Walking and Rambling around Ilam
If you're planning on staying at YHA Ilam Hall, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the are
YHA Ilam Hall
Overview
This 17th Century gothic manor sits in 84 acres of National Trust parkland, with the beauty of Dovedale just on its doorstep. The beautiful youth hostel is full of character and nestled near the quaint village of Ilam.
A 25-minute walk from Ilam Park, the Dovedale Stepping Stones have remained a huge draw for Peak District day-trippers since they were laid in the mid-19th century. You'll also encounter some of England’s most extraordinary limestone gorge scenery. For a different thrill, the hostel is just 15 minutes from Alton Towers. Nearby Carsington Water is great for having a go at a range of water sport activities or learning all about the water cycle.
Why guests love YHA Ilam Hall
Accommodation at YHA Ilam Hall
Food and drink at YHA Ilam Hall
Things to do around YHA Ilam Hall
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National Stone Centre
A dramatic site crammed with ancient tropical reefs, rocks and minerals, centuries of industrial history and abundant wildlife. Visit the Stone Centre website
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Kedleston Hall
Kedleston Hall was designed to be different. Take a trip back to the 1760s to chart the creation of a unique house and park.
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Alton Towers
There's something for all thrill seekers and families at Alton Towers, with tons of terrific (and terrifying!) rides and amazing live shows. Plus, there's CBeebies Land for the little ones.
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Cycling in Ilam
Converted former railway lines, such as the Tissington, High Peak and the Manifold Trails offer great routes for cycling.
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Chatsworth House
The stately home and 1000 acre park of the Duke of Devonshire.
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Climbing in Ilam
Raven's Tor in Dovedale offers superb crack and face climbing on solid rock, all in a beautiful setting above the river.
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Haddon Hall
This remarkable medieval house is surrounded by Elizabethan gardens and set in the rolling countryside of the Peak District.
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Ashbourne
Ashbourne has remained largely unchanged since the 18th century, with it's Medieval street pattern and historic buildings.
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Crich Tramway Museum
A lovingly restored period village that is also home to the National Tramway Museum and its world renowned archives. Travel on one of the many working trams. Visit when there is a special
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Carsington Water (Reservoir)
Visit Britain’s newest reservoir and explore the trails through spectacular scenery. It offers a lovely day out for all the family with a children's play area, visitor centre, watersport centre
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The Heights of Abraham
18 miles Ride high above the Derwent Valley in an alpine-style cable car explore the famous caverns at the top. Visit the website
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Watersports in Ilam
The nearby Carsington Water offers equipment hire and a range of courses in sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and powerboating for absolute beginners through to instructors.
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Northfield Farm Riding and Trekking Centre
Try horse riding, pony trekking or Trail riding through stunning Peak District scenery.
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- Ambulant accessible
- Classroom(s)
- Coach parking on premises
- Contactless payments
- Corridor zoning
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Licensed bar
- Meeting room(s)
- Minibus parking on premises
- No mobile coverage
- No WiFi
- Paid parking on premises
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- Vending machines
- Water refill station
- Wheelchair accessible
Hostel need to know
Reception hours: From 07:30 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests from 07:30 – 09:00 daily. Meals are also available from 17:00 – 20:30.
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: Parking is free for National Trust members. All other guests can purchase a discounted parking ticket from reception.
WiFi: There is no WiFi available at YHA Ilam Hall and no phone signal within the building, so indulge in a digital detox during your stay. If you do need to make a call, signal can be found in some places outside and there is a payphone available if needed.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Ilam Hall. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
Guest access: The hostel is situated in extensive grounds belonging to the National Trust that are open to the public.
YHA Ilam Hall - Access Statement
(PDF download - 129.62 KB)
Volunteering
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.
History
YHA Ilam Hall has a varied history. It was originally built in the 15th Century by the Sir John Port family. After many years in the family, due to finical difficulties the manor and all its land were sold.
In the 17th century it was the home of the Russell-Watts family. Under their ownership the building was completely re-designed by architect John Shaw and rebuilt in its current gothic style. Not only did the family transform the manor, they also moved and re-modelled Ilam village. They built new houses for the villagers and a local school. Controversially, they also re-directed the road that used to run in front of the manor, crossing the river at St Betrams Bridge.
In the early 1930s, ownership came into the hands of Mr Backhouse. The entrepreneur transformed the building to be used as a hotel and pleasure grounds. Unfortunately, the business failed and again the manor was sold, this time to a demolition company. After a few years, most of the elegant rooms and ornate parts of the building had been demolished; the building was saved and restored by Robert McDougal and John Cadbury.
In 1932, the reaming 84 acres of land and the manor were donated to the National Trust with the agreement the building was to be used as a youth hostel. The Ilam Hall you now see is only a third of its original size and it is mostly the servants' quarters that remain.
