Situated right on the shores of Windermere, this stylish youth hostel offers an unbeatable location, stunning views, and state of the art facilities for families, groups, and solo travellers to enjoy.
In the centre of the Lake District National Park and within walking distance of its charming village namesake, YHA Ambleside gives you easy access to prime walking, climbing and water sports. With a modern bar and restaurant serving great food and local ales, you can return to the hostel confident you will be catered for.
Reception opening hours: 24 hours.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests from 07:30 – 09:00 on weekdays and 07:30 – 10:00 at weekends. Meals are also available until 21:00.
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.
Café and restaurant opening hours: Lakeside Restaurant & Bar is open to the public from 11:00 - 20:30, Monday to Sunday.
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, you will need to validate your presence by entering your car's registration number at reception. If this is full when you arrive, there is limited on-street parking in front of the pier and on Lake Road (three-minute walk). There is also a pay and display car park two minutes' walk from the hostel on Borrans Road.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Ambleside. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
(PDF download - 811.02 KB)
Saturday 4th October 2025 Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) Duration: 8 hours Led by: Rose Gare-Simmons, BMC Ambassador for Hill Walking Skills and confidence We will start the day with a classroom-based...
Sunday 14th September 2025 Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) Duration: 6 hours Led by: Harriet MacMillan, Navigation with Harriet Skills and confidence A walk up to Wansfell in more mountainous ground, with...
Saturday 13th September 2025 Distance: 4.1 miles (6.6 km) Duration: 5 hours Led by: Harriet MacMillan, Navigation with Harriet Skills and confidence An introduction to navigation and map reading in...
Sunday 28th September 2025 Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km) Duration: 5 - 6 hours Led by: Simon Ainley, YHA, with BMC volunteer guides Discovery and connection Starting and finishing at YHA Ambleside...
Windermere is England’s largest lake situated in the heart of the Lake District. Experience the spectacular views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands by boat with...
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...
Take a walk through Miss Potter's famous tales, complete with animatronics and walk-through scenes from her stories. The exhibition features favourite characters from the famous books, an award...
If you're planning on staying at YHA Ambleside, 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...
Visit Ambleside Adventure offers exciting indoor adventures such as an indoor climbing wall, bouldering and even a cafe. Join fellow beginners or book a private 1 hour Introduction to get you up the...
Lake Windermere No trip to Windermere is complete without a gentle ramble along Lake Windermere. The Lake Windermere west shore walk takes you along the water’s edge, providing a serene route with...
The best cycling is out of season when there's less traffic. There's an endless variety of cycling routes from quiet lanes to high mountain passes. Enjoy beautiful scenery and explore the lovely...
At over 10 miles long, the picturesque ribbon lake Windermere acts as an irresistible magnet at the heart of the Lake District. Surrounded by wooded slopes and moody mountains, your whole itinerary...
Come rain or shine the museum offers a welcoming space to spend time with friends and family. Housed inside striking architecture you’ll find a fascinating collection of boats, interactive displays...
Visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, with its closely guarded recipe still being kept a secret to this day. Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside...
Watch otters swim from the underwater tunnel, stroll through the tropical rainforest and explore the seashore discovery zone.
Visit the barely-changed home of famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. You'll find plenty to inspire you in the museum too.
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...
Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. See the house first created by William Gaddum, a silk merchant from Manchester, as his family's 'summer house'. Browse the shop...
Full of her favourite things, the house looks like Beatrix has just stepped out for a walk. Don't miss the lovely cottage garden.
From the leaf-shaped door handles to the carved wooden panelling, Blackwell is an important icon of Arts & Crafts architecture. Visit Blackwell's website
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 through YHA Volunteering.
YHA Ambleside Queens Hotel operated proudly from 1946 to 1971 until YHA began negotiating the purchase of the Ambleside Hotel. After successful negotiations, YHA Queens Youth Hostel was closed on 25th September 1971 and sold in May 1972.
On the 4th October 1971, the new YHA Ambleside opened its doors and took over business from the original youth hostel. With 240 beds, it was considerably larger than the Queens Hotel building and, at the time, the largest and most successful YHA hostel to date.
Manager recommends: Right in the heart of the Lake District, Ambleside is ideal for everyone, from first timers looking for weekend breaks to seasoned visitors who love serious outdoor activity holidays and want the best access to all that the Lakes have to offer - from climbing holidays to water sports holidays. Everything you need for great outdoor activity holidays or school trips! Water sports, walking, climbing and steamboat trips, it is all here!
Garden/grounds
Free parking on premises
WiFi
Free parking on premises
WiFi
Restaurant
Meeting room(s)
24-hour access after check-in
WiFi
Large garden/grounds
Free parking on premises
Self-catering kitchen
