Waterloo is a town with a name rooted in history, and this June, you have the chance to walk through its past. To mark the 210th anniversary of The Royal Waterloo Hotel, an accredited tourist guide is leading a special walking tour that traces the town’s journey from a quiet coastal outpost to a bustling Victorian suburb.
From Seabank to Waterloo
Before 1816, the ground beneath our feet was known as Crosby Seabank. It was a rugged landscape of sandhills, rabbit warrens, and a handful of fishermen’s cottages. Everything changed on the first anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo when The Royal Hotel officially opened. Named to honour the British victory over Napoleon, the hotel became the catalyst for a new town. Soon, the old name of Seabank was forgotten, and “Waterloo” was born.
The Tour – 18 June 2026
The two-mile walk begins at the hotel’s Duke’s Lounge Bar. As you head toward the finish line at Crosby Library, your guide will share stories of:
- The Power Players: The ambitious figures who saw the need for a “grand style” hotel and the wealthy merchants who built the stunning Victorian villas we see today.
- The Railway Boom: How the arrival of the tracks turned a rural retreat into a thriving residential hub.
- Local Legends: Stories of famous sea captains and the local patriotism that defined Liverpool’s role in the Napoleonic Wars.
- Architecture & Art: A close look at the Christ Church Conservation Area, the town’s public monuments, and its modern street art.
Plan Your Visit
The route is flat and fully accessible, making it a comfortable stroll for all. The tour departs from The Royal Hotel at 10:30 am on 18th June, though you are encouraged to arrive from 10:00 am for a coffee and a chat.
Travel: Waterloo train and bus stations are just an eight-minute walk away. For those driving, free on-street parking is available on Marine Terrace directly in front of the hotel.
How to book your place
Tickets cost £15 – available to buy here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coast-community-walking-waterloo-tickets-1693066069189
