Idyllically located as part of Rydal Hall Estate in 30 acres of gardens, 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, there is also an onsite riverside tea shop with great walks in the area.
Why you'll love it at Rydal Hall Campsite
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 over a mile from the village of Ambleside and two and a half miles from Grasmere, this scenic site is nestled in Rydal Hall Estate grounds. Surrounded by Fairfield Horseshoe and Nabscar, you will enjoy stunning views of the Rothay Valley.
Relax, recharge and reconnect exploring spectacular spots in the South Lakes. Rydal Water, on your doorstep, is connected to the larger lake of Grasmere.
All pitches are non electric, allowing a maximum tent size of 4m x 4m (and cars parked away from pitches). Due to fire safety, each tent must be pitched three metres apart. There are short walks to some of the pitches which can deliver fantastic views of the neighbouring fells. Campsite Wardens are at hand to assist if required.
Fires are allowed in the dedicated on site communal fire pit only, free of charge. Sustainable firewood can be purchased onsite - sorry scavenging for wood isn't allowed for environmental reasons.
Dogs are welcome and must be kept on a lead at all times.
The location also includes two holiday cottages, a bunkhouse and a barn.
Please note, the site does not allow motorhomes, campervans or trailer tents.
"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!"
Facilities here include a modern toilet and shower block. 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, plus a freezer is available for refreezing ice blocks.
Fires are permitted in the dedicated fire pit only, free of charge. Sustainable firewood is available to purchase at reception.
A tearoom and cafe onsite serves a delicious range of treats including scones, cakes and more. The on-site bar, serving delicious local ales and lagers, is open from 4pm - 10pm. Ambleside is 1.5 miles away and includes cafes, restaurants and shops such as a Tesco.
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!
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.
Medium Tent - Non Electric Grass Tent PitchesMar 2025
Great little campsite, walk, run, swim or cycle, loads to do with in 5 minutes.
The sound of a waterfall sent me right to sleep, best sleep I've had in ages. Ambleside 20 minute walk down a track, tap yard, great food and own beer.
Great week
Recommends site
Gregory C
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Large Tent - Non Electric Grass Tent PitchesMar 2025
I would recommend and return here as it was suitable for my needs which included a great location. Tidy clean well kept site, peaceful and tranquil.
Wonderful experience
Recommends site
Charles F
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Small Tent - Non Electric Grass Tent PitchesMar 2025
Fantastic in every way, the staff were all amazing, friendly and helpful, the facilities were spotless and very well catered for, the site itself is absolutely stunning, such a beautiful setting in nature. Rydal Hall and its gardens, surrounding countryside and nature trails were all utterly breath-taking.
Its location was perfect to travel around the lake district from, with Rydal Cave and River Rothay just around the corner, buses every hour to take us to Helvellyn, public footpaths to Ambleside.
My nephew and I both thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will most certainly return later in the year.
The only thing I would have liked to see, which was missing, was some wind sheltering around the campsite [campsite 2] we stayed at, but what do you expect in March? Can't complain at all, such an unforgettable experience made better by the lovely setting at Rydal Hall.
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Did you stay at Rydal Hall Campsite? Tell us what you thought!
Check-in is available between 2pm and 8pm. Check out is due by 10am on the day of departure.
Is Rydal Hall Campsite dog friendly?
Yes, up to two dogs are welcome on each pitch and in the pods. Please make sure they are kept on a lead whilst onsite.
Is there a map of Rydal Hall Campsite?
Yes, a layout of the site and surrounding areas can be viewed here.
Are BBQs/campfires allowed at Rydal Hall Campsite?
Campfires are welcome in the dedicated fire pit here, free of charge, while disposable BBQs are permitted on the benches where a slate has been provided - sustainable firewood is sold at the site.
Is there a cafe/restaurant at Rydal Hall Campsite?
Yes, the Old School Tearoom onsite (open 10:30am-5pm) 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.
Does Rydal Hall Campsite allow awnings or gazebos?
Yes, awnings and gazebos are welcome, please be sure to add them as an extra when completing your booking.
Does Rydal Hall Campsite allow groups or pitches being booked together?
Small family groups of up to four adults and four children are welcome. The site accepts some organised groups with prior agreement. Sorry, the site does not accept stag, hen or birthday parties.
Can I park near my pitch at Rydal Hall Campsite?
Sorry, cars are not permitted on the camping field but guests are welcome to park in the designated area, just a short walk away.
Is there WiFi at Rydal Hall Campsite?
Sorry, there is no WiFi onsite.
Is there a restaurant or cafe at Rydal Hall Campsite?
Yes, the Old School Room Tea Shop is open daily from 10am to 4pm, serving a selection of light refreshments including delicious homemade cakes, soups and sandwiches.
Does Rydal Hall Campsite have a quiet time or noise policy?
The site asks guests to be quiet between the hours of 10.30pm and 7.30am and refrain from excessive noise at all times.
What are the nearest public transport links to Rydal Hall Campsite?
Church for Rydal Mount bus stop is just a five minute walk away. Windermere is the closest station, located a 15 minute drive away.
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Things to do on site and in the Ambleside area
Located in the South Lakes, there are numerous attractions catering for all. This is a great base for exploring the Lake District.
Explore the acres of woodland and natural beauty at Rydal Hall Grounds and discover the various sculptures scattered around the grounds.
Admire Rydal Grot, located in the grounds, and built in 1668 by Sir Daniel Fleming. It is one of Britain's earliest examples of a viewing station.
If you fancy walking up the fells you have Fairfield Horseshoe at your doorstep with amazing views overlooking much of the surrounding lakeland. You're also just a short walk away from Ambleside, a major tourist resort where you will find many specialist shops, cosy pubs, restaurants and a cinema.
Grasmere is only 2.8 miles away from Rydal Hall campsite, one of the prettiest villages worth a visit. You will find Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth's home and the Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Ginger Bread which enjoys a worldwide following and is still baked fresh every day.
Attractions nearby:
Rydal Water - just a few minutes walk to enjoy this beautiful and tranquil lake.
Windermere Cruises - regular services from Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside Piers.
Brockhole - enjoy the different range of outdoor activities with boat and bike hire available.
Tree Top Treck - in Windermere within Brockhole grounds you can enjoy the watersports, adventure playground, mini golf, archery, indoor caving and laser clay shooting.
Stock Ghyll Force - a breathtaking 70ft waterfall only a short walk from the centre of Ambleside.
The Armitt Museum - on Rydal Road, this is a purpose built home for a collection of books, manuscripts, watercolours and also houses an area dedicated to Beatrix Potter.
The listing for Rydal Hall Campsite was last updated on April 5th, 2025 at 8:15 PM