Rydal Caves: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting (2023)
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Looking for information about the Rydal Caves? You’re in the right place! Visiting this beautiful part of the Lake District is one of the best things to do for all visitors due to its accessibility and interesting history.
Located on the slopes of Loughrigg Fell, the Rydal Cave is a man-made cavern created due to slate and rock excavation over 200 years ago. Nowadays, you can explore the Rydal Caves using the handy stepping stones and, if you’re brave enough, by dipping your feet through the crystal-clear water!
Easily accessible from the road, it’s a fun activity in one of the prettiest parts of the Lake District. In the following post, I discuss everything you need to know about the Rydal Caves and what makes them so special. If you’re planning an epic day out in the Lake District, this Rydal Caves travel guide is a great start!
TOP TIP: If you’re interested in doing the Loughrigg Fell walk, the Rydal Caves is a great stop-off on your way back home to either Rydal or Ambleside (especially if it’s raining, as they provide a great shelter!)
Still have a question about the Rydal Caves? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!
🇬🇧 Other Lake District walks:
- Castlerigg Stone Circle Walk: Routes, Tips & Guide!
- Loughrigg Fell From Ambleside: Complete Beginner Guide
- Latrigg Walk, Lake District: Complete Guide & Tips!
Where are the Rydal Caves?
The Rydal Caves are located between the towns of Ambleside and Grasmere, close to Rydal Water in the Lake District National Park.
If you’re visiting for the first time, a popular way to visit is via Loughrigg Fell, or walking from Ambleside. However, you can walk to the Rydal Cave from Grasmere, or visit after admiring the tranquility of Rydal Water.
The Rydal Cave is around a 15-minute walk from the main road (the A591). Whilst there’s no direct parking here, there is a bus stop. So if you want to visit the cave without a long walk, jump on the 599 from Ambleside and depart at the Glen Rothay Badger pub for an easy stroll over!
Other options include parking in the White Moss car park, which is around a 30-minute walk from the caves. Skip to the section ‘Rydal Caves from the White Moss Car Park‘ for more information.
Need somewhere to stay in the Lake District?
- Dog-friendly Ambleside apartment for couples
- A large cottage in Ambleside with a private garden
- Another cosy Ambleside cottage with a terrace and garden views
- The beautiful Grasmere Bridge House Hotel
- Belmont Hall in Hawkshead, a stunning hotel formerly owned by Beatrix Potter!
How long is the Rydal Cave walk?
The Rydal Cave walk distance depends on your starting point. There are many ways to access the caves and some walks are longer, more scenic or easier than others. For reference, these are some of the most popular Rydal Cave walks and their timings.
- Pelter Bridge car park: 20-30 minutes
- White Moss Car Park/Rydal Water Car Park > Rydal Caves: 30-40 minutes
- Rydal Village > Rydal Caves: 17-20 minutes
- Church for Rydal Mount bus stop > Rydal Caves: 15-20 minutes
- Ambleside > Rydal Caves: 1-1.5 hours
- Grasmere > Rydal Caves: 2-2.5 hours
- Loughrigg Fell > Rydal Caves: 2.5-3 hours
Rydal Cave walks
As previously mentioned, there are many starting points to reach the Rydal Caves. There aren’t any car parks less than a twenty-minute walk away (making it somewhat remote), but the nearest bus stop is around a 12-15 minute walk away.
Depending on the weather and how much time you have, the most popular walks to the Lake District cave are from Ambleside, Grasmere and Rydal Village. Below I discuss the pros and cons of each starting point, where to park and how to get there!
1. Rydal Caves from the White Moss car park
📍White Moss car park postcode: LA22 9SE (Ambleside)
🗺️ Distance to the Rydal Cave: 1 mile (30-40 minutes due to the terrain)
One of the most popular Rydal Cave walks is from the White Moss car park. This car park is known to be the starting point for multiple Lake District walks, so you may end up leaving your car here a few times!
The White Moss car park doesn’t have a cafe or any refreshment facilities, but it does have a clean toilet to use before setting off on your walk.
The downsides to the White Moss car park? It can get extremely busy – especially during peak times – and it’s expensive. Prices can go as high as £6 for 4 hours.
But the walk to the Rydal Caves from the White Moss is easy, and most of the terrain is pavement or gravel. There is a short section of mud, so if it’s a wet day, you may want to wear your wellies.
As you head towards the River Rothay (before seeing a signpost to the caves), you will need to cross a bridge, and then follow through part of the woodlands before reaching a slightly inclined hill. This is just before reaching the caves, where there are few rest stops and benches.
TOP TIP: The new Lake District parking system is a bit of a nightmare. Instead of the old-fashioned tickets, there are cameras that scan your number plate as you enter and leave. This means you can end up paying, accidentally overstaying a few minutes after (packing up the car etc.) and then being charged extra a few weeks later through the post. If you want to avoid this, keep away from any car parks with “Park With Ease” signs.
2. Rydal Caves from the Rydal Water car park
📍Rydal Water car park postcode: LA22 9SE
🗺️ Distance to the Rydal Cave: 1 mile (30-40 minutes due to the terrain)
Another popular option is starting from the Rydal Water car park. This is similar to the White Moss Car Park route, and you will still need to cross the River Rothay and head through the woodlands to reach the caves.
Again, this car park is expensive. If you would rather avoid high parking prices, check around the area for accessible parking laybys and streets. They’re hard to find, but they do exist!
3. Rydal Caves from Loughrigg Fell
📍Starting point: Zeffrelli’s, Ambleside (see more about the Loughrigg Fell route here)
🗺️ Distance to the Rydal Cave: 4 miles (2.5-3 hours due to inclines and terrain)
If you enjoy longer walks, and have a bit more time to spare, I recommend hiking Loughrigg Fell before visiting the caves. Loughrigg Fell is actually one of my favourite walks in the Lake District, due to its incredible views for very little effort (yay!)
The main Loughrigg Fell walk begins in Ambleside and will take you to the summit until you descend facing Grasmere Lake and walking along the ‘motorway’ trail. From here, it’s around a 30-minute walk to the Rydal Caves.
Note there is a Loughrigg Fell walk that begins in Grasmere, but if you want to loop round to visit the caves, I recommend starting in Ambleside.
After reaching the caves, you can continue walking back to Ambleside, or head to Grasmere or Rydal. If you’re tired, jump on the 599 bus from the Glen Rothay Badger pub back to Ambleside (the bus stop is around a 15-minute walk from the caves!)
Need a bit more guidance? Check out my Loughrigg Fell hike from Ambleside post here.
4. Rydal Caves walk from Ambleside
📍Rydal Road car park postcode: 1-3 Rydal Rd, Ambleside LA22 9AN
🗺️ Distance to the Rydal Cave: 2 miles (1-1.5 hours due to terrain)
Another great way to reach the Rydal Caves is from Ambleside. As you walk from the town centre (the closest car park is Rydal Road), you will walk along the A591 until reaching the Pelter Bridge car park. From here, the caves are signposted.
TOP TIP: Ambleside is full of car parks, so if the Rydal Road car park is full, park in any of the others.
5. Rydal Caves walk from Grasmere
📍Red Bank car park postcode: Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SW
🗺️ Distance to the Rydal Cave: 2/2.5 miles (2-2.5 hours due to the terrain)
One of the most scenic walks to the Rydal Cave is from Grasmere. As you begin actually in the village, you can stop off for world-famous gingerbread and even visit the former home of William Wordsworth en route.
As you leave Grasmere, you’ll walk alongside Grasmere Lake and be able to see stunning views of Loughrigg Fell and the surrounding mountains. After the lake, you’ll reach a bridge to cross the River Rothay, then walk through the woodlands until you reach the Rydal Caves.
Alternative car park: Broadgate Meadow in Grasmere.
Other starting points for the Rydal Cave walk
There are other starting points for the Rydal Cave walk, and it just really depends on where you are coming from and how much time you have.
- Rydal Village: If you’re staying in the village of Rydal, the walk to the caves is under 20 minutes.
- Church for Rydal Mount bus stop: Getting public transport to the Rydal Cave? Board the 599 from either Grasmere, Bowness or Ambleside and depart at the Rydal Mount bus stop. From here, the caves are a 15-20 minute walk.
- Pelter Bridge car park: another (expensive) but close car park near the Rydal Caves.
- Free layby parking nearby: We haven’t tried them, but there are also some free laybys dotted around Ambleside, Grasmere and Rydal. These are areas where you can park for free, and there are some directly off the A591. If you’re using them, just double-check check it’s legal to park there so you aren’t fined!
Public transport to the Rydal Caves
The best mode of public transport to reach the Rydal Caves is the 599 bus. This bus is excellent as it takes travellers from Bowness – Ambleside – Rydal – Grasmere (I’ve even written a comprehensive post about using public transport in the Lake District here).
From Ambleside, it takes around 5 minutes to reach the Rydal Mount bus stop, where you will depart for the Rydal Cave walk. The bus stop is near the Glen Rothay Hotel and Badger pub (see the map below for reference).
The walk over to the caves from the bus stop is easy and straightforward, and you’ll be walking mostly on pavement and gravel. It shouldn’t take more than 20-25 minutes.
Opening times and costs of the Rydal Caves
The Rydal Caves are entirely FREE to visit and have no opening/closing times. You can visit the Rydal Caves 365 days a year, at any time of day (although I highly recommend avoiding the caves after dark due to safety concerns and there being no street lighting).
🏞️ Other fun Lake District tours
- Ten Lakes full-day trip
- Beatrix Potter half-day tour
- Lake District and Windermere trip from Manchester
Facilities near the Rydal Caves
There are no toilets or facilities near the caves. The closest restrooms are in the White Moss car park, in the village of Rydal or in the Glen Rothay pub.
What to do at the Rydal Cave
When you arrive at the cave, you can either admire it from the outside or continue to explore further (where carrying a torch is recommended, although the cave isn’t that big, so don’t worry too much).
Depending on the time of year you visit, the cave usually has a shallow pool of water at the bottom. To walk further into the cave, you will need to use the jagged and hard-to-step-on stepping stones (my balance is awful, so they were near enough impossible for me).
If you’re wearing wellies, the water is usually shallow enough for you to be able to walk through without using the stepping stones.
Unfortunately, the cave only results in a dead end, so you’re only walking through it for the sake of walking through a 19th-century cave. I mean, that’s still pretty cool!
There isn’t a lot to do other than admire the impressive rock faces when at the Rydal Caves. The view of the cave from a few metres away is quite impressive (from both inside and outside the cave), and some say it looks like a dragon with teeth!
If you’re visiting in the summer, I recommend taking a picnic or some drinks to sit by the cavern or in the surrounding woodlands to really make the most of it. You can also continue on to the Loughrigg Fell summit from the caves easily.
⭐ Top-rated experiences in the Lake District!
- Lake District Epic 10-Lake Full-Day Tour
- Visit the favourite countryside of Beatrix Potter
- Set sail on a Coniston Water Cruise and admire some of the best scenery in the Lake District
- ExperienceAfternoon Tea on a lake cruise
- Try an adrenaline-pumping Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure
What to pack for the Rydal Caves
As the Rydal Cave walk is not strenuous, you don’t have to worry too much about packing anything in particular. Just your regular day bag and a reusable water bottle!
However, if you’re likely to walk off the track and explore more of the area, I recommend packing:
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
- An umbrella
- A waterproof day bag
- A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
- A portable charger
- Lots of layers
- A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
- A waterproof backpack cover
- A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
- A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
- As well as using bug spray, we have midge-repellent wristbands.
Related post: What to Pack for the Lake District: Ultimate First Timer Guide
Rydal Caves in the media
Big TV series buff? The Rydal Cave has a history when it comes to epic fantasy series. In Season 2 of The Witcher, the cast can be seen filming on the slopes of Loughrigg Fell and in and around the Rydal Cave!
I’ll be honest, I haven’t watched The Witcher so this means very little to me, but I’ll give it a go when I get the chance!
Other walks and things to do near the Rydal Cave
There are many other walks near the Rydal Cave. Some of the best walks include:
- Hiking to the Loughrigg Fell summit, one of the best and most rewarding Wainwright walks in the Lake District.
- Walking around the area where the caves are – there are plenty of woodlands and paths but very little lighting, so be sure to return to your car before sunset!
- Walking along the River Rothay
- Doing a Grasmere Lake circular loop
- Walking a Rydal Water circular loop
- Walking through Rydal Village and visiting Rydal Mount (Wordsworth’s former home) and St Mary’s Church
- Hiking to the Rydal waterfall
- Eating gingerbread in the world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread House
- Visiting Dove Cottage in Grasmere
- Head to Coniston Water for a wild swim!
Related post: 16 EPIC Things To Do In Grasmere, Lake District | 12 Easy Walks in the Lake District With AMAZING Views!
Where to stay in the Lake District
If you’re only staying in the Lake District for a few nights, I recommend staying in Ambleside. Ambleside is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is one of my personal favourite areas, as it’s within walking distance of Lake Windermere.
If you’re only visiting the Lake District briefly, it’s an easy way to see some of the quintessential grey slate buildings, traditional pubs, and modern Lake District restaurants. Ambleside is also only a ten-minute drive from the Helm Crag walk starting point.
- If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside, I recommend staying in the YHA Hostel. It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
- Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside? Our favourite is Grayling Cottage. It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡ BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!
- For a luxurious one-night stay in Ambleside, check out The Ambleside Inn. It’s an 18th-century hotel which will give you a true ‘English countryside’ experience. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!
Getting around the Lake District
If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. If you only have one day, you don’t want to spend hours waiting for public transport. Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!
However, if you haven’t got access to a car, exploring the Lake District can still be done! The Lake District has amazing public transport (a lot better than some of the rest of the country), and you can whizz around on buses and boats. For more information about travelling around the Lake District without a car, you can check out my guide here.
➡ Need to hire a car in the Lake District? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!
Rydal Caves: FAQs
1) How long is Rydal Cave walk?
The Rydal Cave walk distance depends on your starting point. Most people tend to start their walk to the cave from the White Moss car park, from Ambleside or after hiking Loughrigg Fell.
For reference, some of the most popular Rydal Cave walks and their timings are:
- Pelter Bridge car park: 20-30 minutes
- White Moss Car Park/Rydal Water Car Park > Rydal Caves: 30-40 minutes
- Rydal Village > Rydal Caves: 17-20 minutes
- Church for Rydal Mount bus stop > Rydal Caves: 15-20 minutes
- Ambleside > Rydal Caves: 1-1.5 hours
- Grasmere > Rydal Caves: 2-2.5 hours
- Loughrigg Fell > Rydal Caves: 2.5-3 hours
2) Is the Rydal Cave worth visiting?
Yes, the Rydal Cave is so worth visiting! Even though you may only spend a short time at the cave, it’s worth seeing such an impressive rock structure and it’s an easy and scenic walk from the car park.
Hop on the stepping stones, take photos of the jagged edges of the rocks and have a picnic in the surrounding woodlands. It’s definitely worth visiting if you have some free time whilst in the Lake District!
3) Are the Rydal Caves free?
Yes, the Rydal Caves are entirely free to visit. They are open 365 days a year and open 24 hours a day.
4) Where do you park to get to Rydal Cave?
The most popular parking options for the Rydal Caves are either the White Moss car park, the Rydal Water car park, in the village of Rydal or the Pelter Bridge car park.
5) How many caves are at Rydal Caves?
There are two Rydal Caves, with the main one being the easiest to access and most popular to visit. The smaller cave is on the main path towards Rydal Water.
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6) What is the shortest walk to Rydal caves?
The walk from the Pelter Bridge car park is around 20 minutes long, but it can take longer if it’s wet, muddy or there’s bad weather. Note there is also a slight incline to the caves, so it could take you considerably longer.
7) What was filmed at Rydal caves?
Netflix’s The Witcher was filmed at Rydal Caves, and the one and only Henry Caville filmed some of his scenes with the stunning cavern backdrop. Look out for the caves in Season 2!
8) Do I need a car to visit the Lake District?
If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.
If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!
Related posts: Getting around the Lake District without a car
Don’t forget travel insurance for Europe!
If you’re visiting Europe as a tourist, it is so important to have travel insurance.
As a full-time traveller and digital nomad, I recommend SafetyWing. From my own personal experience, I believe it is the best travel insurance on the market.
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I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s frustrating to spend $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something does happen?
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Europe, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
If you’ve been putting off researching the best travel insurance companies, I get it, it takes a long time. But it’s my job to make your travels as easy and as successful as possible, so that’s why I’ve done all the hard work and research for you!
➡ Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Rydal Caves: FAQs
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the Rydal Caves in the Lake District. When you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Lake District content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
🇬🇧 Other Lake District posts you might like:
- Castlerigg Stone Circle Walk: Routes, Tips & Guide!
- Latrigg Walk, Lake District: Complete Guide & Tips!
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
