Ambleside Roman Fort

Ambleside Roman Fort lies in Borrans Field at the head of Windermere, where a stone fort was built in the AD 120s under Emperor Hadrian over an earlier timber one. Home to about 500 soldiers, it guarded the Roman road from Brougham to Ravenglass and served as a supply base, and coins suggest it was occupied for almost three centuries. Its Roman name may have been Galava, though recent research points to Clanoventa. Low walls mark out the central range: the headquarters, where you can step down into the sunken strongroom that held the garrison's pay, the granaries and the commander's house, while pivot holes for the doors survive in the east and south gates. Reviewers praise the clear information boards and the lake views. The National Trust manages the site for English Heritage, and farm livestock often graze the field. Dogs on leads are welcome. The nearest public car park is at Waterhead, about 180 metres east.