The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
Highlight • Restaurant
The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
Hiking
5.0
(95)
The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is a welcoming, family-friendly Lakeland inn nestled in the heart of the picturesque Langdale Valley, within the stunning Lake District National Park. Located at an elevation of 92 metres, it sits dramatically at the foot of the Dungeon Ghyll ravine and beneath the towering Langdale Pikes, offering a perfect base for exploring the natural features of the Lake District Great Langdale area. Originally a 17th-century farmhouse, this historic establishment has been catering to visitors since 1862, becoming one of the cherished landmarks in the Great Langdale valley.
Visitors consistently praise the hotel for its brilliant location and the outstanding views of the fells that surround it. The on-site restaurant and the renowned Walker's Bar are highlights, serving great food, including locally sourced produce and comforting pub classics. Many hikers appreciate the cozy atmosphere of the bar, especially with its log fires, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a real ale or craft beer after a day on the trails.
For those planning a visit, the hotel is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, making it a convenient stop for a drink or snack after a walk. Practical amenities include free parking for guests, and a dedicated drying room, which is particularly useful for hikers. The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is also dog friendly, welcoming canine companions in specific rooms upon request and within the Walker's Bar, making it easier to plan dog friendly walks in the Lake District Langdale area.
The hotel's prime location makes it an excellent starting point for outdoor enthusiasts, offering direct access to popular hiking trails near New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, including routes to the Langdale Pikes and Stickle Tarn. During warmer months, the extensive outdoor seating area and beer garden, set within six acres of landscaped gardens, provide magnificent mountain views, perfect for enjoying a drink or meal. This makes it a great spot for family friendly activities in Great Langdale, especially for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.
Many visitors enjoy the hotel's unique character, which is even reflected in its name, derived from the waterfall in the ghyll behind the pub. The Walker's Bar, open to non-residents, is a popular spot for a great pint after a good walk, offering its own ale, Walker's Mirage. The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced produce, featuring a good value prix-fixe menu from Monday to Thursday, alongside an à la carte menu of pub classics and traditional Sunday roasts, all while enjoying scenic viewpoints of Dungeon Ghyll.
Whether you're seeking accommodation options in Great Langdale or simply a welcoming spot for refreshments, The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel serves as a fantastic hub. You can explore a variety of routes, from easy family hikes near Dungeon Ghyll to more challenging ascents of the Langdale Pikes. To discover the top rated family friendly trails in the Lake District Dungeon Ghyll area and plan your adventures, use komoot to find the perfect path for your next visit.
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June 20, 2025
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September 22, 2024
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February 2, 2025
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Nearby routes
Best routes near The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
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Details
Informations
Elevation 90 m
Weather
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Friday 12 June
15°C
9°C
46 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 30.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular family-friendly hiking trails directly accessible from The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel?
The hotel's prime location offers direct access to several trails suitable for families. You can easily reach routes leading to Stickle Tarn, which is a popular destination with stunning views. For a more gentle option, exploring the immediate vicinity of the Dungeon Ghyll ravine offers picturesque, shorter walks. Many circular routes of varying lengths begin right from the hotel's doorstep.
Are there any specific considerations for hiking the Langdale Pikes from the hotel, especially regarding terrain and difficulty?
The Langdale Pikes (Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle, Bowfell) are iconic but present a significant challenge. The terrain can be steep, rocky, and exposed, especially in adverse weather. While the hotel is an excellent base, these are generally considered moderate to strenuous hikes requiring good fitness, appropriate gear, and navigation skills. There are multiple routes up, some more scrambling-intensive than others.
Is there public transport available to reach The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel or explore the Great Langdale Valley?
Yes, public transport is available. The 516 bus service (seasonal) connects Ambleside with Great Langdale, with a stop conveniently located near The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. This allows visitors to arrive without a car and explore various points of interest within the valley.
Are hiking permits required for walking in the Lake District National Park, particularly around Dungeon Ghyll?
No, hiking permits are generally not required for walking on public footpaths and bridleways within the Lake District National Park, including the areas around Dungeon Ghyll. The 'right to roam' principle applies to much of the open access land. However, always respect private property and follow the Countryside Code.
How crowded does The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel area and surrounding trails get during peak season or weekends?
The Great Langdale Valley, being a popular destination, can get quite busy, especially during school holidays, summer weekends, and bank holidays. The hotel's car park and popular trails like the route to Stickle Tarn can experience high footfall. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during weekdays, outside of peak school holidays, or exploring less-frequented paths.
What are the options for parking at The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel for non-guests or if the hotel car park is full?
The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel offers free parking for its guests. For non-guests, or if the hotel car park is full, there is a National Trust car park located nearby at Stickle Ghyll (pay and display), which serves as a popular starting point for many walks in the area. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busy days, as parking spaces can fill up quickly.
Are dogs welcome throughout The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, and are there specific dog-friendly walks nearby?
The hotel is very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome in specific rooms upon request and with prior acknowledgement, and they are also permitted in the Walker's Bar. Many of the local trails in the Langdale Valley are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control, especially around livestock. The paths along the valley floor and around Blea Tarn are popular choices for dog walkers.
Beyond hiking, what other family-friendly activities are available in the Great Langdale Valley near the hotel?
While hiking is a primary draw, families can also enjoy gentle strolls along the valley floor, picnicking in the hotel's six acres of gardens, or exploring the natural beauty of the Dungeon Ghyll waterfall itself. The area is also great for wildlife spotting. For a more relaxed pace, simply enjoying the stunning mountain views from the hotel's outdoor seating area is a wonderful family activity.
What are the dining options like at The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, and are they suitable for families?
The hotel offers excellent dining options suitable for families. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with a menu featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The renowned Walker's Bar provides a cozy atmosphere with log fires, offering comforting pub classics, grilled dishes, sandwiches, and traditional Sunday roasts. They also have a good value prix-fixe menu Monday through Thursday. High chairs are available, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it welcoming for children.
What are the seasonal considerations for visiting The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and hiking in the Lake District during winter?
Visiting in winter offers a unique, often quieter, experience with stunning snowy landscapes. However, it requires careful planning. Days are shorter, temperatures are colder, and weather conditions can change rapidly, bringing snow, ice, and strong winds. Higher fells become challenging and require specialist winter gear and experience. Lower-level walks are generally more accessible, but always check weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out. The hotel's drying room is particularly useful for hikers returning from winter walks.
Are there any less crowded family walks near The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel that still offer scenic views?
While popular spots can get busy, exploring paths slightly off the main routes can offer a quieter experience. Consider walks around Blea Tarn, which is a short drive or a pleasant walk from the hotel, offering beautiful views and often fewer crowds than the Stickle Tarn path. The paths along the valley floor, away from the main car parks, also provide lovely, less-trafficked options with scenic vistas of the fells.