Badger Bar Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Exterior photoBadger Bar Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Exterior photoBadger Bar Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Exterior photo

Book Badger Bar in Ambleside, Lake District

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From$142 /night
Check-in
12Sept
Check-out
13Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Glen Rothay, Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, Ambleside
-
Close to Rydal Water
Great
8.9
/10
4.8
4.5
/5

Historic 400-year-old inn in the Lake District with nightly badger watching

Badger Watching Experience

Badger Bar offers regular badger feeding sessions in the hotel grounds every evening, allowing guests to watch wild badgers from a designated viewing area set beside the car park. A webcam in the bar lets guests monitor the feeding station from indoors, and the previous night's badger appearance times are chalked up over the bar. This daily ritual is the hotel's most distinctive offering and draws nature enthusiasts from across the region.

Dining & Bar

The on-site Badger Bar serves homemade pub meals using locally sourced ingredients, including a traditional full English breakfast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and porridge. The bar menu features sandwiches, main courses, and desserts, with a selection of local real ales and 40 whiskies available. Evening meals include a Cumbrian breakfast, steak pie, and roast beef dinner, all prepared on-site by the hotel's chef.

Rooms & Accommodations

Each room at Badger Bar comes with a private bathroom, a digital TV offering streaming channels such as Netflix and ITVx, and tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms are spread across the main building and a separate cottage, with options like the Daffodil room or the Rydal Suite featuring a four-poster bed and balcony. The 400-year-old building retains original features such as William Morris wallpaper, sloping floors, and old beams.

Location & Activities

Badger Bar is situated opposite Rydal Water and offers direct access to scenic walking trails, including the Coffin Route to Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell. Nearby attractions include Rydal Cave, Lake Windermere (a 20-minute bus ride away), and the historic Rydal Hall just five minutes' walk from the hotel. Free private parking is available on site, and the property is surrounded by woodland with mountain and lake views.

Pet-Friendly & Family Amenities

The hotel provides dog-friendly accommodations with pet amenities available, including pet bowls and a designated dog-welcoming environment. Family rooms are available, such as the Large Family Room and Superior Family Room, accommodating up to three guests. The bar area has no TV to encourage relaxation, and the shared lounge area offers space for families to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring.

Highlights

Badger Watching: Regular evening feeding sessions with Webcam monitoring

Dining: Homemade pub meals with local real ales and 40 whiskies

Rooms: 400-year-old building with William Morris wallpaper and four-poster beds

Location: Opposite Rydal Water, with direct walking trails and free parking

Pet-Friendly: Dog bowls and welcoming environment for pets

Family: Family rooms and shared lounge area with no TV

Must-do experiences

  • Hike Loughrigg Fell for breathtaking views of Lake Windermere.
  • Visit the quirky Bridge House, a tiny 17th-century home.
  • Savor a slice of Grasmere gingerbread at Sarah Nelson's shop.
  • Explore the Armitt Museum for local history and art.
  • Stroll through Ambleside's lively Market Place on Saturdays.

Select your room type

Badger Bar offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Large Double Room
    2 persons
    30 m²
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Double Room Woodland View
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Badger Bar offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking

Guest Parking

  • Private parking is possible on site for free.

Services

  • Pet amenities available

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Badger Bar Location

Glen Rothay, Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
Local Highlights Near Badger Bar
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage
25 minutes' walk
Home of poet William Wordsworth, Dove Cottage features intimate tours showcasing his life and works. Check for special events.
Rydal Mount
Rydal Mount
55 minutes' walk
Wordsworth's family home from 1813 to 1850, Rydal Mount offers stunning gardens and rich literary history. Guided tours available.
Stock Ghyll Force
Stock Ghyll Force
30 minutes' walk
A picturesque waterfall located in Ambleside, Stock Ghyll Force offers scenic hikes and perfect picnic spots amidst nature.
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
20 minutes' walk
A hub for local culture and history, the Armitt Museum features various exhibitions and a wonderful collection of art and archives.
Hiking Loughrigg Fell
30 minutes' walk
A popular hike, Loughrigg Fell offers stunning lake views and varied terrains, ideal for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Wellness at Hayes Garden World
30 minutes' walk
Enjoy a relaxing day at Hayes Garden World with its serene garden center, café, and holistic wellness events throughout the year.
Fellinis Cinema Restaurant
25 minutes' walk
A unique dining experience combining cinema and fine dining, serving local dishes with a twist. Reservations recommended.
The Rydal River Cafe
15 minutes' drive
A charming café offering homemade pastries, hearty brunch options, and great coffee. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Fellinis Cinema
25 minutes' walk
Watch the latest films in a cozy atmosphere featuring a bar and restaurant. Family-friendly with various genres to choose from.
The Ambleside Tavern
20 minutes' walk
A lively local pub with live music events and quiz nights, perfect for groups and an authentic Cumbrian experience.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Ambleside 30 min  ·  2.5 km
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 115 min  ·  76.6 km
    Blackpool International (BLK) 163 min  ·  108.5 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 28 min  ·  2.3 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:30
Check-out
from 10:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
14
Former name
glen rothay

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Badger Bar from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 375 verified reviews
8.8 /10
Great
91 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free WiFi
8.5/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Really good staff service
Comfortable beds
Charming atmosphere
Cons
Poor shower pressure
Room noise issues
Inconsistent food quality
Guest reviews
based on 740 reviews
8.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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