Find a Youth Hostel - Lake District

Why choose a Youth Hostel? Lake District Hostels offer clean, cheap accommodation in some of Cumbria's most scenic locations.

In addition to the stunning locations the properties vary hugely from Elegant Mansions to remote shepherds cottages, there are even hostels with Lake frontage!

Youth Hostels are available to everyone... walkers ... ramblers ... cyclists and families, some Lake District Youth Hostels also have family rooms available.

Choose from these stunning Youth Hostels in Cumbria

Ambleside***
Watherhead Youth Hostel is set on the shore of Lake Windermere with outstanding views. I remember bumping into a friend who had just returned from this youth hostel, with his kids. He was totally in awe that the YHA could own such an outstanding property right on the shore of Lake Windermere itself.




Arnside ***
Edwardian Manor House - although Arnside Youth Hostel is in Lancashire, and not Cumbria, we have decided to add it for as it offers Wheelchair access, providing a fantastic resource for wheelchair users. The Youth Hostel has great views of the Lake District.



Black Sail*
Isolated charm. Black Sail is situated on the 'coast to coast' walk and is something of a Youth Hostel legend. The hostel is only accessible by foot enabling walkers to take advantage of the Lake District beauty without the crowds. Meals are available, there is also a self-catering kitchen.



Buttermere***
Set in a quiet, idyllic corner of the Cumbria. Walks right from the door. Refurbished restaurant serves great along with local ales and organic wines.



Carlisle***
City centre location - only available July/Aug/early Sept each year.



Cockermouth **
17th century watermill ideal for exploring the quieter western Lakes. Self catering only but lots of good nearby pubs.


Coniston Coppermines***
A walkers paradise. Set 1.5 miles up an un-surfaced road from the village of Coniston
Ideal to walk straight from the door and explore the Coniston Fells. Old coppermines just outside the door - so might not be suitable for young children.



Coniston Holly How***
My memories of this youth hostel are the yummy date slice that they used to make! But food aside Holly How is set just a few minutes walk from the village and lake and at the base of the road leading up to the coppermines and Coniston Old Man.



Derwent Water***
Barrow House - 200 year old mansion with views across Derwent Water Beautiful grounds, easy walks, lake activities



Elterwater*** Converted farm house. Ideal for Langdales.
Restaurant - village shop - village pub

Ennerdale****
Recently refurbished. Remote location in beautiful wooded valley. Ideal for low-level walks and cycle routes, away from the crowds.
A Camping Barn is also available for hire, next door to the Ennerdale YHA



Eskdale***
Brightly furnished child friendly hostel situated in this quiet idyllic corner of the English Lakes.

Grasmere - Butharlyp Howe****
Located on the edge of Grasmere village
Victorian Mansion - Stunning Views - Silver How restaurant - using local food, organic food where possible. Local ales, organic wines, Fairtrade tea and coffee Vegetarian and special diet menus - but please notify before hand.

Grasmere - Thorney How*
The first property bought by the YHA!
Within 15 minute walk of town centre. Wainwrights coast to coast walk goes right past the front door.

Hawkshead***
Elegant 'listed' Regency mansion, overlooking Esthwaite water, beautiful grounds. Some rooms have 24 access. This hostel is just one mile outside of Hawkshead village and is a great location for the Lake District mountain bike challenges.

Helvellyn**
Just outside Glenridding village (.75 miles). Isolated 900ft above sea level.
You couldn't be better placed for walks up Helvellyn.

Honister Pass**
Walkers hostel at summit of Honister Pass - next to working slate mine - packed lunches available as well as breakfast and dinner.

Kendal***
Georgian Town House situated on the main shopping street in Kendal.

Keswick****
Town Centre location. Ideal for exploring the northern Lakes. Lots to do in the town for families including theatre, festivals, indoor climbing wall.



Langdale**
A pretty Victorian mansion ideal for exploring areas around the Langdales, Grasmere, Elterwater and Ambleside.

Windermere Lake - Lakeside***
Fabulous location on west side shore of Windermere.
Lakeside is Europe's largest outdoor activity centre.

Patterdale
Set amongst stunning scenery and benefitting from a recent makeover. Better suited if kids are over 5. Often impromptu music in the common room. Ideal for exploring Helvellyn.

Skiddaw House*
Wonderfully remote. Only accessible by walking or cycling.
Converted shepherds cottages. No phone - mobile signal - credit cards - self catering

Wasdale Hall***
Surely the jewel in the crown. This half-timbered mansion lies on the shore of Wast Water
Stunning grounds and views. Delicious home cooked meals

Windermere - Troutbeck
2 miles out of the town, with beautiful views and large wooded grounds and Woodland Trails. Indoor and outdoor activities for children. picnic lunches and all meals can be taken here, all food using local ingredients where possible. Shuttle bus available to and from Windermere.

Windermere Youth Hostels - also see Lakeside and Ambleside


Want to read more? Each photograph above will open into a new window onto the relevant page of the YHA official website, or read more here.