historic and iconic spaces, which are now available to hire.
There's an inspiring choice of spaces - from our magnificent 14th century Fratry Hall to the 21st century pavilion café - to make any event extra-special.
Find out more about our spaces below.
Complete our simple Event Request Form for more information about what we can offer, or for a quote for your event.
Fratry Hall
CAPACITY: up to 120
Carlisle’s 14th century Fratry Hall is a jewel at the heart of the Cathedral precinct and one of the most unique spaces in the city. Over the past 600 years the Fratry has been used as the abbey’s dining hall, a grain store, a prison, a Civil War armoury and a brewery… it now houses the magnificent library collected by Bishop Thomas Smith (1615-1702). With a splendid wooden vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace, the Fratry Hall is the perfect space to make an impression.
The Hall is used for concerts, talks and exhibitions throughout the year, but is flexible enough to work for any event – from dinners and afternoon teas, to ceremonies and product launches.
Fratry Undercroft
CAPACITY: up to 60
Beneath the Fratry Hall you’ll find one of Carlisle’s hidden gems – the Undercroft. With a magnificent stone-ribbed ceiling, this medieval space has been fully-refurbished with a 21st century flair.
Ideal for a more intimate event, the atmospheric Undercroft is flexible enough to work for any gathering, concert or exhibition in its own right, or as an additional break-out space for an event in the Fratry Hall itself.
Prior's Room
CAPACITY: up to 16
If you’re looking for a meeting space with a unique atmosphere, the early 16th century Prior’s Room is the perfect solution. With its rare painted ceiling, stone fireplace and impressive views of the Cathedral, the Prior’s Room makes the most mundane meeting a memorable one.
Set out in a hollow boardroom style, the room is private, with its own access away from the rest of the Cathedral’s buildings. The ground floor of the Prior’s Tower can be used as an additional breakout space or waiting area.
Cathedral Café
CAPACITY: up to 80
The newest addition to the historic Cathedral precinct, our pavilion café has been beautifully designed by award-winning architects Feilden Fowles, and sits in the footprint of the original medieval cloister. With high windows offering views of the Cathedral and with access to the outdoor seating area, the pavilion is the perfect place for a statement event or private function.
Available for hire outside of our café opening times, either on its own or as a package with the Fratry Hall.
The Cathedral
CAPACITY: up to 600
Was there ever a more magnificent backdrop than our majestic East Window and iconic starlight ceiling?
From concerts to award ceremonies, special services and celebrations… create unforgettable memories with an event in Carlisle Cathedral.
Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
CAPACITY: N/A
These three ceremonies mark some of the most significant stages of a person’s life and the Church is here to help you embrace, celebrate and mark them. A special licence is required to hold one of these services in the Cathedral and in the Church of England, people are encouraged to go to their local church to hold these ceremonies (every area in England is covered by one). Unlike most churches, the cathedral has no official ‘parish’ apart from the community living in its grounds. However, those who regularly attend worship at the cathedral or have a strong link with it, may apply to hold their service here. For more details, please contact the Cathedral Office.
Catering
CAPACITY:
As well as our amazing spaces, we can cater for your event too – whether it’s hot coffee and Danish pastries for your breakfast meeting or a delicious buffet for your guests, our in-house catering team can provide you with great food and exceptional service. Our licenced bar has everything from local ales to Champagne.
