A VISITOR attraction in Cumbria which has welcomed guests from as far afield as Alaska and Israel has been described as ‘magical, unique, exquisite and inspiring’.

Time is now limited for people to visit the ‘Rest Under The Stars’ installation at Carlisle Cathedral, as it enters its final weeks.

Hundreds of people have so far enjoyed the experience, which is part of a wider series of events to mark the Cathedral’s 900th anniversary.

The Rev’d Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, who is Canon Warden at Carlisle Cathedral, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the fantastic levels of support and engagement we have had for Rest Under The Stars. The feedback we have received has been heartwarming and inspiring in equal measure.

“So many visitors have told us they have found themselves in a state of relaxation; and that, amid the chaos, pace and challenges of life that so many of us are struggling to deal with, they have been able to enjoy a period of peace, calm and reflection. In fact, some visitors have found themselves taking a little snooze, so relaxed have they become!

“Our aim was to offer a little respite from the rigours of life in the stunning environment of the Cathedral and as the exhibition enters its closing weeks, we again extend an invitation to residents of Cumbria and beyond to join us and enjoy this wonderful, immersive experience.”

Rest Under The Stars sees visitors relaxing on deckchairs in part of the Cathedral while admiring the stars on its world-famous painted ceiling.

Headphones with specially-created soundscapes add to the restful atmosphere of the event, which is one of the highlights of a year-long celebration during 2022 to mark 900 years since the foundation of Carlisle Cathedral.

The Cathedral has partnered with Carlisle-based charity Prism Arts to create the installation, which runs until Friday, September 2.

The event is free, with tickets for the 45-minute slots available to pre-book in advance or as walk-ins on the day.

People have visited from towns and cities the length and breadth of the UK, with international guests coming from Canada, Spain, Germany, South Africa, the Netherlands, the USA, Belgium and Israel.

Feedback from visitors so far includes one who said: “It was a wonderful and unique experience. Fantastic job by the artists involved. Would love to do it again.”

Another added: “Found it to be a wonderful restful experience. Very enjoyable – a chance to sit and really take in the beauty of the Cathedral.”

And a third visitor said: “The time allowed me to be completely absorbed by what I heard and gave my mind freedom to think of many connections. A restful, reflective and thought-provoking experience. A beautiful space to do this.”

Rest Under The Stars, which is sponsored by Dodd & Co Chartered Accountants, is open from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday.

The principal sponsor for Carlisle Cathedral’s 900th anniversary programme is Hayward Tod estate agents, based in Carlisle.

Many of the events in the programme are supported by grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Friends of Carlisle Cathedral. They take place in and around the Cathedral, including at the Fratry Hall which reopened in 2020 following a major restoration project of the former medieval dining hall including a new cafe extension.

To pre-book tickets for Rest Under The Stars visit https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/tickets/