Welcome to the Lake District
Home to England's largest mountain, its deepest lake and now a famous World Heritage Site, camping in the Lake District is the perfect holiday for activity seekers looking to explore.
The Lake District has 885 square miles of dramatic mountains, woodland, lakes and vast open spaces and it welcomes nearly 16 million visitors every year. Numerous picturesque villages dotted around provide your modern comforts, along with other attractions and some stunning views as backdrops.
Why guests love YHA campsites
- Stunning gardens and grounds
- 24-hour access to hostel facilities
- Perfect for activity breaks
- Beautiful views
YHA hostels with camping in the Lake District
Things to do in the Lake District
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Aira Force Waterfalls
Indulge in impressive mountain scenery and a 65ft waterfall that inspired many of Wordsworth's great works. See the National Trust website See the Visit Cumbria website
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Ambleside Climbing Wall
Here at Ambleside Climbing Wall there's an indoor climbing wall, bouldering room, and cafe. There's also a room dedicated to climbing gear, which can be hired.
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Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
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Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
From the leaf-shaped door handles to the carved wooden panelling, Blackwell is an important icon of Arts & Crafts architecture. Visit Blackwell's website
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Boat trips on Derwentwater
Cruise the lake stopping at the lakeshore jetties where you can change boats, or enjoy the 50 minute trip around Derwentwater.
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Brantwood
Discover the home of John Ruskin.
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Brockhole Visitor Centre
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'. Brows
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Cathedral Quarry
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 Hod
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Climbing in Borrowdale
Shepherd's crag is a unique climbing ground! The buttresses provide good pitches for both beginner and tiger. The rock is generally excellent.
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Climbing in Buttermere
There are fantastic multi pitch climbs on the quick drying Grey Crag to suit all abilities.
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Climbing in Coniston
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 scr
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Climbing in Keswick
For an accessible road-side route try Little Chamonix for an entry level climb.
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Climbing in Langdale
Raven Crag, Gimmer Crag and White Ghyll are just a few of the numerous rock climbing spots which line the Langdale valley floor, providing some of the most spectacular rock routes in the UK - come and
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Climbing in Wasdale
Follow in the footsteps of the Abraham brothers and climb to the top of Napes Needle - a classic hard/severe climb with stunning mountainside views straight down to Wasdale.
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Coniston Boating Centre
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 w
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Coniston Cruises
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 differe
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Cross Bay Walks
The walks cross several estuary channels, some some fast running, so it's best to use a guide across the dangerous sands.
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Cycling around Hawkshead
YHA Hawkshead is a fantastic location for road and mountain bikers, be they novice, families or experienced.Grizedale ForestThe forest is a mecca for mountain bikers in the north west and YHA Hawkshea
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Cycling in Borrowdale
Cycling around Derwentwater is a great day in the saddle. Admire the ever changing and breathtaking views across Derwentwater and stop off at the cafe at Grange and Keswick to keep you going.
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Cycling in Buttermere
The Fred Whitton Challenge is a famous endurance event taking place in early May each year. It’s a 112 mile ride over all the principle mountain passes of Lakeland.
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Cycling in Coniston Holly How
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 aro
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Cycling in Eskdale
The fantastic Hardknott Pass circuit takes you over one of the highest and hardest cycle passes in Britain, then cycle down the Duddon Valley and return to the hostel via Birker Moor.
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Cycling in Keswick
From YHA Keswick there is a cycle route to suit everyone, whether you’re looking for a gentle ride following the River Greta along an old railway track to tackling the famous 112 mile Fred Whitton cha
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Dove Cottage
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.
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Glenridding Sailing Centre
Hire out a sailboat, canoe or kayak for use on Ullswater. A range of courses are offered. Visit the Centre's website for more details.
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Go Ape
Go Ape has several locations across the UK where you can climb and fly through the trees.
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Go Ape Grizedale
Fly 200 metres across the top of the Grizedale Beck and marvel at the forest canopy from 18m up a Douglas Fir. YHA members get 10% off outdoor adventures with Go Ape (all activities and locations,
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Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside the tiny shop.
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Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
Situated in the pretty Lake District village of Hawkshead, the Grammar School Museum tells the story of school life since its founding in 1585.
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Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Visit the website
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Hill Top (Beatrix Potter)
Full of her favourite things, the house looks like Beatrix has just stepped out for a walk. Don't miss the lovely cottage garden.
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Holker Hall
Set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.
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Honister Slate Mine
For underground tours and the popular Via Ferrata. Edge along ladders and bridges to reach a summit viewpoint over Buttermere. Visit the website
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Keswick Adventure Centre
Offering multi-activity courses in everything from ghyll scrambling and zip-wires to raft-building and waterrollerz.
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Keswick Golf Club
An 18 hole golf course offering a unique golfing experience - with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Lakeland Fells.
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Keswick Launch Company
Daily launches around the lake stopping at Keswick, Nichol End, Hawes End, Low Brandlehow,, High Brandlehow, Lodore and Ashness Gate.
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Keswick Leisure Pool
With its warm waters, wave machine and 'black hole' flume there's fun for all the family.
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Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
With its large collection of exhibits, the museum is a fascinating place to discover old Keswick and the Lake District. See the museum website.
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Lakes Aquarium
Watch otters swim from the underwater tunnel, stroll through the tropical rainforest and explore the seashore discovery zone.
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Leighton Moss RSPB reserve & Morecambe Bay RSPB reserve
Two nationally important wetland reserves. Free entry for YHA guests arriving at RSPB by bike or rail.
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Levens Hall
One of the finest stately homes in south Cumbria. Don't miss the fantastic gardens with the famous topiary.
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Merz Barn
Discover the recovery, documentation and restoration of Kurt Schwitters’ last Merzbau project; the Elterwater Merz Barn.
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Mountain Biking around Coniston Holly How
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.
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Mountain biking in Ambleside
With Claife Heights right opposite, the hostel is a perfect base for exploring the area by mountain bike.
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Mountain biking in Borrowdale
The 19 kilometre red grade Altura trail has two loops which includes 15 kilometres of challenging single track sections and popular features like berms, jumps, rock features, skinnies, cork screws and
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Mountain Biking in Caldbeck
Wind through the hills and straights for the ultimate mountain biking experience.
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Mountain biking in Ennerdale
Situated alongside moderately graded forest roads, the hostel also has easy access to the lanes and B roads of West Cumbria.
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Mountain biking in Eskdale
For those with energy to burn, and a certain amount of experience, there is the trickier mountain route into the neighbouring valley of Wasdale and coming back to the hostel by Burnmoor into Wasdale v
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Mountain biking in Hawkshead
Set off down the bridleway from the back of the hostel to join Grizedale forest which offers hundreds of different routes for mountain bikers of all abilities.
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Mountain Biking in Keswick
Whinlatter Visitors Centre is just five miles from YHA Keswick with some of the best purpose built single track mountain bike trails in the country.
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Mountain biking in Langdale
If you're an experienced mountain biker, try the Langdale Loop in the Langdale valley area.
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Mountain biking on Helvellyn
Bike up Helvellyn, the second highest mountain in the Lake District, to get your heart pumping! Or if you fancy a lakeside route try Ullswater Singletrack near High Street and Place Fell.
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Muncaster Castle
Historic haunted castle, with 70 acres of stunning Gardens, set against the back drop of the fells. Home to the Hawk and Owl Centre, where from Easter through to min-Oct there are daily flying d
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Osprey View Point
Spectacular view of the ospreys flying to and from their nest and, most amazing of all, catching fish from Bassenthwaite Lake.
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Plattyplus watersports
Based on the shores of Derwent Water, you can hire equipment or take a lesson in kayaking, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. Visit the Platty+ website
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Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway
Travel for seven miles from a delightful coastal village, through two glorious valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains. Visit the Railway website
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Rookin House Farm
An activity centre offering horse riding for all abilities, archery and quad biking to name but a few. Visit the website for full details
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Running in Borrowdale
The Borrowdale valley has a great reputation with fell runners. And thanks to the races the hostel organises, YHA Borrowdale is now attracting plenty of people with a passion for dashing.
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Running in Coniston
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 of
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St Bees Head
Blow away the cobwebs with a bracing walk along the cliff top path, and look across to the Isle of Man on a clear day. Visit the RSPB website (grid reference is St Bees Head car park, and not as
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St Patrick's Boat Landing and Bike Hire
To fully experience Lake Ullswater, hire a self-drive motor, fishing or rowing boat or cycle the shoreline on a Mountain bike. Visit the website
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Steam Yacht Gondola
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
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The Dalemain Estate
Behind its Georgian facade, this fantastic house has a wealth of Tudor and Mediaeval rooms and buildings to explore.
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The Pencil Museum
Enter through a graphite mine replica and follow the path of pencil making from the reign of Elizabeth 1st to the present day.
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The Puzzling Place
Stuffed with puzzles, gadgets and curiosities The Puzzling Place is guaranteed to have something to amuse, entertain or puzzle you.
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The Rheged Centre
Designed to resemble a Lakeland hill, the grass-covered centre houses a cinema, play areas, pottery painting and regional shops that reflect the area, its craft people and producers. Why's it
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The World of Beatrix Potter
Take a walk through Miss Potter's famous tales, complete with animatronics and walk-through scenes from her stories. Don't forget to exit through the gift shop!
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Theatre by the Lake
One of the most beautifully located theatres in England, hosting film and literary festivals throughout the year.
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Tom Ghyll Waterfalls
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.
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Troutbeck Village
A truly unique village, located in a lovely unspoilt valley, nearly every building is over 100 years old, and some are over 300 years old. Visit the Village website (Note: Not to be confused wit
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Walking and Rambling around Coniston
Routes to the Old Man and Weatherlam start from the front door.
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Walking and Rambling around Coniston Holly How
Explore the drama of Coniston Old Man and Weatherlam compared to the tranquillity of Tarn Hows in Beatrix Potter country. Wind your way up through the mining heritage of Coniston, through a jagg
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Walking and Rambling in Ambleside
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 are
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Walking and Rambling in Arnside
Great all weather, all season walking with a variety of routes available to suit all abilities and interests.
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Walking and Rambling in Borrowdale
There is no better place for climbing Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Bowfell.
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Walking and Rambling in Hawkshead
If you're planning on staying at YHA Hawkshead, 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
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Walking and Rambling in Honister
If you're planning on staying at YHA Honister Hause, 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 th
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Walking and Rambling in Keswick
If you're planning on staying at YHA Keswick, 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 area
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Walking and Rambling in Langdale
Spectacularly located, YHA Langdale overlooks Windermere and gives you access to the iconic fell walking routes of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes.
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Walking and Rambling in Patterdale
Situated on the Coast to Coast route, the hostel is great for accessing Helvellyn, the second highest mountain in the Lakes.
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Walking and Rambling in Wasdale
If you're planning on staying at YHA Wasdale 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
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Walking and Rambling near Hawse End Bunkhouse
Climb one of the hills right next to the bunkhouse to make the most of the beautiful landscape and see the world from a different perspective.
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Walking and Rambling on Helvellyn
If you're planning on staying at YHA Helvellyn, 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
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Watersports around Borrowdale
Fast and furious dragon boat racing is a must for groups and for something totally different, don't miss the experience of sailing or rowing a Viking Longboat.
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Watersports in Ambleside
The Lake District was made for wild swimming and with this hostel right on the edge of England's largest lake, Windermere, it would be rude not to.
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Watersports in Buttermere
The cream of Lake District wild swimming is to be found in the Buttermere valley in the crystal clear waters of the Buttermere and Crummock waters and local tarns.
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Watersports in Caldbeck
Learn all the boating skills you need and experience the thrill of the open water.
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Watersports in Coniston
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
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Watersports in Hawkshead
Only five miles from Windermere, you can try your hand at anything from a lake cruise through to wind surfing, kayaking and canoeing. If you feel the need for speed you can even hire a power boat.
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Watersports in Keswick
Within a three mile radius of Keswick you can try canoeing, sailing and kayaking, all available on Derwentwater.
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Watersports in Langdale
For taking a dip on the wild side, the Lake District is a wild swimmer's paradise. Why not take a dip in one of the secluded fell tarns or smaller lakes such as nearby Grasmere and Rydal Water?
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Watersports in Patterdale
Ullswater, the second largest lake in England is great for a wide variety of watersports from sailing to windsurfing.
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Watersports in Wasdale
The hostel grounds run down to the lakeshore. Paddling, canoeing and kayaking are available on the lake, a stones throw from the hostel door, just remember to bring your own equipment.
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Watersports near Helvellyn
Ullswater is great for a wide variety of water sports from sailing to windsurfing - you can even travel light and hire all the equipment you need from the sailing centre. A trip on the Ullswater St
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Whitehaven
Lovely, heritage Georgian town - the starting point on the C2C route. Don't miss the Beacon visitors centre and The Rum Story.
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Wildlife Oasis
The little zoo with lots to do! A unique and exciting blend of exotic wildlife and interactive hands-on displays.
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Windermere Jetty Museum
Come rain or shine the museum offers a welcoming space to spend time with friends and family.
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Windermere Lake Cruises
The spectacular voyage gives you views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands.
Also available in the Lake District
Camping pods
Stay in our quirky wooden camping pods and enjoy all the great things about sleeping under the stars while you're fully protected from the outdoor elements. All our camping pods come with futon beds and bedding, so you don't have to worry about bringing your camping gear.
Land pods
Enjoy the camping experience with some upgrades. Staying in a Landpod is like camping with a few added extras: all bedding is included, plus duvets, LED lighting and a cosy seating area. Perfect for getting closer to nature
Tipis
Our spacious tipis bring new meaning to the term glamping holiday. Not only do YHA offer superb low-cost hostel accommodation for all the family but these festival-style tents are at some of our very best UK locations.
Bell tents
Bell tent glamping offers a luxury upgrade from the regular camping experience. Our spacious premium bell tents each sleep up to 5 people. They include a double bed, two single futon beds and a single futon that can be folded into a chair. All bedding is provided.
Cabins
Why not try a unique outdoor experience and stay in our cabins and deluxe cabins? Our rustic six-sided cabins are made from timber and are fully insulated with two double glazed windows. You'll be well protected from the elements for an extra cosy stay.
Airstream
If you fancy sleeping under the stars but with protection from all the elements, then an Airstream holiday could be for you. This unique glamping experience has all the fun of getting close to nature but without the set-up stress.
View some of our popular Lake District blog posts
Eco-friendly glamping in the Lake District
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Discovering National Parks – The Lake District
We are so lucky to have UK National Parks – beautiful places and great big open spaces. Here we visit the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic National Parks...
Our favourite day walks in the Lake District
It can take a lifetime of commitment to cover every fell in the Lakes, and not all of us are blessed with the time. So for those saving their epic multi-day expeditions for a later date, here are five of our favourite Lake District walks...