Badger Bar Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Exterior photoBadger Bar Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Exterior photoBadger Bar Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Exterior photo
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From142US$ /night
Check-in
24May2026Select date
Check-out
25May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Glen Rothay, Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, Ambleside, United Kingdom
-
Near Rydal Cave
Great
8.8
/10
4.7
4.5
/5

Amenities

The Badger Bar offers hearty food, local ales, and a warm welcome in a historic setting. Guests can enjoy log fires and a rotating selection of at least four locally brewed real ales. A sizable car park accommodates guests, and dogs are welcomed in various rooms and communal areas.

Rooms

The Glen Rothay provides double, twin, and family accommodations, with spacious options like the Rothay room featuring a four-poster bed. Rooms include the Woodland room, which allows dogs, and all bookings include en-suite facilities and a full Cumbrian breakfast. A selection of rooms has unique features, ensuring comfort and practicality for every guest.

Dining

The on-site restaurant specializes in homemade pub classics made from locally sourced ingredients, including fish and chips and Cumberland sausage. Guests can choose from snacks and main courses that emphasize seasonal flavors. The inn serves Sunday roasts with quality Cumbrian meats and traditional sides.

Location

Located in the Lake District, the hotel is just a two-minute walk from Rydal Water. Scenic walking trails extend in all directions, allowing direct access to the stunning surroundings. Nearby towns of Ambleside and Grasmere offer additional dining and outdoor experiences.

Entertainment

Each evening, guests can observe the magical sight of badgers being fed in the hotel grounds. The inn promotes a serene environment free from video games, encouraging relaxation and social interaction. An extensive beer garden provides space for leisurely afternoons amidst nature.

Highlights

Location: Two-minute walk to Rydal Water

Dining: Home-made proper pies

Entertainment: Badger feeding every evening

Rooms: Woodland room for dog owners

“In my opinion, its historic building and badger-watching sessions create a memorable experience, particularly for families and nature enthusiasts. The bar's focus on locally sourced food and ales, enjoyed without the distraction of television, makes for a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. I think the proximity to scenic trails and key Lake District attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring the area.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Double Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Large Double Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room Woodland View
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Double or Twin Room Woodland View
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

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

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

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

The Badger Bar invites travelers to relish classic British pub fare in a cozy, family-friendly setting. With its warm atmosphere and hearty meals, it offers a delightful culinary experience in the heart of the Lake District.
Badger Bar Bed & Breakfast Ambleside Restaurant photo

Badger Bar

British pub food
Ambiance
A cozy, family-friendly environment with open fires and an inviting atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include massive fish and chips, hearty Cumberland sausage, and flavorful curries, perfect after a day's exploration. A traditional full English breakfast featuring scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and porridge is also highlighted.
Reservation
No
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every evening from 17:30 to 19:30.

Badger Bar Bed & Breakfast Location

Glen Rothay, Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, Ambleside, United Kingdom
Map view
Glen Rothay, Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, Ambleside, United Kingdom
Nearby
Nature reserve
National Trust Dora's Field
200 ft
Restaurants
Rydal River Cafe
3.6 mi
Rydal Road Rydal Lodge
Explore Ambleside
Local Highlights Near Badger Bar
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Trust Dora's Field
5 minutes' walk
A tranquil field with beautiful flowers, perfect for picnics and nature strolls, just steps from the hotel.
Rydal Cave
Rydal Cave
14 minutes walking
A fascinating cave that offers unique rock formations and a picturesque setting for a short adventure.
Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage
25 minutes' walk
The historic home of poet William Wordsworth, showcasing his life and works, with guided tours available.
Bridge House
Bridge House
25 minutes' walk
An iconic structure perched over a stream; a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Hiking Nab Scar
15 minutes walking
A thrilling hike with stunning views over the landscape. Suitable for all skill levels, trail maps are available.
Relaxation at Rydal Water
50 minutes walking
Peaceful waterside walks and birdwatching opportunities await at this serene lake, ideal for unwinding amidst nature.
The Rattle Ghyll
25 minutes' walk
A cozy pub offering traditional British fare with a warm atmosphere and a selection of local ales. Reservations recommended.
Fellinis Cinema & Restaurant
25 minutes' walk
Dine in a stylish setting with a varied menu. Enjoy fine food before catching a film in the adjoining cinema.
Fellinis Cinema
25 minutes' walk
An independent cinema featuring the latest films in a unique setting, often with themed events and screenings.
Ambleside Tavern
25 minutes' walk
Lively atmosphere with local live music on weekends, making it great for both families and nightlife enthusiasts.
Getting around town
City Centre
Ambleside30 min  ·  1.6 mi
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)115 min  ·  47.6 mi
Blackpool International (BLK)163 min  ·  67.4 mi
Bus
Bus stop28 min  ·  1.4 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:30
Check-out
from 10:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Badger Bar guests are invited to a full breakfast served 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

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Badger Bar offers a beautiful and comfortable experience, often praised for its excellent food, especially the top-notch Cumbrian breakfast and dinner options like roast beef. The setting is particularly appreciated, with stunning surroundings including woods, a river, and a bridge, creating a scenic backdrop, especially near the kachel (stove). Some guests in specific rooms have noticed noise from the kitchen extractor fan. Nevertheless, the spacious family rooms with modern bathrooms and tea/coffee facilities are a hit, and the proximity to walking trails makes it easy to enjoy the scenery.
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Review score
Based on 535 verified reviews
8.9/10
Great
91%
Recommend
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
6.8/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Excellent location
Delicious food
Cons
Limited parking
Guest reviews
based on 535 reviews
8.9/10
based on 753 reviews
8.8/10
hannah from united kingdom
Family with children
superior family room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 25, 2026
8.7/10

lovely stay

ample spacehot showerveggie sausages
i enjoyed the woodland room as it offered ample space. the bathroom featured modern fixtures and a hot shower. breakfast included glamorgan veggie sausages and toast came in a rack. the badger feeding provided an excellent touch to the trip.
Location
9/10
the hotel offers a convenient bus stop nearby that is approximately 50 yards away. this allows easy access to grasmere and areas nearby. guests can explore various walking routes from there.
Rooms
9/10
the room was spacious with a comfortable bed. a modern bathroom included fresh towels for our use. we had ample space for our belongings and felt very at home .
Dining
8/10
the breakfast provided a great start to each day. the staff accommodated my dietary needs effectively. the food was cooked well, with good quality ingredients and attention to detail.
0 Helpful
|
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Martin from Germany
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 19, 2026
7/10
fine roomgood quality foodexcellent breakfastdirty bathroomtoilet seat marksstrong smell
the room was fine. it was also very comfortable. food was very good quality especially the breakfast.
the bathroom was dirty. i noticed marks on the toilet seat. the bathroom had a strong smell and i could tell it wasn't cleaned.
0 Helpful
Samantha from United Kingdom
Family with children
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 15, 2025
8.5/10

lovely stay!

quiet accommodationgood selectionhelpful staff
the location provided very easy access to attractions. our cottage annexe offered quiet accommodation. breakfast included a good selection of choices and the staff was helpful.
the room lacked a bin.
Rooms
9/10
The room was super clean and sparkling clean. the staff made sure everything was kept to a clean standard. i felt very comfortable . The experience was AMAZING!!!
Location
8/10
The building is old, with an interesting history. there are many walkers who visit. the location is fine. I had a great time going on cave and lake walks !!!
0 Helpful
|
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Jacob from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 04, 2025
8.7/10

Excellent Stay at Glen Rothay

south lakesgreat characterlocal beer
The location is excellent for exploring the South Lakes area. The hotel has great character. The bar had local beers, which i enjoyed. The food, while typical pub fare, WAS good!!!
The room had a slight musty odor. It was noticeable upon entry.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast offered plenty of choices. The food was of a very high standard. I found staff were always available to assist with any dining needs.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel includes a popular bar, frequently visited by locals. A live badger feeding area provides a unique experience. I saw the badgers feeding .
Rooms
9/10
My room was spacious and included a comfortable bed. The bathroom featured a large shower. The room was clean and well-kept during my four-night stay.
0 Helpful
|
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Richard from United Kingdom
Family with children
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 28, 2025
6/10

Acceptable Stay with Issues

convenient locationshower issueslow breakfast
The location provided a convenient base for exploring the area.
The shower abruptly stopped working mid-use and that delayed my evening plans. The breakfast service was also very slow. It took thirty minutes to receive a greasy hash brown with a small pot of beans.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Badger Bar
What time can I check in and check out at Badger Bar?
Check-in is available from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Badger Bar from the nearest airport?
Badger Bar is approximately 80 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.
What types of amenities can I find in the rooms at Badger Bar?
Rooms at Badger Bar include en-suite facilities, a digital TV, and tea/coffee making facilities.
What dining options are available at Badger Bar?
The hotel offers a bar menu featuring traditional pub food and a selection of local real ales.
Is parking available at Badger Bar?
Free private parking is available on-site for guests.
What activities can I enjoy while staying at Badger Bar?
Local activities include hiking through the nearby hills, mountain biking, and river cruises along Lake Windermere.
Which attractions are near Badger Bar?
Nearby attractions include Rydal Water (1 km), Lake Windermere (around 10 km), and Grasmere (approximately 7 km).
Does Badger Bar provide internet access?
Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
What is a highlight of staying at Badger Bar?
A unique experience at Badger Bar includes the opportunity to participate in badger feeding sessions every evening.

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24May2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room