Find UK campsites, glamping sites and touring parks at Campsites.co.uk

Rydal Hall Campsite

Ambleside, Cumbria

4.85 /582 reviews
Thumbs up

96%

would recommend

Ambleside, Cumbria

HIGHLY RATED
HIGHLY RATED

See all 27 photos

Find UK campsites, glamping sites and touring parks at Campsites.co.uk
Star

4.85 /5

82 reviews

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 choose Rydal Hall Campsite

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 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 Nab Scar, 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 uphill walks to some of the pitches which can deliver fantastic views of the neighbouring fells. 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.

"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

Rydal Hall Campsite is open from 01/01 to 30/11. Pitches from £35/night for 2 people.

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

Fires allowed

Glamping

Near pub

Open year round

Peaceful

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.

A tearoom and cafe onsite serves a delicious range of treats including scones, cakes and more. The onsite bar, serving delicious local ales and lagers, is open during the evening. Ambleside is 1.5 miles 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!

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

There are 35 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

32 x Non Electric Grass Tent Pitches

Max 4 people

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

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

Star

4.85 /5

82 reviews
Thumbs up

96%

would recommend

Filter by: Review rating

Accommodation type

Travelled as

​

​

​

Popular mentions

...

Showing the most recent reviews from guests

Wonderful views and facilities

Recommends site

Gabby P

0

0

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

0

0

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

0

0

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.

Share your feedback about Rydal Hall Campsite

Did you stay at Rydal Hall Campsite? Tell us what you thought!

Need to know

Frequently asked questions about Rydal Hall Campsite

Quick filters

Site rules

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.

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.

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

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.

The site asks guests to be quiet between the hours of 10.30pm and 7.30am and refrain from excessive noise at all times.

Pitches

Yes, a layout of the site and surrounding areas can be viewed here.

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

Sorry, cars are not permitted on the camping field but guests are welcome to park in the designated area, just a short walk away.

Facilities

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.

Sorry, there is no WiFi onsite.

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.

What's nearby

Church for Rydal Mount bus stop is just a five minute walk away. Windermere is the closest station, located a 15 minute drive away.

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 October 28th, 2025 at 1:33 AM

Finding other sites like Rydal Hall Campsite

Nearby towns and attractions

AmblesideBorrowdaleBowness-on-WindermereChapel StileConistonGlenriddingGrasmereGrizedaleHawksheadHelvellynKeswickLake WindermerePatterdale
Pooley BridgeRosthwaiteScafell PikeSeathwaiteSeatollerTorverTroutbeckUllswaterWindermere

Other related searches

All year round campsites in Cumbria & Lake DistrictBest campsites in EnglandBest campsites in the Lake District
Camping and glamping pods in Cumbria & Lake District Campsites in Cumbria & Lake District Campsites that allow fires in Cumbria & Lake DistrictDog friendly campsites in Cumbria & Lake DistrictEco campsitesFamily campsites in Cumbria & Lake DistrictGlamping holidays in Cumbria & Lake District One night glampingOutstanding Sites for 2025Woodland and forest campsites in Cumbria & Lake District

Similar sites

Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria (18.3 miles)

Peaceful, small and quiet campsite in the Lake District, just below Skiddaw. Only 15 minutes to Keswick.

Cherry Trees Farm

Cherry Trees Farm

Hesket Newmarket, Wigton, Cumbria (20.3 miles)

Nestled on the edge of the Lake District National Park, family friendly camping and pods with hot tubs.

Crake Trees Manor

Crake Trees Manor

Penrith, Cumbria (17.6 miles)

Camping and glamping pods in the wildflower meadows on an organic farm. In Yorkshire Dales, 15 minutes from Lakes.

Sizergh Caravan and Camping

Sizergh Caravan and Camping

Kendal, Cumbria (14.7 miles)

Idyllic farm campsite nestled between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales with an onsite farm shop and cafe.

Harbour Lights

Harbour Lights

Haverigg, Millom, Cumbria (21.7 miles)

Family friendly site at the edge of the Lake District with direct beach access and an onsite ice cream parlour!