There’s so much to do on an activity break at YHA Coniston Holly How. Whether you’re into watersports, sailing or cycling, there's something for everyone, including some of the country’s best mountain biking trails.
YHA Coniston Holly How sits in the heart of the Lake District National Park and provides easy access to the village and Coniston Water. This traditional Lakeland house is close to excellent walks for all levels and is also a major Mountain Leader Training and Assessment base. It's also a popular venue for school trips, bank holiday getaways and camping breaks - ideal for all kinds of get-togethers and outdoor activity holidays.
YHA Coniston Holly How is a large, well-equipped hostel with a fantastic location for groups who love the Lake District. From thrilling watersports on Coniston Water, to excellent educational packages exploring the local area, this location has everything you need for a great stay.
There’s a huge variety of things to do here – from adventurous kayaking and sailing, to culture favourites like John Ruskin’s Brantwood home. If you’re here for a field trip, the hostel offers some great ideas for geography and biology students. Or how about taking on the Old Man of Coniston for a challenging day’s hiking, or having a go at scrambling at the famous Jack’s Rake in Langdale.
Most of our bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. We always try to allocate bedrooms close together and will never ask your group to share bedrooms with anyone not in your group.
Upgrades are available for sole use of an area, floor or the entire place.
We may be in the heart of the Lakes, but the hostel offers free Wi-Fi to keep school trips and groups connected. The hostel also has a meeting room for groups to get together, and there are plenty of comfy sofas to relax on.
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Coniston Holly How (see sample menu).
Meal plans range from bed and breakfast up to full-board catering. Vegetarian options are available and we aim to cater for any special dietary requests.
Parking is available at the hostel.
Looking to fill some free time? Our bolt-on activities can easily be added to your stay.
YHA Coniston Holly How holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (105535).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Reception opening hours: From 07:30 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily from 07:30 – 09:00. Meals are also available from 17:00 – 20:00.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: The property has a free car park on-site for guests and patrons. This car park is controlled by an ANPR parking system. Upon arrival, motorists are required to validate their presence by entering their car's registration number at reception.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Coniston Holly How, except in our Camping & Cabins accommodation. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
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An exhilarating high-level ridge walk to the summits of The Old Man of Coniston, Brim Fell, Swirl How and Wetherlam. The route offers an insight into the geology of the range and the industrial...
A pleasant stroll around the delights of Coniston, including stunning views of the surrounding hills, the picturesque lake, and shops and attractions in the village.
A varied and interesting walk including Tarn Hows, a photogenic Site of Special Scientific Interest and lake formed by a dam built in 1865, Monk Coniston grounds and walled garden, with beautiful...
Go Ape Adventures at Grizedale Forest is the ultimate outdoor activity for adventurous families and adults. Take part in the Treetop Challenge, Zip Trekking Adventure or Treetop Adventure Plus. There...
Discover the home of John Ruskin. A historic house, museum and vibrant centre for the arts, Brantwood is the former home of artist and social reformer John Ruskin. You’ll find a wealth of fascinating...
The fells and trails of the Lake District abound with opportunities to take your running to new heights and achieve euphoria. And where better to base your experience than this remote retreat offering...
Exhibition including the Ruskin collection, the copper mines, slate, geology, farming and Donald Campbell's Bluebird. Visit the website
The gondola is the perfect way to view Coniston's spectacular scenery. Sail to Monk Coniston jetty and then walk to Tarn Hows. View the Yacht's National Trust website
Enjoy a beautiful boat cruise on Coniston Water, staying on the boat for the full cruise or getting off at a jetty to explore. Or just use the service as a ferry to get between where the different...
To see Coniston Water and the stunning fells hire a motor boat, canoe, rowing boat or sailing boat and explore. Take a break at the Bluebird Café right on the edge of Coniston Water. Visit the website
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Instructors and mountain guides used by Highpoint Mountain Guide are...
Tom Ghyll (or Gill) is a lovely stream with two waterfalls. A trail runs alongside the stream and the path then leads up to Tarn Hows. Start at the Car Park on the A593 by Glen Mary Bridge. Head east...
A network of quarries above Little Langdale - best known for the main chamber, which is 40ft in height and lit by two windows. Visit the Visit Cumbria website Walkers, see the National Trust Hodge...
Close by there is skilled scrambling on the famous Pudding Stone - on this large boulder alone there are 30 different challenging routes. Not much further away there are classic climbing and...
This lovely area is great for water sports, so whatever mode of water transport takes your fancy, take the plunge and enjoy some fun on, or in, the water! Gorge scrambling in Church Beck is on the...
The circular route around Coniston Water is perfect for easy, relaxing rides. Take on the high altitude buzz of Hardknott and Wrynose passes from the hostel. The Fred Whitton Challenge around lakes...
There's low level bridleways with easy wooded terrain for youngsters, while the more adventurous can take on the challenge of Walna Scar Road or the north face trail in Grizedale Forest. If you haven...
Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
Find out more and apply to volunteer.
Manager recommends: Being open all year round, we’re ideal for spring daffodils, bluebells and Herdwick lambs, but if you want to soak up the real Cumbrian atmosphere, stay with us in October or November for spectacular autumn colours, mist on Coniston Water and snow-frosted peaks!
Garden/grounds
WiFi
Free parking on premises
Large garden/grounds
Free parking on premises
Self-catering kitchen
Free parking on premises
WiFi
Restaurant
Garden/grounds
WiFi
Free parking on premises
