Book Now
Accessibility Information

Sustainability

Committed To Continual Improvement

Our Environmental Performance

Our objective is to create a climate of environmental excellence in the services and products we provide for employees, volunteers and guests. To do this, we manage our activities to minimise their effect on the environment. We are committed to continual improvement at all levels and in all parts of the organisation.

In particular, we aim to become the Diocese of Carlisle’s flagship for sustainability and exemplary environmental practice, leading by example. However, we recognise that we can only achieve this by regularly monitoring our environmental performance against clear objectives. Hover over the boxes below to see our objectives.

First, we identify, control or eliminate the risk of pollution arising from any of our activities, products and services.
We meet and exceed all regulations relating to environmental matters. Where none currently exist, we also adopt safe and environmentally acceptable standards.
We reduce our waste to the lowest practical level by recycling, upcycling or using other management systems. In addition, we ensure responsible disposal of waste materials created or received. We also carry out environmental audits and measure the results against established targets.
We minimise the use of materials, resources and energy in all future developments. Similarly, we assess the environmental effects when sourcing raw materials.
We keep electricity use in all buildings as low as possible. For example, we use more efficient methods of heating and lighting.
We encourage employee involvement in all environmental matters. We also provide suitable training and support for all employees and volunteers on this environmental policy. Furthermore, anyone working on our behalf must know about and agree to comply with this policy.
Next, we address the environmental impact of travel to the Hall by exploring ways to encourage sustainable transport.
Wherever possible, we promote local, sustainable and fair-trade products.
In the grounds, we continually remove and manage invasive species to help protect native species.
We tell staff, volunteers, guests and visitors about the importance of our work. To do this, we use information boards, media, events and activities, leaflets and word of mouth.
Finally, we review this policy in the light of any new knowledge, legislation or public concern.
Carefully & Mindfully Managed

Our Activities

We carefully and mindfully manage our activities to minimise their effect on the environment. After all, we believe that small steps can add up to significant change. You’ll find our twelve sustainability activities below.

Eco-Policy

We have a clear eco-policy statement and apply this ethos to all our actions on site. We also encourage guests and visitors to share their thoughts and ideas, so that together we can keep reducing our carbon footprint.

Turbine

Our hydro turbine, installed in 2015, converts the potential energy of Rydal Beck into hydro power. As a result, it provides us with up to 500 kW of green energy.

Water

Water cascades down from the summit of Fairfield. We then filter it to supply fresh drinking water to our Campsite, Bunkhouse and Holiday Cottages.

Hall

The Hall shop stocks a selection of Fair Trade, organic, ethical and all-natural products for our guests. Meanwhile, our housekeeping team uses only environmentally friendly products and is always looking for ways to cut plastic and waste. We also have an eco-deal for visitors travelling to Rydal Hall by public transport. For instance, any 7-night booking on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis comes with a free Stagecoach bus pass.

Gardens

Bruna, our award-winning gardener, manages the gardens using only green horticultural practices. In addition, she has established an organic vegetable garden to grow produce for the Hall and staff.

Estate

We manage the Estate and Woodlands using eco-forest practices. For example, horses extract the timber, which provides a sustainable fuel source and creates wildlife habitat stacks.

Wildlife Ponds

We have established several wildlife ponds, wetlands and bug hotels to encourage biodiversity. At the same time, we are building links with local schools so they can use our site as an environmental education resource.

Red Squirrels

Rydal Hall and Estate is a designated conservation area. Thanks to our active work, the native Red Squirrel population has successfully returned to our site.

Woodland

Guests can wander through the woodland, explore the sculptures or even take a dip in the river.

Food

We source our catering products from local suppliers only. As a result, our food travels fewer miles. Our chef is also always looking for ways to reduce food packaging and introduce refillable dispensers. Afterwards, we compost all kitchen waste on site. Organic and ethically sourced wine and local beers are available in our bar.

Refillable Drinks Bottles

We have adopted the national Refill app to encourage guests to refill their reusable bottles with our natural fell water. In fact, we have removed all plastic bottles from our Tea Shop and Hall shop, and we keep working to reduce unnecessary packaging. Guests can also buy our not-for-profit, refillable take-away drinks bottles, which are made from organic material and are fully compostable.

Tea Shop

Guests who leave their car at home and cycle to Rydal receive a 10% discount on drinks. They can also recharge their electric bikes for free. Likewise, all guests who bring their own reusable mug receive a 10% drinks discount.
Harnessing Natural Power

Rydal Hall Hydro

Our hydro turbine, installed in 2015, converts the potential energy of Rydal Beck into hydro power. As a result, it provides us with up to 500 kW of green energy.

Watch our video for a behind-the-scenes look!

Our Video
Bookings At Rydal

Looking For A Retreat Or Venue For A Large Group?

At Rydal we host a number of wonderful retreats and events throughout the year. We also cater for group bookings for friends and family, and leisure and business groups, all within the extraordinary surroundings and our beautiful estate.

Group Bookings

Visit The Chapel

Discover Retreats

Our Community

Subscribe

Subscribe to get details of special offers, information about upcoming retreats and to receive the latest newsletter.

Accessibility Information

Our property is a Grade II listed building, and due to its historic nature, some areas may present accessibility challenges. If you have mobility difficulties or any specific accessibility requirements and are considering staying with us, we kindly ask that you contact us by telephone before booking. We will be happy to discuss your needs and help you determine whether our accommodation is suitable for your stay.

You can also read our full accessibility statement.

Call 01539 432050