Glen Rothay

On the eastern edge of Rydal Water, north of Ambleside, Glen Rothay is a traditional and quirky bed and breakfast with the added benefit of a classic 400 year old pub attached. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Rydal Mount, a former home of William Wordsworth, and from the shore of Rydal Water with the magnificent Rydal Caves just beyond. The hotel is brimming with unique characteristics, from the pub’s toilets built into a rocky cave, to the nightly badger feeding sessions in the hotel’s gardens, along with charming period features.
There are some great walking opportunities in the area, with Loughrigg Fell being perfect for beginners, and the Fairfield Horseshoe providing a gruelling challenge. Other nearby attractions include Dove Cottage, whilst the pretty village of Grasmere with its delectable gingerbread is just 2-miles away.
Hotel Amenities
- Bar
- Beer Garden
- Dog Friendly
- Parking
- Restaurant
- Wifi
Accommodation
No two rooms are the same at Glen Rothay. There are 12 rooms in total and one self contained suite. Standard rooms are anything but. Oozing with charm these rooms do lack spectacular views, but they make up for it with stylish and elegant décor from William Morris complemented with period features, such as exposed beams and fireplaces. All are doubles, but some have additional single beds making them ideal for families. All have newly refurbished en-suite bathrooms and all include free toiletries, televisions, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi
There are three Superior rooms that all boast of delightful views. The Kentmere is a dual aspect room with king size bed, single bed, and spacious seating area. The Rydal room has an impressive superking sized four-poster bed, seating area, and a private balcony. Rothay is ideal for families. It has a four-poster bed, two single beds, seating area, and a private patio built into the rock. For larger families, the Woodland Suite is house in a small cottage next to the hotel. It has large bedroom with a super king bed, seating area, and a single bed, and on the second floor there is a second bedroom with two single beds.

Restaurants & Bars
Whilst one side of the building is used for the bed and breakfast, the other side is a classic British inn. The Badger Bar has exposed beams, open log fires, and is brimming with character. The bar has four locally brewed ales, 40 whiskies, and a fantastic selection of spirits and wines. There are board games, a huge beer garden, and the toilets are somewhat unique, being carved into the rock face. Bar snacks are available.
In the dining room, food is served between 12noon and 3pm and then from 6pm until 9pm each day. Classic pub grub is available including favourites, such as fish and chips, burgers, and Cumberland sausage and mash. Local ingredients are used wherever possible. For hotel guests, breakfast is served each morning between 8am and 9.30am and is included in the room rate. Along with cereals, fruits, and toast, a full cooked breakfast is available, with a vegetarian option.
Map
Other Hotels in and Around Ambleside
- Briery Wood Country House Hotel
- Nanny Brow
- Rooms at the Apple Pie
- The Gables Guest House
- The Fisherbeck
- Crow How Country Guest House
- Innkeeper's Lodge - The White Lion Hotel
- The Temperance Inn, Ambleside
- Lake House, Ambleside
- The Log House
- Ambleside Townhouse
- Wateredge Inn
- Brathay Hall
- Skelwith Bridge Hotel
- The Waterhead Inn Ambleside
- Wordsworth Hotel and Spa
- Sawrey House Hotel
- Rydal Lodge
- Queen's Head Inn & Restaurant (Hawkshead)
- New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
- Grizedale Lodge
- Ees Wyke Country House
- Rothay Manor
- Windermere Rooms at the Wateredge Inn
- Macdonald Swan Hotel
- Langdale Hotel and Spa
- Best Western Ambleside Salutation Hotel
- Ambleside Central