Ancient Ambleside and Waterhead: A Lake District Journey Through Time

Ever since the Romans built a strategic fort in this part of the world, Ambleside and Waterhead have been central to the last 2000 years of the Lake District’s history. In medieval times, Norse and Viking settlers introduced the wool trade and, many years later, Victorian tourists began arriving by the boatload and the town grew rapidly. On this walking tour, I’ll guide you through two of the Lake District’s most picturesque towns, and you’ll discover the centuries of history nestled between the hills and mountains at the head of Windermere Lake.

Starting at Ambleside Market Cross, the tour takes you through the quaint old town that grew around the wool trade. There, I’ll tell you how the cascading Stock Ghyll provided vital power for the mills. The industry is long gone but there are still remnants, if you know where to look. You’ll also learn about some of the characters that shaped the town, including William Wordsworth who spent 30 years working here selling stamps! You’ll have a chance to admire some attractive Victorian architecture too, including St Mary’s Parish Church with its landmark spire. After taking in the old town, you’ll stroll towards the lake and Waterhead where you’ll find the Ambleside Roman Fort, and the attractive Borrans Park with its picturesque shoreline. The tour ends at Ambleside Waterhead Pier and it's pretty promenade where you can enjoy an ice cream while watching the boats come and go.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

• Pass Bridge House, the quirky house over the river, and hear about some of its many uses over the centuries, since it was built in the 1600s
• Take in local history and legends at the Armitt Library and Museum Centre, including the permanent exhibitions dedicated to Beatrix Potter’s life
• Learn the meaning behind Rattle Gill's curious name
• Walk by the original St Anne’s Chapel and hear about the medieval village’s ’corpse road’ to Grasmere
• See the Victorian influence on the town’s old marketplace
• Discover Windermere Lake’s importance in the area’s development since Roman times

This walking tour is over 3km long and generally takes between 75 to 90 minutes to complete. There are several short stops along the way where I’ll tell you more about the area and its attractions. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars all along the route for refreshments. Plus various public toilets.

Please note that attraction entry fees aren’t included in the price of this tour.