13 of the Best Pumpkin Patches in the UK
Halloween is creeping up on us! And what better way to celebrate the spooky season than by visiting some...
Pumpkin spice, falling leaves and cosy nights in with binge-worthy TV can only mean one thing, autumn is here! At Sykes Holiday Cottages, we know that the end of summer doesn’t mean the end of your search for the best UK holidays, with 12% of Brits preferring a short break in this season.
We asked you to vote for your favourite autumn short break destinations, and now we’re turning the results into a seasonal itinerary you’ll love. Rydal topped the list, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, this charming village is one of the most picturesque places to explore as the leaves turn and the air gets crisp.
With scenic walks, stunning views and plenty of things to do come rain or shine, Rydal is packed with autumn charm. Whether you’ve already booked your getaway and need the perfect itinerary, or you’re still deciding where to escape this season, our guide is here to help you make the most of it.
Ready for your next autumn escape? Discover the top-voted destinations and get all the top tips from our 48-hour guide to Rydal…
Our 2025 Sykes Staycation Index revealed a fascinating trend in how Brits are choosing to holiday: short break bookings have surged by an impressive 41% since 2023!
Why the shift? Our research shows that people are keen to explore more destinations, love how short breaks fit into busy schedules, and appreciate the regular dose of escapism they offer, all while being more budget-friendly.
That’s why as part of our mission to help you make unforgettable memories across the UK, we’ve commissioned new research to uncover the most popular places and activities to enjoy this autumn.
Rydal in the Lake District topped our research, with 26% of Brits choosing it as one of their top three autumn short break destinations. And we’re not surprised, 23% of Brits said they most enjoy finding picturesque towns and villages during a UK short break.
Also making the list of the top five autumn short break destinations were Stratford-upon-Avon (20%), Cambridge (18%), Forest of Dean (17%) and Wells in Somerset (16%). These scenic spots are ideal for the 18% of people who said they’d love to experience a walking holiday this autumn.
With our autumn short break research in mind, we’ve curated the ultimate list of things to do in Rydal, perfect for planning an unforgettable seasonal escape.
From cosy accommodation recommendations and delicious places to eat, to must-see attractions and scenic walks, our 48-hour guide has everything you need to make the most of your time in this charming Lake District village.
To make sure our itinerary includes all of the essentials and top-rated experiences, we asked our UK Short Break Tester, Charlotte, to try it out in September. You’ll find her thoughts, stunning holiday photos, and honest opinions throughout the guide, bringing each recommendation to life.
Ready to plan your perfect autumn adventure in Rydal? Read on to discover everything you need for a memorable getaway…
After arriving, take a moment to settle in. Unpack, unwind and make yourself comfortable in your home away from home.
Spend a little time soaking in your surroundings and getting familiar with the place you’ll be calling home for the next couple of days.
As the sun sets over the Lake District, you’ll likely be getting hungry. Either make the most of the kitchen in your holiday accommodation or venture out to enjoy a delicious meal at one of many amazing restaurants near Rydal.
We’d recommend heading to The Britannia Inn, a 500-year-old pub in Elterwater. This homely Lake District pub serves mouth-watering food in a cosy environment, boasting cosy nooks and a roaring open fire place. There’s truly no better way to end your first evening in the Lake District!
Day 2 is where your adventure in Rydal really begins! Wake up feeling excited for the day and either enjoy breakfast in your accommodation or venture to the picturesque village of Grasmere, where you can grab a spot to eat at one of the village’s many cafés. We’d recommend trying out Freda and Ray in Red Lion Square or Mathilde’s Café on Broadgate.
If you’re visiting Grasmere during half term or busier periods, you may find parking difficult, so we’ve collated the best spots to park so you can concentrate on enjoying your day! You can find pay and display parking in Grasmere at Stock Lane Car Park, LA22 9SL or Broadgate Meadow Car Park, LA22 9TA.
Visiting Grasmere is a must when you’re staying so close in Rydal, as it’s the perfect setting for autumn. With falling leaves creating a tapestry of orange and gold, it’s an idyllic spot for a leisurely wander and is undoubtedly a haven for walkers and photographers alike.
Be sure to visit The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, where you can sample and stock up on some of the world’s best gingerbread. Grasmere Gingerbread was invented in the village by Sarah Nelson in 1854, and visiting the shop—now run by third-generation owners Joanne and Andrew—is one of the best things to do near Rydal.
Once you’ve explored all the village has to offer, wander up to the National Trust’s Allan Bank, which boasts a fantastic location overlooking the village. This 19th-century Georgian villa was once home to the romantic poet William Wordsworth, who is renowned for his love of the Lake District. Today, you can enjoy a range of exhibitions and an array of art, before heading outside to explore the vast garden, with beautiful woodland walks and impeccable views across Grasmere.
No trip to Rydal would be complete without visiting Rydal Caves. These man-made caverns below Loughrigg Fell have captured the attention of visitors from around the world and are one of the best things to do in Rydal.
So why not explore these caves as part of a walk considered one of the best in the UK, the Grasmere Loop? Begin this 6.9-mile circular walk in the village and be sure to take in all the highlights along the way.
We recommend stopping at Faeryland, a whimsical spot that prides itself on being a haven of relaxation, reflection and enchantment on the shores of Grasmere. Pause for tea while admiring the lake views, rent a boat to see the Lakes from a new perspective, or enjoy paddleboarding and a spot of wild swimming in the Lake District.
Follow this route to Rydal Cave, where you can cross the stepping stones into the mouth of the cave before turning back to soak in the views across the fells and trees, perfectly framed by the cave’s opening.
After snapping some photos, continue along the route to discover Rydal Hall, where you can explore its marvellous gardens and find the hidden grotto overlooking a waterfall that has inspired painters and poets for centuries.
After working up an appetite exploring the very best of the Lake District, we’d recommend grabbing dinner where you circular walk ends, right in the heart of Grasmere, just off Langdale Road. Tweedies is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in the Lake District and is a must-try as part of your Rydal itinerary.
Check out of your accommodation, but don’t fret, the adventure doesn’t stop there! There are still plenty of amazing things to do in Rydal before you travel home.
Head to the town of Ambleside and park in Miller Bridge Town Centre Car Park, LA22 OEE. After parking, you can spend the morning exploring with a coffee in hand. You can even grab a spot of breakfast at one of the town’s many cafés. We’d recommend getting delicious food at the Copper Pot Café or Fresher’s Café.
One of Ambleside’s most famous sights is The Bridge House, often described as the most photographed building in the Lake District. Straddling Stock Beck in the centre of Ambleside, this building dates back to the 17th century and has served many purposes over the years, including: a counting house, a weaving shop, a cobbler’s and even the home of a family of eight.
Next up on our itinerary is another of the best things to do in Rydal, visiting Stock Ghyll Force! Located around a 20-minute walk from the centre of Ambleside, you can follow the well-marked trail to this impressive waterfall.
Nestled in the woods and cascading 70 feet, it’s no surprise that Stock Ghyll Force is considered one of the best waterfalls in the UK. Admire this natural wonder from multiple viewpoints surrounding the falls; no trip to Ambleside would be complete without a visit here.
Don’t rush away from Stock Ghyll Force, as a true hidden gem in Ambleside lies just paces away from these magical falls! Force Café is the perfect place to grab a spot of lunch before completing your Rydal itinerary. Serving a delicious brunch and lunch, this dog-friendly café has a spectacular terrace that offers breath-taking views across the Lake District’s fells and a glimpse of Lake Windermere. There’s no better setting for a spot of alfresco dining!
No 48-hour Rydal itinerary would be complete without a cruise on Lake Windermere. As the most famous lake in the Lake District, it’s a must-see, and what better way to experience it than from the water itself?
We’d recommend hopping on the circular Green Cruise run by Windermere Lake Cruises. This 50-minute cruise launches from Waterhead Pier in Ambleside and stops at Brockhole and the Wray Estate.
Entry to both attractions is free for boat visitors and dogs are also welcome on the cruise, so there’s no need to leave your furry friend behind!
The cruise returns you to Waterhead in Ambleside, just a 10-minute walk from the town centre. From there, you can hop in your car and head home, knowing you’ve experienced some of the very best attractions the Lake District has to offer.
If this 48-hour itinerary packed with the best things to do in Rydal has inspired you to book your next holiday, then we’ve got you covered.
With over 390 cottages within 3 miles of Rydal, you’re sure to find your perfect holiday amongst this selection. So why not try out our itinerary for yourself?
Rydal is a tiny village in the Lake District, just a short drive from some of the most popular Lake District towns and villages including Grasmere and Ambleside. It is this location that makes it the perfect spot for your autumn short break, as there are plenty of things to explore on your door step.
If you’re looking to travel to this picturesque Lakes village by car then you’ll need a postcode for your Sat-Nav. The postcode covering the village of Rydal is LA22.
As Rydal is a small village, parking options are limited. However, Pelter Bridge Car Park, LA22 9LW offers 15 spaces and is just a short walk from the village centre, as well as key attractions featured in our itinerary such as Rydal Hall and Rydal Caves.
Although Rydal topped our list of the best autumn short break destinations, it’s a place you can enjoy year-round! September and early autumn are especially great times to visit, as the summer crowds have dispersed, giving you the space to truly explore everything the Lake District has to offer and admire its natural beauty in a quieter, more peaceful setting.
Spring is also a wonderful time to visit, as greenery returns to the countryside, creating a vibrant and picturesque environment that’s perfect for a refreshing holiday.
Check out the weather in Rydal for the next 7 days below…
If this fun-filled itinerary has inspired you to book your next getaway to Rydal, then these accommodation recommendations will be helpful!
From homely cottages to log cabins tucked away in the forest, there are plenty of property options near Rydal. All perfectly located for exploring all the amazing things featured in this itinerary, book your next adventure with us today!
Check out some of our favourites below…
Bluebells is a delightful two-bedroom holiday cottage with breath-taking views over the surrounding countryside. Sleeping four guests and accepting pets, this cottage is perfect for families looking for their next holiday in the Lake District.
Dating back to the 18th-century, this stone cottage is perched on the outskirts of Ambleside and sleeps up to six guests in four beautiful bedrooms. With plenty off-road parking and beautiful views from the enclosed patio its a great base in the Lakes.
2 Hart Head Barn is a fantastic reverse-level property in Rydal. Boasting five bedrooms, this dog-friendly abode is perfect for families or friends looking to explore the Lake District. With panoramic views across the Lake District, in all directions, you can admire the region's beauty from here!
Use our handy map, which showcases everything in our guide to the best things to do in Rydal. Click the button in the top left to view the activities by day.
If this guide to the best things to do in Rydal has inspired you, book your next getaway today with these Rydal cottages. You can also plan more adventures in the Lake District with the help of our Lake District Travel Guide.
Hi, I'm Steph and I've spent the past three years uncovering the best places and hidden gems that make the UK so special. Writing ...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Halloween is creeping up on us! And what better way to celebrate the spooky season than by visiting some...
Discover the best of the Hampshire coastline with this handpicked guide to the county’s most scenic beaches. Whether you’re...
If you’ve ever wanted to escape the mainland of the UK and explore the countless islands dotted along our...
Are you on the phone to our call centre? Your Customer ID is:
Get involved in the Discussion