We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.

The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

avatar-imageavatar-imageavatar-image
Traveller (139)
Room & Suite (15)
Dining (13)

View prices for your travel dates

Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#8 of 10 hotels in Ambleside
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and Famous Climbers Bar is to be found in the magnificent setting of the Great Langdale Valley. It is the ‘original’ Dale Head Inn and right in the centre of the Lake District. The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel provides accommodation and sustenance to weary fell walkers and climbers in the midst of some of the highest mountains in England. Finish your day on the fell with a pint or two of local ale and hearty food.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Public wifi
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Sun umbrellas
Show more
Room features
Housekeeping
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Private bathrooms
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Mid-range
409Reviews1Q+A57Room tips

Reviews
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

Traveller rating
  • 190
  • 110
  • 38
  • 29
  • 42
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
avatar-image
Duncan Burgess wrote a review Feb 2024
Leeds, United Kingdom9 contributions1 helpful vote
I didn't stay here I popped in for a pint and at £5.80 I won't be bothering again. It's not just here the whole of the Lake District is a rip off. Do your selves a favour and visit Yorkshire instead!!!!!!!! The Station Inn has rooms from £80 per night or bunkhouse rooms for £40 or you can camp for free and if you eat and drink in the pub you can use the bunkhouse facilities ie shower room and outside tap.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Go elsewhere.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Ignotus Peverell wrote a review Feb 2024
2 contributions
The hotel was full of character in a stunning location, the staff were friendly and welcoming and the rooms were comfortable. There was an issue with our original room and the staff bent over backwards to move us to a more suitable one. The bar service was a lot friendlier than the negative reviews suggest. The food was fairly good, the beer was spot on. Yes, the hotel is slightly shabby but in some ways that adds to its charm. We only stayed one night and didn’t walk, but we will definitely go back soon with our walking boots. Finally, some rooms have private bathrooms across the landing which are accessed with the room key; don’t do what we did and lock your room key in the bathroom 😬
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Ben_C2k wrote a review Jan 2024
Haywards Heath, United Kingdom6 contributions
My son and I stayed for a week whilst exploring the beautiful local area. The staff were welcoming and friendly from the start and helped advise us on the best walks/hikes in the area. Great breakfast and evening meals and a lovely selection of beers which were very much needed at the end of a long days walking in the wonderful area. Highly recommend and will certainly be back at the ODG.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Hotel Reception, Guest Services / Front Office at The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
Responded 16 Jan 2024
Thank you for your kind words. We're glad you enjoyed your time at The ODG and we'll see you again soon.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
GlobeTrotting786603 wrote a review Dec 2023
3 contributions1 helpful vote
I used to stay here and always rated the experience. Not this time. The Climbers Bar (I’m sure it used to be ‘The Hikers Bar’?) needs urgent attention. The barman was rude with a ‘take it or leave it’ attitude. The beer was ok and I asked about food. I was pointed to a scraggy piece of paper on a table that looked as if it had been used to mop up the beer slops. ‘Pie of the day’ was one of the few dishes, but asking what today’s pie might be, clearly annoyed the barman! We did eat (nothing special) but everyone seemed to be leaving after one drink. I can understand why. We did likewise.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Don’t expect friendly service.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Catherine C wrote a review Dec 2023
3 contributions
We were snowed in at the ODG this weekend and it was an amazing once in a lifetime experience. The whole crew of the hotel, from receptionist and emergency coordinator and yogi, Linda, to barmen, Mark and Cam, through to the chef (Alex?) and the owner, Neil, all rallied round to help us out in what would otherwise have been a mountain survival situation at the end of an inaccessible, snow-filled valley. While the rest of the Lake District became gridlocked with abandoned cars, we enjoyed the hospitality of people who are the epitome of true Cumbrian grit. When we became stuck in snow, they added us on to their bookings and looked after us. The owner came through in his 4x4 to get the fire going in the residents’ lounge and regaled us with the story of how he bought the hotel in the first place forty years ago. Linda and Joanna, amongst others, cancelled their days off to help out too, keeping us updated as to the off-on potential availability of a room for a night on Saturday and again on Sunday. Once we were ensconced in the winter wonderland scenario for the whole weekend, Mark was assiduous in his attention to keeping us warm with log fires in the climbers’ bar and the residents’ lounge. He offered drinks and food service with a smile and much good humour, even when one of the other resident’s dog growled and barked at him when he called ‘last orders’! In the minds of thousands of climbers, walkers and campers, the ODG is an institution. This weekend we can bear witness that the traditions of the ODG remain intact. Hearty food and good company. We had no distractions from loud music or any television. The only hubbub was from likeminded guests sharing their experiences. The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is always there, always offers a safe haven in a tricky situation and the present staff are continuing to keep up the legend of providing a benchmark to others, a beacon of Cumbrian hospitality. Stoicism in the face of adversity. Well done to one and all! We are very grateful to you. Xx
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Hotel Reception, Guest Services / Front Office at The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
Responded 11 Dec 2023
Thank you so much for your amazing review. Living here we've seen the worst of the weather for year upon year and we know what it is to be isolated. Our staff are second to none and times like these they really shine. We'll make sure they are all aware of your kind words and we look forward to seeing you again in future. Thanks again, The ODG.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Jon L wrote a review Nov 2023
1 contribution4 helpful votes
Staff were miserable and unwelcoming. Sign says walk-in breakfast welcome from 8 till 930. 8 of us got turned away at 8.30 in the morning. No explanation given except chef said no! Wouldn't have been so bad but as it's basically the only place in the valley , we had been for dinner and drinks for the previous 2 nights so between us all spent a fair bit of ££££. Food is basic but nice. The beers ok but the bar staff are as welcoming as 90's bouncers.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Barbara H wrote a review Nov 2023
3 contributions18 helpful votes
After a 6 and a half mile walk up the glorious valley from Skelwith Bridge we wanted a simple coffee and soup or a sandwich. When the cafe door was unlocked half an hour late, the surly member of staff didn't think to open the door or even welcome in the 12 or so hungry and thirsty walkers but stomped off to the back of the bar and stood with arms crossed glaring at all those brave enough to enter. We ordered some coffee and not a word was spoken to us. When asking for some milk we were told that as we had ordered an Americano we would not be getting milk! There was no offer of a menu, no smile, and when asking what beers were available were told to look for ourselves!! Beyond rude. We hurried to the next bus and found a far friendlier place at Chesters Cafe. Will not be returning.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Dek wrote a review Nov 2023
Derbyshire, United Kingdom7 contributions2 helpful votes
We came to the climbers bar for a beer, what a great pub, no frills, just good beer and a warm welcome. Straight forward food, well cooked, great portions and served quickly! I had the battered haggis, absolutely delicious. Shall definitely come back next time we stay in Langdale
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Sunnysmiles69 wrote a review Nov 2023
Sittingbourne, United Kingdom6 contributions
It was not without misgivings that we arrived here, having read some very negative reviews. We were, however, delighted to find that they were very misleading, in fact we wondered if they were reviewing the same place! The bar and hotel staff are friendly, helpful and efficient, and what’s more they have a great sense of humour. The climbers’ bar is exactly what you want when you come back muddy and dripping from a day on the fells. It is warm, clean and functional and serves a variety of well-kept local ales as well as great coffee and the best pies in the area. If you’re lucky, you will get to hear some live music and not just on Wednesday. We also found lots of like-minded people and wiled away the evenings in pleasant company. Our room was clean, warm and comfortable with a small en suite bathroom. Both were serviced daily while we were out exploring the fells. Breakfast was generous, with a variety of options, all served with a smile. All in all this is a great base from which to enjoy the Great Langdale Valley, and meet some really lovely people. We will endeavour to return in the not too distant future.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Book early to avoid disappointment!
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
greatgable26 wrote a review Nov 2023
9 contributions3 helpful votes
Stayed two nights in Langdale earlier this week and spent both nights eating and drinking in the Old Dungeon Ghyll Climbers bar. What a place. Food was excellent, pie of the day gorgeous and the Chicken Wings fantastic. Beer as usual was excellent and loads of choice. Atmosphere was brilliant. Really don't understand how this place gets poor reviews. We've always found the staff to be great, I suppose it depends on how you treat people and what you expect. For a pub basically in the middle of nowhere it's always open, food and beer always available. Certainly can't say the same for other parts of the Lake District. Will be back (again!)
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Wifi now brilliant
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Previous
123456
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Ambleside area.
PRICE RANGE
£101 - £139 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCumbriaLake DistrictAmbleside
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

THE OLD DUNGEON GHYLL HOTEL - Updated 2024 (Ambleside)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Easedale Tarn (3.1 miles), Loughrigg Fell (3.7 miles), and Lake Grasmere (3.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Jumble Room, Lanty Slee's Elterwater, and Lucia's Coffee + Bakehouse.
Are pets allowed at The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Rydal Mount & Gardens (4.4 miles).