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The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
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The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

fireplace was a feature
Traveller (146)
                  View from the carpark
Room & Suite (15)
the lime cheesecake that I mention in the comment
Dining (13)

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Avg. £143 /night, 11/13 - 11/14
£143
per night
£119
per night
£95
per night

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13 Nov
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About

4.0
#8 of 10 hotels in Ambleside
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
3.7 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
3.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
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.
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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
Room features
Housekeeping
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Private bathrooms
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Historic Hotel
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles425 reviews
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Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in a picturesque setting, the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel captivates guests with its authentic, old-world allure, despite some noting it could use a touch of maintenance. The rooms offer comfortable lodgings and often boast impressive views, with the added versatility of bunkhouse options. While the charming climber-friendly bar and local ales enhance the experience, service quality can be inconsistent, ranging from warm and welcoming to less accommodating. Although opinions on value diverge, with some suggesting looking elsewhere, the hotel's unique atmosphere and amenities continue to attract a diverse crowd.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory

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Detailed Reviews
Xiaoyu wrote a review Sept 2021
London, United Kingdom
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Although the building is aged and the interior must also have a history, the room is full furnished with facilities that are comparable to any modern hotel in a town or city, and the shower room is spacious with a powerful shower system and a delicate dressing place. The bed is warm and cosy.
Staff are kind and patient, especially considering my late and silly check-in, and they also managed to get me a late dinner, for which I am really grateful. There was also live music in the outdoor area on the night, and it is a shame that I was too tired after a long walk and just went back to my room without enjoying the music. I am also pretty sure that I missed a clear night sky where stars and even meteors were visible.
If I could, I would add one extra star for the lime cheesecake. One does not usually find such thick, creamy, smooth cheesecake. One month has passed and I am still missing it (and the hotel).
Breakfast is included but need to be booked on the night before and one can choose from a variety of items. For everything I chose, I received more than expected, and I had a huge, splendid breakfast.
Looking forward to a revisit.
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Date of stay: August 2021
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.
DerekNorthumberland wrote a review Jun 2022
Ashington, United Kingdom
4.0 of 5 bubbles
The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is set in a stunning location at the head of Great Langdale, with walking options in all directions. It’s unashamedly old fashioned and more like a old country house inside, the room was spotless, as was the enormous separate bathroom. There is also a comfortable residents lounge to curl up in with a good book if the weather is too bad, or after a long day’s walking. There are no TVs at all, and WiFi is patchy. The breakfast is a generous full English, and sets you up for the day. The Hikers bar is fabulous, with perfectly kept Real Ales, and the folk night on Wednesdays is a treat. The dinner menu is pretty basic however, although adequate after a day’s walking, more school dinner than anything else.
Overall... can’t wait to go back.
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Date of stay: May 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Just be aware bathrooms are separate, with a washbasin in the room
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.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
MTSkull59 wrote a review Feb 2020
Yorkshire
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It is now a few years since my last review of the ODG and, following a recent 3 night stay, I am very happy to say that the standard has not just been maintained, but improved.
My double room was immaculate and, if not exactly spacious, was by no means cramped. The room appeared to have been recently refurbished.
Due to the constraints of what is, after all, a 17th century building, my bathroom was not ensuite but it was literally only half a dozen paces away. It was also spotless and recently refurbished.
Bar meals service was prompt, quality very good and plenty of choice available. Likewise, there were plenty of options available at breakfast.
I love the atmosphere in the hiker's bar; there is an excellent choice of real ales at prices cheaper than most in the valley. The roaring fire is an especially welcome sight on a cold winter's evening.
What else to say? -The staff are, without exception, friendly and helpful. I was particularly impressed by the way that, at closing time the bar staff made a point of letting residents know that they could purchase more drinks to consume in the residents' lounge if they wished.
All in all, a splendid weekend and an experience which I shall be keen to repeat. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip 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.
Jack R wrote a review Jul 2020
1.0 of 5 bubbles
We had been suggested the pub at our campsite with high hopes we strolled down to the pub after a long day up Scafell pike. When we first saw the pub it looked fairly decent. Once inside we noticed the old rustic decor and how it very much suited the landscape. It was when we ordered the drinks from a larger gentleman with no hair we were met with nothing but grunts ands moans as though we were not welcome. We decided to stay clear of anything alcoholic as a member of our party was 17 and thought it would be best to avoid any further issues to the atmosphere. We decided that the atmosphere was so unwelcoming we would rather sit outside in the rain under a canopy. The food was bearable but not sure if that’s only becyause everything else about our visit was so negative. Overall I’m thoroughly disappointed with this pub as we had such high expectations but have never felt more in welcome anywhere else. I’m not sure if it’s because we were on the younger side but we had just as much right to be their as any other customer and we’re just after some food and a couple of drinks to finish the day.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip 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.
LizzieDyson123 wrote a review Jan 2020
Wakefield, United Kingdom
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We love Great Langdale but haven’t been for years for one reason or another. Unsurprisingly it hasn’t changed! It’s still amazing.
This was our first time staying in the ODGH, we usually camp.
When we arrived on Friday evening, the chap was having a little snooze on the reception desk and he quickly found someone who could ‘work the computer’. Fair to say that this set the tone for the weekend. The staff are friendly for the most part if a little quirky (in a nice way). The hotel itself is old as you’d expect, full
of character and characters.
Our room (8) was huge, comfortable and extremely clean. The views from the dual
aspect windows were breathtaking. The private bathroom along the corridor wasn’t an issue and was again, clean and well presented.
Breakfast was lovely as was the packed lunch and food in the Hikers Bar. Beer was good too. Loweswater Gold is highly recommended.
The family in the room above us were noisy on a morning (we were out for most of the day on Saturday), but that’s always a drawback to not being on the top floor I guess.
Must mention in particular, Mark and Pat. Mark I believe is new to the place, but was incredibly efficient and friendly. Pat behind the bar was equally friendly and very well humoured, even if we did confuse him with our card payment on the Friday evening!
Thanks chaps, we had a fabulous weekend, but it was far too short.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip 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.
Leishia2014 wrote a review Aug 2020
Paphos, Cyprus
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This was a typical middle of the road hotel, it had a great residents lounge but the wifi could only be obtained if sitting in a certain area out side under canvas. Service was a little slow but the rooms were warm and comfortable (en-suite bathrooms very small). The breakfast was good and staff friendly. I would stay here again.
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Date of stay: August 2020
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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.
jeanette09713 wrote a review Aug 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed for 4 nights (from 11th August) in rooms 3 & 4. Everything was very clean and functional and the fact the bathroom was a few meters away down the corridor certainly didn’t cause me a problem, interestingly the bedrooms stayed quite cool even when it was scorching outside. Breakfast was very good and punctual (you had to order the night before and give an ETA). My dog would especially like to compliment the chef for her extra sausages and the barman for her snacks! You couldn’t book a table in advance for the evening meal but we didn’t find a problem getting one even at the weekend, I would say the place was busy but not heaving. Everything about the place is a bit out of date but this is part of its charm. Overall a very good value break and yes I plan to come again. Finally a big call out to the barman (sorry I cannot remember his name, tall man with 10 cats and 3 dogs) who helped source an item my father needed.
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Date of stay: August 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Rooms 3-5 are at the front so you will get a bit of noise. Room 2 at the back and cool / quiet....
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.
lee365 wrote a review Jul 2021
Warrington, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We visited this hotel for food and drinks twice on the same day around a week ago.
The first visit was after a walk in mountains. The location is perfect, when we got there a dark haired lady took our drinks order without a smile, okay we you don't have to smile all the time.The drink was lovely. After 30 minutes I dared to ask the lady ("excuse me can we order another drink please?") for another drink whilst she was walking into the pub. She put her hand up and said abruptly you'll have to wait. She came back out and we ordered a second drink which was brought out quickly and again was lovely. We came back later in the evening the outside area was full as we expected and the same lady came over a said "there's no tables". I replied that it wasn't a problem and we were happy to wait. After a short while some people offered us their table as they were leaving and we sat down. The same lady that greeted us then proceeded to walk in and out of the pub 3 or 4 times clearly looking at us but not coming over, nobody else was serving at this time, okay she was busy? 3 more groups were seated after this and the lady served every one of them all the while looking over at us and our empty table. After 30 minutes of waiting patiently a friendly man came out of the pub took our orders for both food and drink. The drinks came out quickly and were lovely, the food followed shortly after and it was delicious, there were good portions and it was very reasonably priced. A young female server from Newcastle ways came over after this took another drink order from us, she was friendly and chatty both when taking the orders and when bringing them over to us. This pub is ideally located, reasonably priced and the food and drinks are lovely. Unfortunately one member of staff could do with some customer relations training, or maybe she just didn't like our faces?? Either way I would recommend this place to anyone and will definitely visit again.
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Date of stay: July 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: The fish and chips is lovely and the burgers are massive.
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.
Becca Jane wrote a review Jul 2020
Manchester, United Kingdom
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Great hotel in a key location for our Cumbria Way walk stop off (on a Thursday). The hotel is in the middle of Langdale so as expected no signal and no other shops/hotels close but lovely views. There was live entertainment outside in the beer garden, which was lovely and a great alternative activity to make up for having no TV and poor wifi. As two vegetarians, there was simply just two options for us Vegetarian burger or Vegan curry, but unfortunately they had ran out of the burger. Breakfast was good enough too, and we asked for a packed lunch for the next day which was fab (sandwich, cake, crisps, chocolate bar, apple and water). Sleep was ok, but entertainment when on till at least 11pm. Would recommend if you are doing the Cumbria Way walk, but just be wary of the lack of Wifi when trying to let loved ones know you've arrived (didn't work in our room, only in the bar).
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Date of stay: July 2020
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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.
debcox wrote a review Nov 2021
Oxford
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is still a great walkers and climbers bar, it hasn’t changed in years and good on the management for not selling out to the London tourist. The fire was burning when we arrived, the staff were great as usual and the beer selection out of this world. They also did a very simple choice of sandwiches for lunch , just perfect, none of the fancy expensive lunch stuff you find just hearty well priced food , just what you need on a long walk, keep it up.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip 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.
…
Nicky P asked a question Sept 2016
Bromborough, United Kingdom29 contributions38 helpful votes
Does the price of the stay include breakfast?
Answer from MattRach456
Mountsorrel, United Kingdom111 contributions77 helpful votes
Yes
Tim H wrote a tip May 2024
Hathersage, United Kingdom11 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Traditional decor might not be to everyone’s taste but everything was clean, delicious food, unbeatable location and super helpful staff "
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Phil c wrote a tip Apr 2024
10 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book mid week - quite and lovely … also nice people - staff and guests"
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Duncan Burgess wrote a tip Feb 2024
Leeds, United Kingdom9 contributions1 helpful vote
1.0 of 5 bubbles
"Go elsewhere. "
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GlobeTrotting786603 wrote a tip Dec 2023
4 contributions1 helpful vote
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Don’t expect friendly service."
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Sunnysmiles69 wrote a tip Nov 2023
Sittingbourne, United Kingdom5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book early to avoid disappointment!"
Read full review
…
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PRICE RANGE
£101 - £142 (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.
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THE OLD DUNGEON GHYLL HOTEL - Updated 2024 Reviews, Photos & Prices

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 (2.1 miles), Lake Grasmere (3.3 miles), and Loughrigg Fell (3.8 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 Lanty Slee's Elterwater, The Jumble Room, 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).
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