Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay for walking in the Lake District?
The best places to stay for walking in the Lake District are those with direct access to footpaths, lakeside routes, and fell walks, ideally without needing to drive each day.
Areas between Ambleside and Grasmere are particularly well regarded, as they offer a balance of classic scenery, varied walking terrain, and easy access to villages. Rydal, which sits between Ambleside and Grasmere, provides convenient access to many well-known walking routes and classic Lakeland landscapes.
Many of the Lake District’s most rewarding walks were described by Alfred Wainwright, whose guides focus heavily on the fells and valleys around Ambleside, at the north-western edge of Lake Windermere. Staying in this central area places walkers close to gentle valley routes, well-known terraces, and longer fell walks, making it an ideal base for exploring the Lake District on foot.
Where should I stay if I want to explore Ambleside and Grasmere?
Staying between Ambleside and Grasmere allows you to enjoy both villages without being based in a busy town centre. This central area offers easy access to well-known walks such as Rydal Water, Loughrigg Fell, Loughrigg Terrace, the Coffin Trail, and the Fairfield Horseshoe, while remaining quieter and more scenic than staying directly in town.
Is it better to stay in a town or between villages in the Lake District?
The commercial centre of the Lake District is Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere, while Ambleside and Grasmere are smaller, historic villages with a strong sense of character. Although these villages can still be busy at peak times, many visitors prefer staying between Ambleside and Grasmere rather than in a town centre, as this offers a more peaceful experience, easier access to walks from the door, and fewer crowds, while remaining within walking distance or a short bus journey of both villages.
How practical is it to stay in the Lake District without a car?
Staying in the Lake District without a car can be very practical, particularly if you choose a central location with good public transport and access to walks from the door. Rydal, located between Ambleside and Grasmere, is well served by local bus routes and connected by a dense network of footpaths, allowing visitors to explore lakes, valleys, and villages without needing to drive each day. Many walkers prefer this approach, as it avoids parking pressures and allows more flexible route planning, including point-to-point walks rather than returning to a car at the end of the day.
What walks can you do directly from Rydal?
From Rydal, you can walk directly onto a wide range of routes without needing to drive or park. These include gentle lakeside walks around Rydal Water, classic routes such as Loughrigg Terrace, woodland and riverside paths, and longer fell walks linking into the surrounding valleys and higher ground. This makes it easy to choose walks of different lengths and difficulty straight from the door, whether you are looking for a short, relaxed walk or a full day on the fells.
Which hotels in Rydal accept group bookings?
Rydal has a small number of independent properties rather than large hotels, and group bookings are usually best suited to places where the whole house can be used by one group. Rydal Lodge, with eight guest rooms, is set up to accommodate this type of stay and is often chosen by walking groups, families, and friends who want to stay together in a quiet Lake District location.
Is Rydal Lodge suitable for walking groups or friends travelling together?
Yes. Rydal Lodge works well for walking groups and friends travelling together, with eight guest rooms and shared spaces that allow groups to stay together comfortably while exploring the Lake District. Its location between Ambleside and Grasmere makes it easy to access a wide range of walks directly from the door. For groups staying together, Rydal Lodge can also offer group dining by prior arrangement, with set menus that are particularly popular for walking groups and celebration stays.
What makes Rydal Lodge different from other Lake District hotels?
Rydal Lodge is a Grade II listed 16th-century country house set in a quieter location than nearby towns, while still being close to Ambleside and Grasmere. Its riverside setting, direct access to walking routes, and independent character make it a distinctive base for exploring the Lake District.
