Rydal Village

Rydal Village is 1 mile from Brockstone Grasmere Cottage. Turn left out of the cottage gate, and amble along the famous old “Coffin Route”, also known as the “Wordsworth Walk”. This link shows you the route in reverse via GPS.with some lovely photos.

After about 20 minutes of easy walking and glorious views you arrive at Rydal Village. Here is a post I wrote about walking around Rydal Water, taking in Rydal Village. 

What to see at Rydal Village

Rydal Hall

In Rydal Village you will find Rydal Hall and Gardens, formerly the home of the Le Fleming family, now owned by the Diocese of Carlisle . Rydal Hall is well worth a visit. The gardens hold lots of hidden treasures.

Rydal Church

You can also visit Rydal Church. Wordsworth was instrumental in organising the building of Rydal Church. At the time, there was now church in Rydal ( which is why the coffin route went from Rydal to the ancient church of St Oswald’s in Grasmere) For more information about Rydal Church click here.  

Rydal Mount

The Dove Cottage in Grasmere  is Wordsworth’s most famous home,  but when he became rich and famous he moved to Rydal Mount. in Rydal Village. Rydal Mount is a charming house with beautiful gardens and views, open to the public.

The Old Schoolroom tea room Rydal

Stop off on your walk for home made soup, sandwiches and cakes at Rydal Hall tea room, known as the Old Schoolroom tea shop.  For more information click this link.

The Badger Bar Rydal Village

Rydal Village has very few houses, and no shops, but it does have a pub with a great choice of beers and good food. The Badger Bar is popular with the locals and visitors. What could be better than stopping off for a local beer on your walk round Rydal Water?  Here’s a link to the Badger Bar website. 

Dora’s Field Rydal Village

Dora’s Field is beside Rydal Church and Rydal Mount. Wordsworth had always planned to build a house for his daughter, Dorothy (Dora) there. Sadly Dora died, and William planted many daffodils there in her memory. Dora’s Field, Rydal Village, is now owned by the National Trust. If you can , visit Dora’s Field at Daffodil time, or to see the bluebells.

Rydal Woods

Just over the road from the Badger Bar, cross the bridge (known as Dipper Bridge) and follow the path to your right to Rydal Woods. Rydal Woods  are home to the most wonderful display of bluebells. The picturesque location is the site of many photo shoots and the inspiration for many artists.

Rydal Caves

Rydal Caves are not in the village itself. You need to cross the road at the Badger Bar, go over the bridge, turn right through the Rydal Woods to the start of Rydal Water, then strike out on the high path to your left.

There are so many glorious walks that you can do from the door of Brockstone Grasmere Cottage. Here is a link to the “White Moss Walks” , so called because Brockstone is in the famous  The walk to Rydal Village is just a delightful walk to have on your doorstep.

 Rydal Village attracts visitors from around the world. It’s on your doorstep when you stay at  Brockstone Grasmere Cottage. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading this page. All the photographs are my own. You may use them, but please credit me, and link back to this page.

Sue Dixon – on twitter @GrasmereCottage and @Whitemosshouse  and also on Facebook