A short layover
4
4
Date of visit: March 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
I spent just over half an hour at Carlisle Railway Station on the way back from Sunderland. While I was between trains I took the chance to scoot around and get some photos for a quick review. I found the station to be relatively accessible and straightforward to navigate.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Accessibility within the station was generally good. To cross between platforms I used the fairly steep ramp up to the bridge, which has handrails on both sides, though there is also the option of taking the stairs, which have yellow markings on the top and bottom steps, tactile paving at each landing and rails on both sides. As an alternative there is a lift that takes you down to the subway level and back up between platforms 1 and 2. The lift is spacious enough for most mobility aids and their users to fit comfortably, with braille buttons inside and out. The station uses audio announcements and hearing loops. Throughout the concourse there are screens showing departure and arrival information in BSL. The assistance waiting area and the main entrance had automatic doors, but the door to the shop between platforms 1 and 2 was manual and a bit of a struggle for me to open. The ticket office was closed by the time I got to the station but hearing loop symbols are displayed at every window and one of the windows has a lowered counter. Signage was clear, though most of it is overhead, and navigation felt straightforward. All platforms have tactile markings at the platform edge and there are plenty of places to sit. There are several small shops throughout the station if you need to pick up snacks for your onward journey. For those with a bit more time to waste there is a Costa Coffee just outside the main entrance across the car park.
Accessible facilities: Lift to all areas, Step-free entrance, Seating at regular intervals
Parking & Transport
Average
I travelled to this place by train
I noticed a small car park when I popped my head outside the station. I didn't see any accessible parking spaces but there were quite a few standard spaces. A bit of research after my trip shows that there are two car parks with standard parking spaces that serve the station on Court Square and South George Street, and a third on Collier Lane with seven accessible parking spaces about 100 metres from the station entrance.
Accessible facilities: Drop-off or pick up point
Accessible Toilets
The toilets were out of order. There is a Changing Places toilet, but I didn't have my RADAR key with me.
Facilities: Accessible toilet, Changing Places toilet
Staff
Good
The station staff were helpful. They were expecting my arrival and were on time to assist me onto my next train.
