Euro,
Whilst I can't opine on Carlisle, never having been there, I share your view as to the quality of what is after all flat racing's HQ. It lacks style, character, soul, is inefficient in ease of movement and overall tacky. Outside of the main stand restaurants that service a minority, the catering offering is akin to that of a travelling fairground.
Newmarket should have a feeling to it, be a flagship, showpiece whatever. Many is the time I have taken non racing people who are expecting something very different and are disappointed. The July Course has a lot of what is missing and a completely different atmosphere.