IF you have ever relished the thought of time travel perhaps a visit to Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle should be on your wish list for a day out.

A wander through its fascinating galleries and exhibitions may well leave you with the feeling you have walked in the footsteps of a huge variety of people from our past.

Tullie’s Costume Collection, on permanent display, showcases 300 years of clothing worn by Cumbrian women.

It ranges from the bizarrely extravagant six-feet wide court mantua dress from the 18th Century to scrubs worn by a Cumberland Infirmary nurse in Carlisle during the Covid pandemic.

It’s the biggest historical costume collection in the north of England.

If you prefer your time travel to be more swords and sandals there are three exhibitions covering Cumbria’s Roman history.

Some of the Roman Empire’s most captivating objects have been brought together under one roof as Tullie celebrates the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall.

The “To The Edges Of Empire” Exhibition includes the spellbinding Newstead face mask – a bronze parade mask from the late 1st Century AD.

For a real taste of Roman life in and around Carlisle you should check out the Uncovering Roman Carlisle exhibition which includes newly discovered finds from last summer’s community excavations of the Roman bathhouse at Carlisle Cricket Club, originally discovered in 2017.

And for a modern understanding of the continued importance of Hadrian’s Wall in our everyday lives – have a wander through Tullie’s gardens.

On display there are photographs by members of the public capturing cherished moments spent at the historic wall. The three Roman exhibitions run until June 12.

Your time travelling journey through Tullie House takes in stories of the earliest Cumbrians in prehistoric times to Viking invaders. It covers the turbulent story of Carlisle in medieval times, and its transformation from rural market town to busy centre of railways, industry and tourism.

Tullie also houses an extensive fine and decorative art collection from Pre-Raphaelites to the artists of northern Cumbria, a natural science collection and individual treasures like the rare Amati Violin – an exquisite instrument dating back to 1564.

The museum also has an award-winning, family friendly Cafe that serves hot and cold food all day.

With its central location in the heart of Tullie House, the Cafe is ideally situated for a mid-visit pick-me-up before you carry on your visit round the galleries.

On a nice day you can even take your refreshments and sit on the Garden Patio overlooking the peaceful and colourful gardens.

All in all – Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery offers a day out on your doorstep to remember.