Rydal Lodge





7.7Good
(177 Ratings)
"Iain was a very accomodating and nothing was too much trouble. Excellent breakfast and a beautiful garden next to a stream which if you walk along it will eventually lead to a woodland and lake.He is ..."
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2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
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With a beautiful riverside location, Rydal Lodge Hotel offers elegant Lake District accommodations, 2 miles from the center of Ambleside.
Free WiFi/internet
Free Parking
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Heating
WiFi/Internet
Shared living spaces
Garden
Family friendly
Key access
Contactless check-in/out
Fire extinguisher
Cleaning products
$$$$
7.7Good
(177 Ratings)
"Iain was a very accomodating and nothing was too much trouble. Excellent breakfast and a beautiful garden next to a stream which if you walk along it will eventually lead to a woodland and lake.He is ..."
Verified guestDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
Ratings and reviews
8.0 / 10.0
Great location with lovely gardens and river. Dogs allowed at a reasonable rate. Parking was provided.
1.0 / 10.0
On arrival we were greeted with a guest who was staying their and we were informed that the host had unfortunately been taken into hospital. There was no heating or hot water and there would be no hot breakfast served. With this in mind, we decided not to stay as the price we paid would not be reflected on the accommodation. We requested a refund which we have still to receive, I have had no response regarding this from Booking.com or the host.
1.0 / 10.0
Nothing other than the location which is a beautiful part of the world.
No central heating freezing cold
Smelt damp
Smelt fusty
Condensation on the windows
Broken heater on bedroom wall not working
Stains on carpets in bedroom and throughout the property.
Grubby throughout the lodge
Curtains hanging off the curtain rails
No staff not manned
No breakfast provided due to owner being in hospital
Abandoned work tools such as drill saw in bedroom.
4.0 / 10.0
The area was beautiful
The owner was in hospital so there was nobody to check us in,he actually checked us in by phone from the hospital.
The room had a very small toilet and had no milk for the tea and coffee.
There was a bell to ring for help but no one answered.
We were informed there would be no cooked breakfast due to the owner being in hospital and that a small continental would be provided, but as we paid for a full breakfast we could claim back for the breakfast we had to get else wear.
1.0 / 10.0
Superb location with lovely walks to Ambleside in one direction and Grasmere in the other. Very pet friendly.
There was no heating! The first night, we needed to sleep with many extra layers. Property is extremely dated and the poor cleaner can only do so much in the hours she is contracted. We only saw the host once as he was ill and - we think - hospitalised. We had no breakfast and the hygiene of the kitchen was poor. This may all have been as he was unwell, though.
6.0 / 10.0
Lovely location in a very unspoilt part of the Lake District near to Rydal Lake, in my view one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District.
It is in close proximity to the Badger Inn which provided lovely evening meals and the unique opportunity of seeing badgers.
Quite a few items in the room were in a state of disrepair
Although standing heaters were provided the room was still quite cold
Breakfast was not provided as the hotel owner running the hotel was ill. It was agreed we would have breakfast elsewhere and he would re imburse us.
5.0 / 10.0
Great location, nice local knowledge from the owner
Smells, dirty, very expensive esp for the poor quality, worth about half of the cost.
8.0 / 10.0
Iain looked after his guests really well and his breakfast was amazing! The hotel is comfortable and is in a fantastic location for local walks and attractions.
10.0 / 10.0
Iain was a very accomodating and nothing was too much trouble. Excellent breakfast and a beautiful garden next to a stream which if you walk along it will eventually lead to a woodland and lake.He is very knowledgeable about the area and was always up for a chat. Pi
8.0 / 10.0
Location, great breakfast, friendly helpful host
10.0 / 10.0
The room and the bathroom were spotlessly clean, the bedding was comfy and crisp. The B&B is located just a short walk from a nice pub and the house of William Wordsworth. Ian was a perfect host and went far beyond his duties. Also, he makes a wonderful English breakfast!
10.0 / 10.0
Great location, very comfy bed, amazing breakfast,(black pudding amazing, very friendly, feel like your in his home and so welcoming, great pub across the road private parking, bus stops outside, we will return
7.0 / 10.0
Bed was comfortable. Breakfast was very good.
Shower was lacking water volume and pressure.
10.0 / 10.0
Host Iain was very warm and welcoming. Doubled up as a guide and historian.
Breakfasts were absolutely delicious and excellent.
Had a wonderful, comfortable and fulfilling stay.
Definitely recommend Rydal Lodge.
8.0 / 10.0
Rydal Lodge is excellently located for local walks and bus routes. With our old dog, we walked the Coffin Trail (overlooking Rydal Water), the Rydal/Grasmere shoreline, plus a visit to the Rydal Hall gardens and wonderful tearoom. There is also a route to Ambleside via Under Loughrigg - a quiet road. Buses to Kendal (via Ambleside, Bowness) and Keswick (via Grasmere) are frequent with a £3 per journey flat rate - good value for longer trips. Breakfast was very good, and served in a lovely dining room. The Glen Rothay Hotel / Badger Bar is 50 yds down the road for a drink and evening meals. The room was comfortable and the garden is next to the river.
Being a grade 2 listed building, there is a balance between quaint rooms with leaning floors, low doors and stone floors and the lovely side entrance hall and dining room. Perhaps not as plush overall as a modern luxury hotel but ideal for a short break in a wonderful location with a welcoming host.
Our dog was made welcome with a sausage at breakfast.
First impression was a shock - entry through the front door into a rather austere hallway. But after that it only gets better. We used the side door from the garden for a more salubrious entrance.
9.0 / 10.0
Very welcoming host. Incredible location close to the river and Ryde Lake within short walking distance to the pub well positioned between Ambleside and Grassmere. Excellent breakfast included even the dog got sausages.
Nothing
9.0 / 10.0
The location is wonderful & the private gardens right by the stream are really beautiful. The short but little-known walk along the stream right to Rydal is a real highlight. The building is quirky and full of character.
The bathroom could probably do with a spruce up and there was no shower gel or shampoo supplied but other than that it’s a lovely place to stay.
7.0 / 10.0
So close to Rydal lake and surrounding walks also accessibility to buses
Breakfasts were a bit hit and miss as regards to what was available
6.0 / 10.0
Locality was great to travel and walk
The bathroom sink was filthy and broken towards the end of our stay.
The bed was slanted as it was missing a key feature to the bed
10.0 / 10.0
Absolutely wonderful! Location was great, Iain is wonderful and makes a fantastic (and accommodating) breakfast! 20 minute walk away from the rydal caves. Comfortable beds with lovely amenities. 100% would come again!
10.0 / 10.0
Highly recommend staying here. Ian was so welcoming and attentive as the host of Rydal Lodge. I was booked to stay in a double room but was given the option to have a suite for my 2 night stay. This was beautifully presented with views over the garden. The hospitality tray was amply stocked, with lovely daffodil mugs. The walled garden sits on the edge of the river Rothay with seating. There is a private walk through the gardens to the bridge leading to Rydal Water. Breakfast both mornings was excellent and I had cereal and a veggie full English. Ian is the chef as well as host, cooking up a treat. Rydal Lodge is set in easy reach of some stunning walks & attractions. I travelled by public transport for this visit bit there's parking on site. Highly recommend if you're looking for a personalised touch for you short or longer stay.
Stay too short.
8.0 / 10.0
Fantastic location between Grasmere and Ambleside. Beautiful old property in lovely garden with river at the bottom. Fabulous walks from the property, and bus stop right outside for trips further afield. Stunning scenery. Clean room, hot shower, comfy bed and delicious breakfasts! Very dog friendly and Iain is an accommodating and engaging host, sharing useful information about the local area and providing laminated walking guides( to borrow). Good pub almost opposite with great food. Also a coffee shop a few minutes walk away at Rydal Hall.
The room was quite snug, especially as we had our dog with us. An old towel and water bowl for the dog would have been useful. The property needs a bit of TLC, but it made for a relaxing stay because we weren’t too worried about everything being immaculate all the time!
10.0 / 10.0
Comfortable bed and gorgeous views over the garden to the river. A great location for walking and an easy stroll into Ambleside without the hassle of finding a parking space.
8.0 / 10.0
great breakfast
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing place. Very interesting old property which has kept much of its original charm. Location is beautiful and well placed. The owner is the perfect host.
10.0 / 10.0
The full english breakfast was fantastic, served by Ian who would keep us company and have a chat, making us feel welcome. The room was cosy and sufficient to out needs, if we needed anything, Ian was pleased to accommodate.
10.0 / 10.0
In a perfect location for exploring the lake district. Within a few steps of a lovely pub, the Badger Bar, right next to a bus stop. Lovely walks right from the lodge to Rydal water, Grasmere, Loughrigg Fell and Ambleside. The room was spacious and comfortable with a lovely view of the garden and river. Breakfast was freshly made each morning and delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend.
Nothing.
10.0 / 10.0
The character, warm reception, excellent breakfast… and I had a local waterfall image on the wall on the way to the bathroom! Amazing. The location is absolutely perfect for exploring the Fairfield Horseshoe, or nipping between the main towns as there is a bus stop directly outside the front door (not that you’d know from inside, being lovely and quietly peaceful). Iain has created such a perfect spot in this corner of the Lakes and I can’t thank him enough for being such a wonderful host.
Nothing. It was all just stunning.
10.0 / 10.0
The location is amazing, it has wonderful gardens, it packed on the river surrounded by wonderful trees and mountain vistas in the distance
Nothing, the property was full of character
3.0 / 10.0
The owners were lovely and the breakfast was nice. They also gave us helpful tips on places to visit in the area.
We’ve just returned from a 2-night stay at Rydal Lodge and unfortunately, it fell short of our expectations. This was a last-minute booking, and we chose Rydal Lodge primarily for its location, dog-friendly policy, and the appealing room photos shown online. While the setting is undeniably lovely, the experience did not live up to how it was presented.
One major issue was the shower — the water flow was extremely weak, making it difficult and uncomfortable to use. For a property positioned as a premium stay, this was particularly frustrating.
Overall, while we appreciated being able to bring our dog and enjoyed the surroundings, the room quality and amenities were underwhelming and not consistent with how they were advertised.
5.0 / 10.0
The owner is nice, and location is good just next to where we come back from hike.
Super low water pressure and old facility, could’ve refurbished a bit more.
8.0 / 10.0
We loved the location which was within easy reach of many Lake District attractions. Iain was great to chat to and was very helpful. Oh, and he cooked a delicious full English breakfast including good quality bacon, eggs, black pudding The beds were very comfortable.
10.0 / 10.0
Lovely quaint place in a very pretty setting with the river running alongside the garden full of wildlife . Perfect setting with so many stunning walks from the doorstep.
10.0 / 10.0
Lovely host who was knowledgeable about allergens and I had a lovely gluten free breakfast every day
NA
7.0 / 10.0
Excellent location, really good base for doing walks around the area, the start of the Fairfield Horseshoe is right outside which is brilliant for doing this. Also right on the bus route to travel easily to nearby Grasmere and Ambleside.
Room was clean and tidy and the bed was comfy.
Iain was very friendly and helpful, also cooks a great full English breakfast!
Gardens are beautiful as well, very peaceful location
9.0 / 10.0
Breakfast great with Cumberland sausage. Lots of walks on the doorstep and the room warm and spacious.
Needed a few more days to do more of the challenging walks.
8.0 / 10.0
Great location for plenty of picturesque walks and Wordsworth country. Regular bus service right outside the door for trips further afield.
Iain is the host and is friendly and welcoming. Happy to have a nice chat with his guests, although he is super busy when preparing a good breakfast for us all.
The shower was a little lacking in pressure, we made Iain aware and I'm sure he will fix the issue soon. Certainly not a reason not to return!
2.0 / 10.0
The breakfast team were polite and friendly.
The lodge was well-located for bus travel.
The lodge was really cold with little to no heating. In the dining room, we could see our breath when eating.
The shower didn’t work properly, intermittently providing either red hot or cold water. We had no choice but to have a bath which is far from ideal for hair washing.
The communal area on the ground floor was very small and really cold.
1.0 / 10.0
The location was amazing ..
The lodge is tired and needs lot of work . Very expensive for the quality of the accommodation .
Room was okay , but bathroom cold and shower was a dribble with hole in wall and power cable sticking through ..
Breakfast was tasty but breakfast room was cold .
The property has a lot of potential but currently it’s too expensive for what’s on offer .
The reviews seem very positive but this doesn’t fit with our experience .
FAQs
Does this property follow enhanced cleaning procedures?
Yes, this country house has implemented enhanced cleaning procedures and processes to keep you healthy and safe.
Is parking included with this country house?
Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Rydal Lodge. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this country house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this country house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Rydal Lodge pet friendly?
Yes! This country house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Rydal Lodge?
We found 13 amenities for this rental. This includes free wifi/internet, free parking, non-smoking, pets allowed, and heating.
