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

BADGER BAR, Ambleside

•
8.8|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$142 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
01Nov
Check-out
02Nov
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Glen Rothay, Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, Ambleside
-
Near Loughrigg Fell
Great
8.8
/10
4.8
4.5
/5

Historic hotel with nightly badger feeding in the Lake District

Unique Badger Experience

Badger Bar offers a nightly badger feeding session on the hotel grounds, allowing guests to observe wild badgers up close from a designated viewing area. The 400-year-old building itself is a piece of local history, with original character throughout the bar and lounges. The bar has no TV, encouraging relaxation and conversation among guests and visitors.

Dining and Ales

The on-site dining room serves homemade pub meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, including a traditional full English breakfast and classics like steak pie and sticky toffee pudding. The bar stocks a broad selection of locally brewed real ales and 40 whiskies, with menu items such as fish and chips and vegetarian ravioli. Breakfast options include porridge, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and a Cumbrian breakfast, all made to order.

Rooms and Accommodations

Each room at Badger Bar comes with a private bathroom, digital TV, and tea/coffee making facilities, with some rooms offering woodland or mountain views. Room types include double rooms, superior family rooms with balconies, and single rooms in a separate cottage annex. The hotel offers free private parking on site and provides pet bowls and a dog welcome pack for canine guests.

Location and Outdoor Activities

Situated opposite Rydal Water in the Lake District National Park, Badger Bar provides direct access to scenic walking trails, including circular routes to Grasmere via the Coffin Route. The property is a 20-minute bus ride from Windermere, with a bus stop less than two minutes away, and close to Rydal Cave and Loughrigg Fell. Guests can also enjoy river cruises on Lake Windermere and mountain biking in the surrounding hills.

Pet and Family Friendly

Badger Bar is a dog-friendly hotel that welcomes pets throughout the property, offering pet bowls and a dedicated dog welcome pack in the room. The hotel has family rooms that sleep up to four guests, and children can enjoy the garden and the badger watching area. The resident collie, Kooki, often greets guests in the bar, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights

Experience: Nightly badger feeding in the hotel grounds

Dining: Homemade pub meals with local ales & 40 whiskies

Rooms: Superior family rooms with balconies

Location: Direct access to Rydal Water walks

Pet: Dog welcome pack and pet bowls provided

Historic: 400-year-old building with original charm

Must-do experiences

  • Hike to Stock Ghyll Force for stunning waterfalls just outside Ambleside.
  • Try the famous Grasmere Gingerbread at Sarah Nelson's shop nearby.
  • Visit the Armitt Museum for local history and art exhibitions.
  • Take a scenic boat trip from Ambleside to Waterhead for gorgeous views.
  • Explore the charming shops at the Ambleside Market every Thursday.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 Queen-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Large Double Room
    2 persons
    30 m²
    1 Double bed and 1 Single bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Double Room Woodland View
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 Queen-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

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

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking

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
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Dining Onsite

At Badger Bar, experience heartwarming British classics in a cozy atmosphere that welcomes all ages. With family-friendly dining options and a focus on comforting, traditional meals, this pub is a delightful stop for travelers exploring the beautiful Lake District.
  • Badger Bar

    British pub food
    Ambiance
    Family-friendly, cozy with open fires
    Key Offerings
    Indulge in huge fish and chips, flavorful curries, juicy burgers, and traditional Cumberland sausage, all prepared to satisfy after a day of exploring. Enjoy a traditional full English breakfast with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.
    Reservation
    No
    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; dinner hours Tuesday to Sunday from 17:30 to 19:30

Badger Bar Location

Glen Rothay, Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, Ambleside
Map view
Nearby
Nature reserve
National Trust Dora's Field
50 m
Restaurants
Rydal River Cafe
5.76 km
Rydal Road Rydal Lodge
Explore Ambleside
Explore Glen Rothay
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Rydal Cave
Rydal Cave
14 minutes' walk
A stunning geological formation with impressive views, ideal for photography and exploration.
Bridge House
Bridge House
25 minutes' walk
An iconic 18th-century house set over a stream, showcasing traditional architecture and charming scenery.
Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage
25 minutes' walk
William Wordsworth's former home, rich in literary history, offering guided tours and beautiful gardens.
Ambleside Roman Fort
Ambleside Roman Fort
30 minutes' walk
Ruins of a Roman fort with interpretive panels, providing insights into the region's ancient past.
Hiking Nab Scar
15 minutes' walk
Thrilling hiking trails offering breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells.
Yoga at Rothay Park
25 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions in a scenic park setting, perfect for all skill levels.
Cycling Around Rydal Water
10 minutes' drive
Bike rentals available nearby for cycling along picturesque routes around Rydal Water.
Fellinis Cinema
25 minutes' walk
Art-house cinema with eclectic dining options, featuring local ingredients and cozy ambiance.
The Ambleside Tavern
30 minutes' walk
Casual pub with a vibrant atmosphere, known for hearty meals and a selection of local ales.
Rydal River Cafe
Rydal River Cafe
15 minutes' drive
Charming cafe offering homemade dishes and stunning views; vegan and gluten-free options available.
Bard's View Bar
25 minutes' walk
Relaxed bar offering live music on weekends and a cozy atmosphere for unwinding after a long day.
Ambleside Sports
30 minutes' walk
Family-friendly annual event showcasing local sports, crafts, and food, typically held in August.
Getting around the city
  • 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
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

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Badger Bar from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Badger Bar is often praised for its location near Rydal Tarn, making it a great starting point for walks and enjoying the scenery. Guests frequently mention the tasty food, generous portions, and good beer in the restaurant and bar. The Woodland room is noted for its spaciousness and modern bathroom with a hot shower, however, Dora's room can be affected by kitchen extractor noise. The badger feeding is a definite highlight for many visitors.
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Review score
Based on 7 verified reviews
7.7 /10
Very good
100%
Recommend
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Spacious room
Comfy bed
Great food
Cons
Dirty bathroom
Lack of heating
Grubby property
Guest reviews
based on 7 reviews
7.7/10
based on 737 reviews
8.8/10
zoe from united kingdom
Family with children
standard double or twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 29, 2025
7/10
huge choice gorgeous breakfast delicious meals cute log fires iron burn old furniture small bar area
the breakfasts were gorgeous and offered a huge choice. the meals in the restaurant were delicious. the staff were helpful and lovely. log fires in the bar and restaurants.
the carpet had multiple iron burn marks. it definitely needs a full makeover. the bedroom furniture felt somewhat 1980s with pine.
0 Helpful
joseph from united kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 17, 2026
6/10

underwhelming stay

low water pressure disorganized service
The shower was quite disappointing. The water pressure was low. it barely provided a trickle. also, the breakfast service was slow and disorganized. we waited a long time for our food to arrive and the order was not correct. i found this frustrating
0 Helpful
matthew from united kingdom
Family with children
double room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 10, 2026
7/10

a mostly positive experience

customer service great bar water pressure lukewarm water
the staff demonstrated excellent customer service. the location is conveniently near the town and various walking trails. it still offers a relaxing atmosphere away from the busier areas. the evening meal after our walk was great. the bar service was also commendable.
i found the washing facilities in the room quite poor. the water pressure in the shower was dismal, barely more than a dribble. the water was not even lukewarm, even after running it for ten minutes. i suggest checking if other rooms have this issue.
0 Helpful
Eva L from Germany
Single
Large Double Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 23, 2025
9.4/10

wonderful hotel experience

ample space nice highlight
I stayed in the woodland room, and it offered plenty of space. the bathroom felt modern with a really hot shower. the badger feeding each night was a nice highlight. It enhanced the overall experience.
during my stay, i noticed the bar area felt a little cold and could benefit from some attention to cleanliness.
Service
9/10
the staff provided excellent service during both the evening meal and breakfast. the team was very helpful and attentive to all requests. i found the service to be consistently high quality.
Location
10/10
the hotel provides an ideal setting with a bus stop nearby, only 50 yards away. this makes visiting grasmere or other areas simple. the hotel enables convenient travel without a car.
Rooms
9/10
my large double room included a very modern bathroom. there was a hot shower. the room provided everything i needed.
Dining
9/10
breakfast had a good variety of options and felt high quality. veggie sausages were glamorgan sausages and the toast was served in a rack. the evening meal offered large portions.
Facilities
10/10
the hotel provided convenient onsite parking, very helpful. i found this feature beneficial, as i could easily park. parking availability enhanced my stay.
0 Helpful
|
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Philip from United Kingdom
Family with children
Double Room
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: November 16, 2025
6/10

Inconsistent Experience at the Hotel

lost order incorrect order
I had booked a return visit , but the second breakfast was a real letdown. Our group of four found no table ready , unlike the first morning. Thirty minutes passed with no food , then staff said the order was lost. It took another fifteen minutes , and the order was still wrong. I told the staff , who tried to fix it , but they failed.
0 Helpful
barbara from germany
Single
deluxe double room mountain view
4 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: October 01, 2025
9.5/10

amazing stay!

fantastic location great beer amazing food great hotel
i really enjoyed my stay! the hotel has a fantastic location that is great for exploring! the bar has great local beers! the food tasted amazing!!!
my room was located near a road, and i heard some slight traffic noise at night.
Service
9/10
the staff were friendly and quick to help when i needed something! they created a cute atmosphere . they were very nice and efficient.
Rooms
10/10
my room had very comfy beds and was spotlessly clean! the room felt warm and cozy! i had great sleep .
Location
9/10
the hotel offers easy access to several walking trails! many charming shops and local eateries are very close! the scenery is picturesque and easily accessible from this location.
Dining
10/10
the restaurant features a real fire! the drinks selection had a great range! the portions were huge and very fulfilling.
0 Helpful
|
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Elaine from United Kingdom
Family with children
large double room
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: August 23, 2025
9.3/10

charming stay, nice touches

birthday balloons good breakfast friendly staff
the staff surprised my husband with birthday balloons and a present. our usual room, loughrigg, was just right for us. we enjoyed the very good food and had great breakfast every morning. eleonor and lenny provided morning coffee and sausage butties when we arrived.
the water pressure in the shower was less than ideal, this did affect the overall convenience.
Service
10/10
the team members handled all requests with sensitivity. the staff were really good too ensure a pleasant stay. they provided warm welcomes and helpful tips for exploring the area.
Rooms
9/10
The large double room featured a very modern bathroom with a hot shower. the space offered ample room, accommodating our needs comfortably. it had character and was very cosy. A great detail was the fine views of the woodland.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel is ideally situated near a bus stop. The location allows easy access to nearby attractions. the hotel has a large private car park, convenient. there are lakeside walks easily accessible from the hotel.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Badger Bar
What time is check-in and check-out at Badger Bar?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
What are the closest attractions to Badger Bar?
Nearby attractions include Rydal Water (0.3 km), Grasmere (4 km), and Lake Windermere (6 km).
What type of dining options are available at Badger Bar?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar serving homemade pub meals and a variety of local ales.
What special features does Badger Bar offer?
Guests can enjoy unique badger watching sessions and cozy log fires in a historic 400-year-old building.
Which room amenities are available at Badger Bar?
Rooms include a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and en-suite facilities.
What breakfast options are provided at Badger Bar?
A traditional full English breakfast is served, along with options such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and porridge.
What activities can guests enjoy at Badger Bar?
Local activities include hiking, mountain biking, and river cruises along Lake Windermere.
Does Badger Bar have free Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
How far is Badger Bar from Carlisle Lake District Airport?
The hotel is approximately 80 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.

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