Book Badger Bar in Ambleside, Lake District

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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