Rydal in the Lake District is forever linked with poet William Wordsworth and the stunning scenery here , including Rydal Lake and his impressive residence Rydal Mount. Also worth a visit is nearby 17th Century Rydal Hall and Estate. 40 acres of park and woodland, free for all to explore. Here you can find an interesting Sculpture trail amongst the Woodland, pretty gardens with ornate statues, ancient trees and a fairytale Waterfall. Take a look around with me. 🙂
The Sculpture Path weaves its way through the Woods and starts at ‘The Old School Room Tea Shop’. Apparently it is the first permanent outdoor exhibition of textile sculpture in Britain.
The art on the trail is made from recycled and sustainable materials and each season brings changes to the sculpture’s , as they interact with nature and the elements.
There were lots more textile sculptures including the above ‘Jubilee Figures’ made from chain links. They are meant to highlight the effects of third world debt.
After we had walked round the woodland and spied some Shepherd’s Huts through the trees…
we went to the Tea Room for a brew, as it was quite a cold January day. The Old School Room Tea Shop is open all year round and welcomes Dogs and Muddy Boots. Perfect!
After warming up we headed out to explore the grounds. You can pick up a little map from the cafe which will give you an idea of what to look for. Or you can just stumble upon some hidden delights. 🙂
Look out for this old gnarled Sweet Chestnut Tree which at 400 plus years old, is one of the oldest in Cumbria. I would love to see this abundant with Chestnuts in the Autumn.
The beautiful Grot and Waterfall can be found via a path leading from The ‘Quiet Garden’. Built in 1668, the Grot is one of the earliest examples of a viewing station. It’s window perfectly frames a vista of the lower Rydal waterfalls tumbling into a serene pool.
As you walk round the grounds you will come across plenty more beautiful things to see.
In the ‘Quiet Garden’ there were some lovely bird spheres including a ‘Barn Owl’ and lots of signs of Spring.
Head towards the Formal Gardens and you will find impressive views, follies and fountains.
Our time at Rydal Hall was only brief as it was a stop-off point , on our way to a holiday cottage in Keswick. However I think we will definitely return at some point as it would be lovely to see the place in full bloom. There are various walks in the area including an old footpath called ‘The Coffin Route’ which passes through the estate between Grasmere and Ambleside. You can also stay at Rydal hall. For more information go to rydalhall.org
We also found a great dog-friendly pub very nearby. The Badger Bar at The Glen Rothay Inn has cosy fires, real ales and great food.
Have you ever been to Rydal Hall?
sunshine and celandines 
Loving the pics around Rydal Hall, but not sure I’m so keen on the textile sculptures. I also can’t help thinking how soggy and unpleasant they’ll get in the rain and damp British weather.
I know what you mean. They looked in pretty good shape though. X
I visited Rydal Hall years ago with ties to William Wordsworth but don’t think I visited the grounds. I can say I swam at Rydal Water and loved it!! I do enjoy a good sculpture trail. Will definitely have to visit again sometime soon. Thanks for the inspiration 😊 xx
Rydal Hall and Rydal Mount are very close together so maybe you visited the Mount where Wordsworth lived? I still need togo there. I remember your post when you swam in the lake. The little pool with the waterfall at Rydal Hall looks nice for a dip !
Yes i think it was the mount. It was a long time ago!
The waterfall looks beautiful. I like the stone carvings too.
The waterfall is lovely. A beautiful view. ♡
I’ve never been but it looks brilliant! I really must visit the Lake District!
You live in such a beautiful area yourself, it must be hard to leave. 🙂
The textile art is fab, what an intriguing idea for an art trail. I visited Rydal Hall in the summer, on the hunt for a decorated Herdy sheep, on the Herdy trail through the lakes, and have walked up and along the coffin trail from there in the past. It’s one of my parents favourite walks, mostly due to the cakes at Rydal Hall!
Another place I would like to return to. You can camp there so that might be an idea this Summer. I’d like to walk along the Coffin trail and I never got to try any cake. So I must go back !
I haven’t actually, but it looks like a good idea! 🙂 Can I pinch it for next week? Incidentally I’ve not done the 10 mile round Derwentwater either. Now how can that be? 🙂 🙂
Yes of course you can steal it. 🙂 I didn’t know about that walk around Derwent until this year either. Looking fwd to doing it! X
Thank you 🙂
We often stay in Grasmere and a favourite walk is over Silver How to Rydal, lunch in the Badger Bar then back along the coffin route. However, I didn’t know about the sculptures, so thanks – I’ll look out for those in future.
They are worth a look if your in the area definitely. I really liked The Badger Bar too. Hope to return soon.
what a fun walk
Thank you. A nice & easy stroll. 🙂