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

Badger Bar, Ambleside

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From$142 /night
Check-in
12Aug
Check-out
13Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Badger Bar - A historic 3-star inn with cozy pub dining, badger sightings, and proximity to Lake District walks

Badger Bar, a 3-star inn rated 8.7/10 on Booking.com, occupies a historic 400-year-old building in Ambleside, surrounded by woodland where badgers and deer roam. The property features en-suite rooms with private bathrooms, digital TVs, and tea/coffee facilities, including family-friendly options like the Rothay and Woodland rooms. On-site, the bar serves classic pub dishes such as fish and chips, Cumberland sausage, and homemade pies, alongside locally brewed ales and whiskies. Guests can observe badger feedings at dusk (best viewed April-October) or explore nearby trails, including Rydal Water and Loughrigg Fell, within walking distance. Frequent bus services (Route 555) connect to Lancaster and Keswick.

Pros

The historic inn includes open fires, a large beer garden, and nightly badger feedings.

Dog-friendly rooms and public spaces accommodate pets for an additional fee.

Proximity to scenic Lake District walks, including routes starting directly from the property.

Hearty pub meals feature locally sourced ingredients and homemade dishes.

Cons

Some rooms have steep steps or uneven flooring due to the building's age.

Limited visibility of badgers during winter months.

Select your room type

Badger Bar offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    18 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Large Double Room
    2 persons
    30 sq. feet
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Double Room Woodland View
    2 persons
    18 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Room Rates & Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Badger Bar offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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
Show more

Badger Bar Location

Glen Rothay, Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, Ambleside
Explore Ambleside
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
National Trust Dora's Field
5 minutes' walk
A beautiful 2-acre site filled with stunning flowers, perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic.
Rydal Cave
14 minutes' walk
A fascinating natural cave featuring ancient geological formations, ideal for those interested in nature.
Bridge House
25 minutes' walk
An iconic 17th-century house straddling a river, celebrated for its unique architecture and scenic views.
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
20 minutes' walk
A museum dedicated to local history and art, showcasing diverse exhibitions and engaging community programs.
Hiking at Nab Scar
15 minutes' walk
A thrilling hike offering stunning valley views; trailheads accessible nearby for varying skill levels.
Yoga at Rothay Park
25 minutes' walk
Serene outdoor yoga sessions available during summer, providing relaxation amidst beautiful park scenery.
Fellinis Cinema
25 minutes' walk
Art-house cinema featuring a vegetarian restaurant, known for its unique pasta dishes and local ingredients.
Rydal River Cafe
15 minutes' drive
Relaxed cafe serving homemade dishes with a focus on local produce, ideal for leisurely lunches.
The Old Courthouse Gallery
25 minutes' walk
Gallery showcasing local artwork with frequent exhibitions and events, creating a vibrant artistic atmosphere.
Live Music at Ambleside
10 minutes' drive
Various venues hosting live music performances ranging from jazz to folk, perfect for an enjoyable night out.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Ambleside 30 min  ·  1.6 mi
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 115 min  ·  47.6 mi
    Blackpool International (BLK) 163 min  ·  67.4 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 28 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

Feedback about Badger Bar from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the Badger Bar's great location near Loughrigg, with easy bus access to Grasmere and Ambleside. The spacious rooms, particularly room 9 and the Woodland room, are often highlighted for their super comfy beds and modern bathrooms, some including a veranda. Breakfast receives high marks for its variety, while the pub offers large portion sizes, a good range of drinks, and, according to some, the bar area can feel a little cold. Seeing the badger feeding is an excellent experience for most.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 375 verified reviews
8.8 /10
Great
91 %
Recommend
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.5/10
Free WiFi
8.2/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Cozy atmosphere
Excellent food
Friendly staff
Quirky hotel
Cons
Limited parking
Weak shower
Loud traffic noise
Bathroom issues
Guest reviews
based on 375 reviews
8.8/10
based on 745 reviews
8.8/10
Elliot from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 13, 2026
9.0/10

amazing experience!

friendly staff amazing breakfast
i loved the friendly staff, they were really helpful. breakfast was amazing, and there was a super choice of food, they accomodated my dietary restrictions perfectly. the beds was super comfy, and the shower was great, i slept so well.
the bar area was a bit cold for me. the temperature made it less inviting, i did noticed that it needed better heating. this small issue affected my enjoyment of the evening.
Rooms
9/10
my room included a comfortable bed and a modern shower. the room featured fresh towels and toiletries. i really enjoyed the quietness and the dark curtains, allowing complete darkness during the night.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel has sitting rooms with real fires. i really enjoyed the atmosphere of the bar. the hotel provides free wifi in all areas, it ensures connectivity throughout the stay.
Location
10/10
the hotel located near a lovely walk by rydal water. i liked the easy access to trails. there are several local cask beers available in the bar, it promoted local breweries.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Eric from United States
Family with children
Large Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 29, 2025
6/10
dismal water pressure lukewarm water
The food in the evening was AMAZING!!! My partner could not finish a double burger. That almost never happens.
The shower offered dismal water pressure. It seemed like a dribble. The water was not even lukewarm, even after waiting ten minutes.
0 Helpful
Jim from United States
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 26, 2025
6/10

a mixed stay, some issues to note

dirty bathroom uncomfy beds
the location was easy to find so that was a plus.
i had a bathroom it was not so clean. i seen marks on the toilet seat and it smelled funny, like not cleaned good. also, the beds werent very comfy for sleeping. i expected better.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Badger Bar
What time is check-in and check-out at Badger Bar?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available at Badger Bar?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What are the nearest airports to Badger Bar?
The nearest airport is Carlisle Lake District, located 80 km away.
What dining options are available at Badger Bar?
The hotel features on-site dining with a bar menu offering a range of classic pub foods and local ales.
What type of breakfast is served at Badger Bar?
A traditional full English breakfast, including scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and porridge, is served each morning.
What are the room amenities at Badger Bar?
Rooms include a private bathroom, digital TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
What local attractions are near Badger Bar?
Nearby attractions include Rydal Water (0.5 km), Grasmere (5 km), and Lake Windermere (10 km).
What activities can guests enjoy at Badger Bar?
Guests can enjoy hiking through nearby hills and mountains, as well as river cruises along Lake Windermere.
What unique experiences are offered at Badger Bar?
Guests can engage in unique badger watching experiences every evening during the appropriate season.
Are there any notable features of Badger Bar's accommodations?
Rooms are designed with en-suite facilities and many offer picturesque views of the surrounding nature.
Is there a bar available at Badger Bar?
Yes, there is an on-site bar serving a variety of local ales and whiskies.

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