The World of Beatrix Potter

Windermere Lake Cruises

The spectacular voyage gives you views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands.

Watersports in Windermere

Enjoy an afternoon on England's largest natural lake. There's a watersports centre on the shore of Windermere, only three miles from the hostel.

Lake Windermere

At over 10 miles long, the picturesque ribbon lake Windermere acts as an irresistible magnet at the heart of the Lake District.

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  

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.

Walking and Rambling in Hawkshead

A short walk from the hostel takes you to the highest point in the area, Latterbarrow, where there's a huge eight foot high trig point and stunning views of the whole of Lake Windermere.

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

Cycling in Windermere

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.

Cycling around Hawkshead

YHA Hawkshead is a fantastic location for road and mountain bikers, be they novice, families or experienced. Grizedale Forest The forest is a mecca for mountain bikers in the north west and YHA Ha

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.

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.

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

BMC Hill Walking Event 2020

This March the YHA will be hosting the BMC Hill Walking Event 2020 at our lovely hostel in Ambleside! The weekend will feature walks, talks and workshops, including discussions on navigation, geolo

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,

Go Ape

Go Ape has several locations across the UK where you can climb and fly through the trees.

Walking and Rambling around Windermere

There's a great choice of high and low level walks in the area, from easy walks around the beautiful Troutbeck Valley to the high fells in the east.