Top Windermere landmarks
Top Windermere landmark tours
Top Windermere activities
Top Windermere landmarks
Beyond Windermere
Windermere trip ideas
  • Top Windermere landmark tours

Ancient Ambleside and Waterhead Self-Guided Lake District Tour

6 Reviews 4.33 out of 5 stars Based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Windermere, England

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

75 to 90 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Experience Ambleside and Waterhead, two areas of the charming Lake District, at your own pace with Martin, an experienced guide eager to share the area's unique history and character.

Step into history as you explore the two picturesque Lake District towns with a story spanning 2000 years. Wander through the old town, once bustling with the wool trade. Hear tales of William Wordsworth and admire charming Victorian buildings, including St Mary’s Parish Church. Discover the Ambleside Roman Fort and stroll along the tranquil Borrans Park shoreline.

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

Get unlimited use of this tour before your booking date and after it. You can use the virtual tour option at home, too.

Once you have booked, you will receive instructions and a unique code to download the tour. The app displays directions to the starting point; when you’re in the right place, tap start.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Rydal Road
Ambleside LA22 9BS, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Ambleside LA22 0EX
UK

The tour ends at Ambleside Pier with a stunning view over Waterhead bay and surroundings.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

The Bridge House (pass by)

Marvel at Bridge House, a quirky 17th-century structure perched over the rushing waters of Stock Ghyll. Learn about its fascinating history and the various uses it has served over the centuries, from a residence to a counting house and even a tea room.
Read more

Armitt Library & Museum Centre (pass by)

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Ambleside at the optional stop at Armitt Library & Museum. Explore optional stops like permanent exhibitions dedicated to local legends like Beatrix Potter and uncover the town's storied past through artifacts and interactive displays.
Read more

Ambleside (pass by)

Step back in time as you wander through Ambleside's charming old town, where echoes of the wool trade still linger in its cobblestone streets. Admire the quaint Victorian architecture and learn about the town's medieval origins as a bustling market hub.
Read more

St Anne's Chapel (pass by)

Discover the remnants of medieval Ambleside at St Anne's Chapel, a historic landmark steeped in centuries of religious tradition. Trace the footsteps of those who walked along the medieval village's 'corpse road' to nearby Grasmere.
Read more

LA22 0BU (pass by)

Uncover the fascinating history of the Old Stamp House, where famed poet William Wordsworth once sold stamps. Hear tales of literary greatness and discover the hidden stories behind this unassuming historic building.
Read more

White Platts Recreation Ground (pass by)

Take a moment to relax and unwind at White Platts Recreation Ground, a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Ambleside. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you recharge amidst nature's beauty.
Read more

St Mary's Church, Ambleside (pass by)

Marvel at the timeless beauty of St Mary's Church, a majestic landmark crowned by its iconic spire. Explore the church's rich architectural details and learn about its significance as a spiritual sanctuary amidst the Lake District's rugged terrain.
Read more

Ambleside Roman Fort (pass by)

Step back in time to the days of Roman occupation at Ambleside Roman Fort, a testament to the legacy of ancient civilization. Explore the ruins of the fort and learn about its strategic importance in guarding the northern frontier of the empire.
Read more

Borrans Park (pass by)

Discover the natural beauty of Borrans Park, a picturesque oasis nestled along the tranquil shores of Windermere Lake. Take a leisurely stroll amidst lush greenery and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Read more

Ambleside Pier (pass by)

End your journey at Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier, where you can soak in the serene beauty of Windermere Lake. Relax on the waterfront promenade or indulge in a delicious ice cream while watching the boats come and go.
Read more
Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Ancient Ambleside and Waterhead Self-Guided Lake District Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-110804P670

Reviews

4.33
6 reviews

Average 4.33 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
4
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

4 hour Private Lake District tour (tour A)

This tour allows you to visit two of the area's most popular tourist attractions, Aira force and Castlerigg stone circle. Both are not to be...

4 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
4 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
4 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (54)
from
$358.52
Private Tour: Ultimate Full Day Scenic Tour visiting 10 Lakes
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This tour takes you to: • Lake Windermere • Kirkstone Inn • Kirkstone Pass • Brothers Water • Patterdale • Glenridding • Ullswater • Lake...

8 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 hoursHotel pickup offeredFree Cancellation
8 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
4.9 (28)
from
$225.10
"All Creatures Great and Small" Tour from the Lake District
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Step into the 1930s world of the hit Channel 5 / Masterpiece PBS show "All Creatures Great & Small". On this tour you will spend...

9 hoursFree Cancellation
9 hoursFree Cancellation
9 hours • Free Cancellation
4.6 (17)
from
$246.45
8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery - Afternoon Half Day Tour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Best half-day tour for scenery. Your afternoon will be spent touring around some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of the Lake District....

4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (215)
from
$122.53

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Half day tour including Six Lakes in the Lake District

If you’re short on time in the Lake District then this half day tour is a fantastic way to see a lot in not much...

4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (105)
from
$48.20
Ten Lakes tour of the Lake District National Park

The English Lake District is one of the most recent additions to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Admire the rolling countryside and craggy fells whilst listen...

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
8 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,748)
from
$77.12
Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the...

2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (225)
from
$241.31
8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery - Afternoon Half Day Tour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Best half-day tour for scenery. Your afternoon will be spent touring around some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of the Lake District....

4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (215)
from
$122.53

What's Included

Activity name

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. VoiceMap Audio Tours

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.