Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae: Remote Roman Outpost in the Lake District
Explore one of Britain’s most remote Roman forts perched high in the Lake District with stunning valley views and evocative ruins.
Perched dramatically at 815 feet above sea level in the Lake District, Hardknott Roman Fort is one of Britain’s most remote and evocative Roman sites. Built under Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, this compact fortress guarded a vital Roman road through the rugged Hardknott Pass. Visitors can explore well-preserved remains including the commandant’s house, barracks, granaries, and the nearby bathhouse, all set against stunning panoramic views of the Eskdale Valley.
A brief summary to Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae.
- Hardknott Pass, Holmrook, CA19 1TH, GB
- +443703331181
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the terrain around the fort can be boggy and uneven.
- Visit on a clear day for spectacular panoramic views of the Eskdale Valley.
- Be cautious driving the steep, narrow Hardknott Pass road, especially in wet or icy conditions.
- Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to explore the fort and the nearby bathhouse ruins thoroughly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Parking
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Eskdale, the journey to Hardknott Roman Fort takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes via the narrow and steep Hardknott Pass. The road is challenging, especially in wet or icy weather, and parking is limited near the site. There is no parking fee.
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Bus and Walking
From nearby towns such as Millom or Ravenglass, local bus services operate with limited frequency. After disembarking, expect a 45-minute to 1-hour walk along uneven terrain to reach the fort. Suitable footwear and preparation for boggy ground are essential.
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Hiking
For experienced walkers, the fort can be reached via hiking routes from Eskdale or Ambleside, taking 2 to 3 hours depending on the trail. These paths traverse rugged terrain and require good fitness and navigation skills.
Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae. location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae.
An Isolated Stronghold in a Rugged Landscape
Hardknott Roman Fort, known in Roman times as Mediobogdum, occupies a spectacular and exposed position overlooking the Hardknott Pass in Cumbria’s Lake District. Built between AD 120 and 138 during Hadrian’s reign, it was strategically placed to control the Roman road linking the coastal fort at Ravenglass with Ambleside and beyond. The fort’s location at 815 feet above sea level made it one of the highest and most remote Roman military outposts in Britain, commanding sweeping views down the Eskdale Valley and guarding against incursions from northern tribes.Architectural Footprint and Military Life
Covering about 2.75 acres in a square roughly 375 feet on each side, the fort was home to a cohort of around 500 infantry soldiers, notably the Fourth Cohort of Dalmatians from the eastern Adriatic. The fort’s stone walls, some standing over 8 feet high, enclose the remains of key structures such as the headquarters building, the commandant’s house, barracks, and granaries. Each corner of the fort was fortified with towers, and gateways on all four sides controlled access. The commandant’s house, though larger and more privileged, reflects the harsh conditions endured, with no luxury to offset the exposed, windswept setting.Bathhouse and Parade Ground: Roman Daily Rituals
Just outside the main gate lies the well-preserved Roman bathhouse, or thermae, an essential feature of Roman military life for hygiene and socializing. Nearby, the site of the parade ground survives, where soldiers would have mustered and drilled. The Roman road that the fort protected can still be traced as an earthwork for some distance, hinting at the vital communication and supply routes maintained through this challenging terrain.History of Occupation and Archaeological Insights
After initial occupation in the early 2nd century, the fort was briefly abandoned during the Antonine advance into Scotland but was reoccupied in the late 2nd century under Marcus Aurelius. It was ultimately abandoned by the early 3rd century. Excavations in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries revealed much of the fort’s layout, with much of the standing stonework rebuilt from original rubble on site. Informative signage by English Heritage and the National Trust helps visitors understand the fort’s historical context and architectural features.Visitor Experience and Surroundings
The fort is accessible via a steep, narrow, and winding road that is considered challenging, especially in poor weather. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear due to boggy ground near the site. The dramatic setting offers breathtaking views and a palpable sense of the isolation endured by Roman soldiers stationed here. Though there are no visitor facilities such as cafes or toilets, the site’s open access during daylight hours allows for flexible visits. Nearby attractions include other Roman sites connected by the ancient road and the natural beauty of the Lake District.Preservation and Significance
Hardknott Roman Fort stands as a testament to Roman military engineering and endurance in a remote frontier landscape. Its preservation allows a unique glimpse into life on the edge of the Roman Empire in Britain. The fort’s commanding position and rugged environment continue to inspire visitors, historians, and archaeologists alike, making it a significant cultural heritage site within the Lake District.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
National Trust - Townend
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Windermere and Troutbeck
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Ashness Bridge
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Holehird Gardens
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Blackwell
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Orrest Head Viewpoint
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Stott Park Bobbin Mill
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Friars Crag
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National Trust - Fell Foot
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Keswick Methodist Church
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Keswick War Memorial
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Castlerigg Stone Circle
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Sir John Barrow Monument
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Start Of Cumbria Way
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Aira Force Waterfall
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bird How
1.4 km
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Eskdale
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Eskdale Mill
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Stanley Ghyll Waterfall
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Scafell Pike
5.7 km
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Blea Tarn, Lake District National Park
7.7 km
A serene mountain tarn nestled between Langdale valleys, offering iconic views of the Langdale Pikes and tranquil natural beauty.
Wasdale Head
8.0 km
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Ritson's Force
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Lake District National Park
9.9 km
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National Trust - Steam Yacht Gondola
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National Trust - Tarn Hows
11.0 km
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Colwith Force
11.1 km
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Honister Slate Mine
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Faeryland Grasmere
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Galleny Force Waterfall
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Essential places to dine
Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel Great Langdale
8.2 km
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New Dungeon Ghyll - Langdale
9.1 km
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Stove Restaurant & Bar
11.3 km
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The Jumble Room
13.2 km
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Drunken Duck Inn & Barngates Brewery
13.2 km
A charming Lake District inn blending hearty cuisine, on-site brewed ales, and cozy accommodation in a rustic country setting.
Lucy's on a plate
16.0 km
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Dodds Restaurant
16.0 km
Authentic Italian and modern European cuisine served with warmth in the heart of Ambleside’s scenic Lake District.
The Priest Hole Restaurant
16.0 km
Historic charm meets hearty British cuisine in the heart of Ambleside, with locally sourced dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Old Stamp House Restaurant
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Lake Road Kitchen
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The Samling Hotel
16.5 km
Exclusive boutique hotel perched above Lake Windermere, blending Michelin-star dining, elegant suites, and breathtaking panoramic views.
Blue Smoke on the Bay
16.7 km
Experience exquisite wood-fired cuisine with stunning Lake Windermere views at Blue Smoke on the Bay, Low Wood Bay's stylish lakeside restaurant.
Windermere Restaurant (The W)
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The Gaddum
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Elegant dining and refined afternoon tea in a historic Arts and Crafts setting overlooking Brockhole's gardens on Windermere.
Boardwalk Bar and Grill
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Relax by Lake Windermere with delicious grilled dishes and panoramic views at Boardwalk Bar and Grill, Bowness-on-Windermere’s lakeside favorite.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tesco Express
19.0 km
Your convenient, friendly supermarket stop in Bowness-on-Windermere, open daily with fresh local produce and essentials for every visit.
Mountain Warehouse
19.0 km
Your go-to outdoor clothing and equipment store in Bowness, offering quality gear for all your Lake District adventures.
Love the Lakes Bowness
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Locally crafted gifts celebrating the spirit and beauty of England's Lake District.
World of Beatrix Potter Attraction Shop
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Herdy Bowness
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Lonsdale Galleries
19.0 km
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The Original Man Shop
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LAKELAND Leather
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Pretty Things
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Forget Me Not
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Booths, Windermere
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CONQUER Trading Post
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Love the Lakes Keswick
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Alternative
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Peter Rabbit & Friends Ltd
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Wainwrights' Inn
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The Talbot Bar
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The Lily Bar
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The Vault
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Lake District Cocktail Co.
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Boaters Bar
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Quayside Bowness
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The Lake View Bowness
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The Easy Breeze
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Hole in t' Wall
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Lago
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Village Inn Bowness-On-Windermere
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The Boathouse | Bar & Restaurant
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Stylish gastropub at Windermere Marina Village with scenic lake views, fresh seasonal menus, and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.
The Albert
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Wheelhouse Nightclub
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Windermere Social Club
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The Lounge C9
32.1 km
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Manhattans Nightclub
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Hollywood Nightclub
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The loose moose
41.2 km
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secret bridge
52.8 km
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Secret Carlisle
57.1 km
Experience energetic nights and vibrant music at Secret Carlisle, the city centre nightclub where Carlisle’s historic charm meets modern nightlife.
Club Britannia
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Carlisle R A O B Club
57.5 km
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Black Box Music Institute
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The Moorcock Inn
58.4 km
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Peek A Booze
65.2 km
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Funny Girls
65.4 km
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Sanuk Nightclub
65.5 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
