Idyllically located in the Lake District National Park, and on the 30-acre grounds of Rydal Hall Estate with woodland, meadows and natural beauty, developed from the 1600s to the present day. Rydal Hall Campsite is set close to the Grade II formal gardens in front of the Georgian south wing of the house. Choose from a range of tent pitches in remote fields. There is an onsite riverside tea shop with great walks and cycling trails in the area.

Why choose Rydal Hall Campsite

Runner up of Best Campsite North West England in our 2025 Camping and Glamping Awards

Featured in our 2025 Outstanding Sites list of reliably excellent camping, glamping, and touring sites

Set in 30 acres of the Rydal Hall Estate in the Lake District, close to Rydal falls and gardens

Located five minutes outside of Ambleside, just ten minutes from Windermere

Great onsite facilities including fire pits, a bar and a cafe/tea room serving local produce!

About the site

Tucked just ten minutes away from the village of Ambleside and Grasmere, this scenic site is nestled in Rydal Hall Estate grounds. Surrounded by Fairfield Horseshoe and Nab Scar, you will also enjoy stunning views of the Rothay Valley. Relax, recharge and reconnect, exploring spectacular spots in the South Lakes. Rydal Water is on your doorstep and is connected to the larger lake of Grasmere, where you can enjoy lakeside walks and wild swimming. All 32 grass pitches are non electric, allowing a maximum tent size of 7m x 7m. Please ensure cars are parked away from pitches. Due to fire safety, each tent must be pitched three metres apart. There are short uphill walks to some of the pitches, which offer fantastic views of the neighbouring Cumbrian fells. While visiting, grab a bite to eat from the onsite tearoom and cafe, open daily, offering a tasty range of locally made cakes, treats, soups, sandwiches, and salads. Fires are allowed in contained fire pits raised 2ft from the ground only. BBQs must also be raised off the grass. There is a dedicated communal fire pit on site that guests are welcome to use on the lower section of the campsite. Sustainable firewood can be purchased onsite. Dogs are welcome and must be kept on a lead at all times. Livestock may be present on site. Please note, the site does not allow motorhomes, campervans, roof top or trailer tents.

Rydal Hall Campsite is open from 01/01 to 15/11. Pitches from £35/night for 2 people.

"Hands down the best campsite we have been to"

Susan W

"Amazing place. So clean and tidy. Excellent facilities all first class"

Steve E

"The location is stunning, left me and my partner speechless at times"

Yula R

"The staff and hospitality at Rydal Hall are absolutely amazing!"

Sophie O

Site map

What facilities are at Rydal Hall Campsite?

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

WiFi

Communal BBQ

EV charging

Fires allowed

Freezer

Glamping

Near pub

Open year round

Peaceful

Wash up area

Facilities here include a modern toilet, shower block, and washing up area. The amenities block sources water from the site's own private supply, whilst electricity from hydro-electric plant augmented by solar power keeps carbon footprints to a minimum. There are sockets for charging electrical equipment, EV chargings, plus a freezer is available for refreezing ice blocks.

A tearoom and cafe onsite is open Monday to Sunday between 9am-4pm, and serves a delicious range of treats including scones, cakes, soups, sandwiches, salads, and more. The onsite bar, serving delicious local ales and lagers, is open during the evening. Ambleside is ten minutes away and includes cafes, restaurants and shops such as a Tesco.

Great for traditional camping

A riverside campsite surrounded by 30 acres of woodlands and gardens. Light up a fire pit for some toasted marshmallows or cook sausages on a BBQ!

There are 35 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

Non electric grass pitches for tents at Rydal Hall Campsite

Birdseye view of non electric grass pitches and the distant Lake District

Non electric grass pitches for tents up to 7m x 7m

Non electric grass pitches beside a picnic bench

32 x Non Electric Grass Tent Pitches

Max 4 people

Grass pitches without electric for tents up to 7m x 7m.

Other accommodation

2 x Eco Pods

Max 3 people

Wooden pods made from sustainable materials and carpeted, along with a sheltered porch area. Unfurnished, sleep two adults and one small child. Bring your camping equipment. Dog friendly. Access to shared facilities nearby.

Eco Pod (Family)

Max 4 people

Family pod made from sustainable materials and carpeted, along with a sheltered porch area. Unfurnished, sleeps up to two adults and two children. Bring your camping equipment. Dog friendly. Access to shared facilities nearby.

Rydal Hall Campsite reviews

4.85 /5

82 reviews

96%

would recommend

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Showing the most recent reviews from guests

Wonderful views and facilities

Recommends site

Gabby P

Large Tent - Non Electric Grass Tent PitchesSep 2025

We were pitched close to the waterfall which offered great background noise (though this may not be everyone's preference). The facilities were clean and offered everything you could need. The site is great to explore and also is well linked with public footpaths to explore further afield. Will definitely be coming back, hopefully when it's raining less!

Wonderfully peaceful location

Recommends site

John B

Small Tent - Non Electric Grass Tent PitchesSep 2025

Set in the grounds of a large estate, each pitch is extremely generous in size and well spaced out from neighbouring pitches. Spotless toilet and showering facilities and overall a wonderful location. I would recommend to anyone looking for peace, quiet and a place to relax and reflect. Those looking to party, play loud music and drink lots of alcohol should avoid this site and look elsewhere.

Really lovely site

Recommends site

Ian P

Small Tent - Non Electric Grass Tent PitchesSep 2025

What a lovely campsite. One of the nicest organised sites I've stayed at. A great balance between feeling like you're in the "proper" outdoors but with great facilities. Rather than one big field the site is made up of a number of smaller fields surrounded by trees creating a more remote feel. Access to the fells and lakes for walking or running is excellent and a short distance from Ambleside and Grasmere. Ideal location. The shower / toilet block was clean and modern. The cafe is a welcome addition. Not a huge menu but good food and drinks served with a smile. We also found the rangers to be super-helpful too.

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Need to know

Frequently asked questions about Rydal Hall Campsite

Quick filters

Site rules

Is Rydal Hall Campsite dog friendly?

Yes, up to two dogs are welcome on each pitch and in the pods at Rydal Hall Campsite. Please make sure they are kept on a lead whilst onsite.

Are BBQs/campfires allowed at Rydal Hall Campsite?

Yes, campfires are welcome in the dedicated fire pit here at Rydal Hall Campsite, free of charge, while disposable BBQs are permitted on the benches where a slate has been provided - sustainable firewood is sold at the site.

What time is check-in/out at Rydal Hall Campsite?

Check-in at Rydal Hall Campsite is available between 2pm and 8pm. Check out is due by 10am on the day of departure.

Does Rydal Hall Campsite allow groups or pitches being booked together?

Small family groups of up to four adults and four children are welcome at Rydal Hall Campsite. The site accepts some organised groups with prior agreement. Sorry, the site does not accept stag, hen or birthday parties.

Does Rydal Hall Campsite have a quiet time or noise policy?

Yes, Rydal Hall Campsite asks guests to be quiet between the hours of 10.30pm and 7.30am and refrain from excessive noise at all times.

Pitches

Is there a map of Rydal Hall Campsite?

Yes, a layout of Rydal Hall Campsite and surrounding areas can be viewed here.

Does Rydal Hall Campsite allow awnings or gazebos?

Yes, awnings and gazebos are welcome at Rydal Hall Campsite, please be sure to add them as an extra when completing your booking.

Can I park near my pitch at Rydal Hall Campsite?

No, cars are not permitted on the camping field at Rydal Hall Campsite, but guests are welcome to park in the designated area, just a short walk away.

Facilities

Is there a cafe/restaurant at Rydal Hall Campsite?

Yes, the Old School Tearoom onsite (open daily from 9am-4pm) and serves a variety of light bites and refreshments, including sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones and more. There is also a bar here serving a range of local ales and lagers.

Is there WiFi at Rydal Hall Campsite?

No, there is no WiFi at Rydal Hall Campsite.

Does Rydal Hall Campsite have electric vehicle charging?

Yes, EV charging is available at Rydal Hall Campsite.

Does Rydal Hall Campsite have a communal fridge and freezer?

Rydal Hall Campsite offers a shared freezer for ice packs. There is not a communal fridge, so bringing a cool box is recommended.

What is phone signal like at Rydal Hall Campsite?

Most phone service providers should be able to access a phone and 4G signal at Rydal Hall Campsite.

Getting there

Are there any local taxi service companies to Rydal Hall Campsite?

Local taxi companies to Rydal Hall Campsite include Ambleside Taxi Company (015394 68222) and Amber Taxis Ambleside (015394 68681).

What is the nearest bus stop to Rydal Hall Campsite?

The nearest bus stop to Rydal Hall Campsite is Church for Rydal Mount bus stop, a five minute walk away, with services to Keswick, Grasmere, and Thirlmere Kings Head Hotel.

What's nearby

What are the nearest public transport links to Rydal Hall Campsite?

Church for Rydal Mount bus stop is just a five minute walk away from Rydal Hall Campsite with services to Keswick, Grasmere, and Thirlmere Kings Head Hotel. Windermere is the closest station, located a 15 minute drive away.

What are the nearest pubs to Rydal Hall Campsite?

The nearest pub to Rydal Hall Campsite is The Glen Rothay Hotel and Badger Bar, a ten minute walk.

What is within walking distance of Rydal Hall Campsite?

Within a 15 minute walk of Rydal Hall Campsite, there's a pub, Rydal Mount and Gardens, Stepping Stones, a bus stop, St Mary's Church, and the River Rothay.

What walking routes are close to Rydal Hall Campsite?

Local walking routes to Rydal Hall Campsite include many through the Lake District National Park, such as Rydal Cave (25 minute walk), Rothay Park (35 minute walk), and Stock Ghyll Force (50 minute walk). You can also reach Grassmere on foot with trails, including the River Rothay Grasmere Foot Bridge (40 minutes) and Wordsworth Grasmere (45 minutes). Further away from the site are several other fell walks, ideal for all walking abilities.

A note from the site themselves...

Rydal Hall has a long and fascinating history. Sir Thomas le Fleming and his family built the first Rydal Hall at St John's Knott in 1409, (the small mound and wood next to the entrance of the Ambleside cricket club on the A591). Although this site was defensible and remote it became too cramped as the family grew in importance.

Over the years, the property has continued to develop to become the grand hall that stands today. We also have a long history of art and artists being inspired by Rydal Hall and the surrounding valley.

We have a range of sculptures and art installations throughout the grounds which can be explored by wandering around or by following one of our sculpture paths, which will (weirdly enough) lead you to the tea shop!

Rydal Hall Campsite is ideal for...

Couples

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Older children (13+)

Peace and quiet

Young children

Things to do on site and in the Ambleside area

Located in the South Lakes, you'll find a wide range of attractions to suit all interests, making this a fantastic base for exploring the Lake District.

Discover acres of woodland and natural beauty at Rydal Hall, where sculptures are dotted throughout the grounds. While here, admire Rydal Grot, built in 1668 by Sir Daniel Fleming, one of Britain's earliest examples of a viewing station.

If you are a fan of wild swimming, you can take a leisurely 20 minute walk to Rydal Water or head a ten minute drive to Lake Windermere, England's largest lake!

For fell walkers, the popular Fairfield Horseshoe is right on your doorstep, offering breathtaking views across the surrounding Lakeland landscape. You're also a 40 minute stroll from Ambleside, a bustling tourist town with specialist shops, cosy pubs, excellent restaurants and a cinema.

The picturesque village of Grasmere is a ten minute drive away. Here you can visit Dove Cottage, once home to William Wordsworth, and sample the famous gingerbread from Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Gingerbread, which enjoys a worldwide following and is still baked fresh every day.

Attractions nearby: