There are many questions that come time and time again, so to help you with your query, we have placed the most frequently asked questions below. Naturally should you need further clarification, please call us on: 015394 32050.
Staying at Rydal Hall – General FAQs
Can we bring dogs to the Hall? (+ Show)
Yes in certain rooms and subject to an additional fee to cover the cost of deep cleaning at the end of your stay. We do not permit dogs on the furniture. We also ask that the dog is never left unattended.
Can individuals stay in the Hall? (+ Show)
Yes, we welcome groups and individuals. We offer a choice of full board, half board or B and B terms.
Is there a choice of meals for dinner? (+ Show)
Yes, there is usually a choice of two starters and a meat, vegetarian and fish option for main course. For dessert there is choice of pudding or fresh fruit
What are the check in and check out times? (+ Show)
Rooms are available from 4.00pm on arrival day and we ask that you vacate your room by 10.00am on the day or your departure. If you wish to stay longer to enjoy the grounds and tea shop then we are happy to store your luggage.
Are towels provided? (+ Show)
Yes, along with soap and shampoo.
Do you accept credit and debit cards? (+ Show)
Yes, unfortunately for credit cards we have to add on 2% as we are charged by credit card companies. There is no extra charge for debit cards.
Is your Time and Space offer on all year round? (+ Show)
Yes, subject to availability and can be booked up to three months in advance. See Time and Space offer for terms and conditions.
How do I book a Yurt? (+ Show)
What is your cancellation policy? (+ Show)
We urge you to read through our Booking Conditions carefully before making a booking and ensure that you have adequate holiday insurance. When booking one of our special offers we take full payment in advance. Special offer fees are not refundable.
Do you charge a single supplement? (+ Show)
When all single rooms have been booked, we do not charge a supplement for single occupancy of a twin/double room. If you wish to reserve a specific twin/double room for single occupancy when a single room is available, then a supplement will be payable.
Do you have facilities for those with limited mobility? (+ Show)
Because this is a very old building it’s simply not possible to ensure that all areas are accessible to those with limited mobility. However, although there are no ground floor bedrooms, we do have a number of first floor bedrooms that can be accessed from a seated chair lift. For further information please refer to our accessibility statement. (enter link)
Do you have family rooms? (+ Show)
We have several larger rooms which are ideal for families. We have travel cots (own cot bedding is required) and fold away beds that are available at no extra charge. Please enquire when booking.
Do you cater for vegetarians and special diets? (+ Show)
Please discuss your needs with our Bookings Team prior to making a booking. We cater for vegetarians and will do our best to cater for medically essential dietary requirements such as nut, dairy, wheat and gluten allergies. Please ensure you inform us of special needs when you book.
What are the arrangements for eating in the dining room? (+ Show)
Generally those staying as individual guests are invited to sit together around tables that seat between 1—12 guests. Breakfast is usually served at 8.30am and dinner is usually served at 6.30pm although this may vary slightly according to the needs of large groups staying. Conference or large groups will be seated together.
Is there a choice of menu? (+ Show)
At breakfast there is a wide choice of cereals, fruit, croissants and yoghurt in addition to a full cooked breakfast, toast & preserves. Dinner offers a choice of starters, main course & dessert. Click here to download sample menus. (add link to menu downloads)
Are all bedrooms en suite? (+ Show)
All our rooms now offer ensuite or private bathroom facilities.
Are there tea and coffee making facilities in the bedrooms? (+ Show)
Yes, all rooms have hospitality trays that are replenished daily.
Do you have hair dryers? (+ Show)
If you require a hairdryer please ask at reception.
Do you have TV and internet access in the bedrooms? (+ Show)
There is a television and a computer in the Library for guests to use provided the room has not been pre-booked by a conference group. There are no TVs in the bedrooms. We have wireless internet throughout the building, but please note that the signal strength will vary due to the age of the building.
How many can be accommodated in the Hall? (+ Show)
There are 30 bedrooms consisting of a combination of double, twin and single bedrooms (all with ensuite or private facilities). If single occupancy of bedrooms is required, the maximum number of residents that can be accommodated is 30. For groups consisting of friends and families sharing rooms we can offer 50 bed spaces plus travel cots and foldaway beds. The Bookings Team will be happy to advise you.
Occasionally we host residential conferences with a maximum of 90 by including our Youth Centre accommodation. On these occasions guests in the Youth Centre will take their meals in the Hall with the rest of the conference group.
What is the capacity of the various meeting rooms? (+ Show)
We have a number of meeting rooms suitable for many kinds of events. Our informal and relaxed atmosphere lends itself to conferences, and house-party style group events. We regularly host events for artists, walkers and spiritual retreats.
Bishop Bulley Barn
• Ideally suited for our wedding receptions, dances and larger meetings.
• Maximum seated capacity is approx 100.
Main House
Within the Hall there are four smaller meeting rooms:
• Drawing Room which seats approx 50
• The Old Kitchen which seats 30
• The Library which seats approx 20
• The Bishops Room which holds approx 10 – 15
Is the cost of a meeting room included in the cost per person for group/conference bookings?
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Yes, when the Full Board option is booked a main meeting room will be allocated depending on the size of group and nature of the event. If additional break-out rooms are required, please discuss your needs with the Bookings Team. There may need to be an additional charge. We aim to keep a smaller room (e.g. the Library or the Bishop’s Room) reserved for individual guests to use during their stay.
Staying in the Stable Holiday Cottage – FAQs
What time can we arrive and when do we have to vacate the cottage? (+ Show)
Arrival is from 4.00pm and departure is by 10.00am in order to allow sufficient time to service the cottage ready for new arrivals.
Can more than four guests stay in the cottage? (+ Show)
There is a double bedroom and a twin bedroom and under no circumstances must the maximum of four guests be exceeded.
What about dogs? (+ Show)
One small well-behaved dog is permitted for which an additional charge will be made. Your dog must never be left unattended in the cottage and must be kept off all furniture. It must be kept on a lead at all times in the grounds and, of course, owners must clear up after their dog.
Is heating included in the cost? (+ Show)
Yes, the Stable Cottage is centrally heated and an initial basket of logs is provided free of charge. If more logs are required there will be a small charge.
Do we have to provide tea towels, towels and sheets? (+ Show)
No, all bedding, tea towels and towels are provided and beds are made up ready for guests’ arrival.
Is there a garden and a BBQ? (+ Show)
There is a small, enclosed garden area with seating but no BBQ. The Stable Cottage is set in the magnificent grounds of the Hall itself with all the delights of waterfalls, Rydal Beck and the beautiful Thomas Mawson Gardens that guests are welcome to enjoy.
Can we have meals in the Hall and use the Chapel? (+ Show)
Those staying in the Stable Cottage are welcome to book meals in the Hall provided they do so in advance and subject to availability of space. You are welcome to join in Chapel services at 8.00am & 5.00pm.
Campsite – FAQs
Are you able to park your car by the tent? (+ Show)
No, cars are not permitted on grassed areas.
Are dogs allowed on the campsite? (+ Show)
Yes, provided they are kept on a lead at all times and owners clear up immediately after their dog. Failure to do so will result in a request to leave the campsite.
Can we just turn up and camp on your campsite? (+ Show)
No, we prefer people to book in advance. All camping and pod bookings need to be paid for at the time of booking and are non-refundable.
Are BBQs and fires permitted? (+ Show)
In order to prevent damage to the grass only raised BBQs are permitted. There is a campfire circle that large groups may choose to reserve.
What time can we arrive? (+ Show)
Campers can arrive from noon onwards and need to go to the Hall to register. We ask that you vacate your pitch by noon.
Is there a shop on site? (+ Show)
We have a wonderful Tea Shop in our grounds but for purchasing provisions the nearest place is Ambleside.
Eco Pod – FAQs
When can we arrive and what time do we need to vacate the pods? (+ Show)
Pods are available from 4.00pm and we ask you to vacate your pod by 10.00am on the day of departure in order to allow sufficient time for cleaning.
What about cooking facilities? (+ Show)
Each pod has a cooking area outside for cooking/BBQs.
What are the eco-pods like? Do they have heating and lighting? (+ Show)
Carpeted wooden huts with decking at the front. They are not heated and have minimal lighting so you need to bring everything you would do for camping except the tent!
What about showers and toilets? (+ Show)
Pod dwellers use the campsite showers, toilets and washing up facilities.
Can we park the car by the pod? (+ Show)
No, we do not permit cars on grassed areas. There is a designated parking area nearby for the use of pod dwellers.
Youth Centre – FAQs
Do we have to book the whole place or can we just book a few bunk spaces? (+ Show)
We only let the Youth Centre out for exclusive use and the cost per night is the same whether there are ten or thirty six in your group.
What about heating? (+ Show)
In addition to the background heating there is a large woodburner in the communal room. Baskets of logs may be purchased.
What about bedding and towels? (+ Show)
You need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillowcase & towels. In addition, some guests bring a fitted bottom sheet. You might choose to bring an extra blanket in winter or we can supply if required.
What kitchen equipment do we need to bring? (+ Show)
There is enough crockery & cutlery for thirty six people plus pots, pans, dishes & utensils. There is a freezer, refrigerator, cooker & microwave. You will need to provide your own tea towels, dishcloths & washing up liquid.
Is there a games room and a television? (+ Show)
No, but there is a large communal room where the woodburner is located with enough tables and chairs for the whole group.
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