YHA Hawkshead

Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QD
90%

Excellent

(238 reviews)

YHA Hawkshead exterior
Hot deals
20% off

HOTDEAL-232

Valid at selected YHA hostels between 28th March - 2nd May 2024 using the promo code at the checkout. Promotional terms and conditions apply. YHA members can get 25% off with our exclusive members only code. View all hostels on this offer.

Book:

What our shared rooms offer

  • Bed linen
  • Central heating
  • Heating
  • Hot water
  • Lock on doors
  • Smoke alarm

What you need to know about our shared rooms

Check-in
From 17:00- 22:00
Check-out
Before 10:00
Towels and toiletries
Hand soap is provided next to all sinks. Towels are not supplied as standard but can be rented or purchased from reception.
Bedding
Bedding is supplied in all our shared rooms.

What our private room offer

  • Bed linen
  • Central heating
  • En-suite rooms available
  • Heating
  • Hot water
  • Lock on doors
  • Smoke alarm

What you need to know about our private room

Check-in
From 17:00- 22:00
Check-out
Before 10:00
Towels and toiletries
Hand soap is provided next to all sinks. Towels are not supplied as standard but can be rented or purchased from reception.
Bedding
Bedding is supplied in all our private rooms.

What our Camping & Cabins offer

  • Bed linen
  • Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Smoke alarm

What you need to know about our Camping & Cabins

Check-in
From 17:00- 22:00
Check-out
Before 10:00
Towels and toiletries
Hand soap is provided next to all sinks. Towels are not supplied as standard but can be rented or purchased from reception.
Bedding
Bedding is supplied in our tipis, premium bell tents, camping pods and cabins.
Heating
Heating is supplied in our bell tents, camping pods and tipis. One free pack of wood is provided for the wood burner in our bell tents and tipis per stay (additional packs can be purchased from reception).
Dogs
Dogs can stay in our bell tents, cabins, camping pods and tipis. There is a £5 charge per dog per night for our bell tent, cabin, camping pod and tipi accommodation which is payable upon arrival. When staying as part of a Camping & Cabins booking, dogs are permitted in the public areas within the hostel (except in kitchens).
Guest access
Guests have use of the whole hostel during public opening hours.

Hire:

YHA Hawkshead lounge
  • Sleeps up to 72 guests
  • 12 bedrooms
  • 7 bathrooms

A grand, grade II listed building in the heart of the Lake District, YHA Hawkshead Main Building is the perfect base, suitable for families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable countryside retreat.

Where you'll sleep

Across the entire building there is a total of 12 bedrooms.

First floor

Three rooms that sleep up to 4 people each. They include 2 sets of bunk beds.

One room that sleeps up to 5 people. It includes 1 set of bunk beds and a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

Four rooms that sleep up to 6 people each. They include 3 sets of bunk beds.

Four rooms that sleep up to 8 people each. They include 4 sets of bunk beds.

A cot is available.

Shared spaces

Kitchen and dining

The commercial-sized kitchen is located on the ground floor and includes a range of conveniences listed below.

Kitchen appliances: microwave, oven, refrigerator, toaster.

Kitchenware: dishes and cutlery, kitchen utensils, pots, pans.

Cleaning basics: anti-bacterial spray, cloths, paper towels, sponges, washing up liquid.

Located on the ground floor, there are two dining rooms which seat up to 54 people in total.

A highchair is available.

Lounge

The lounge is located on the ground floor and seats up to 14 people. There are 3 comfy sofas and 4 chairs so you can relax in the evening after a day of exploring.

There is also a games room that can seat up to 15 people with a pool table.

Bathrooms

Across the entire building there is a total of seven bathrooms.

Toilets: 7

Showers: 8

Toilet paper is provided and hand soap is available next to all sinks.

Outdoors

Outside is a large garden. The garden is enclosed with bushes.

Other guests who have booked the seperate courtyard building will have shared use of the hostel grounds.

Outdoor amenities: grass/lawn, picnic tables.

What our main building offer

  • Bed linen
  • Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Central heating
  • Cleaning basics
  • Cooking basics
  • Cot available
  • Dishes and cutlery
  • En-suite rooms available
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Fridge
  • Garden/grounds
  • Grill
  • Heating
  • Highchair
  • Hot water
  • Kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Lake view
  • Lock on doors
  • Microwave
  • Mini fridge
  • Mountain view
  • Outdoor seating
  • Oven
  • Pool table
  • Shower(s)
  • Smoke alarm
  • Toaster

What you need to know about our main building

Check-in
From 16:00
Check-out
Before 10:00
Heating
There is central heating throughout the property.
Bedding
Bedding is supplied in all our rooms.
Dogs
Hire YHA Hawkshead Main Building and bring your dogs! Add a dog to your booking at the checkout and bring your four-legged friend along with you. Dogs are not permitted in the bedrooms, on the furniture or in the kitchen, and must be kept on a lead in the grounds.
Checking in
You will receive an email prior to your arrival with the property address and check-in instructions.
Guest access
Guests have sole use of the main building. The seperate courtyard building may be booked by other guests who have shared use of the hostel grounds.
WiFi
Free WiFi is available in social spaces.
YHA Hawkshead courtyard
  • Sleeps up to 30 guests
  • 8 bedrooms
  • 4 bathrooms

YHA Hawkshead is a family friendly grade II listed Regency building located in the heart of one of England’s most beloved National Parks. It is an ideal base for cheap breaks with the chance to discover the Beatrix Potter country. This property offers accommodation and social spaces set around a courtyard garden.

Where you'll sleep

Across the entire building there is a total of eight bedrooms.

First floor

Two rooms that sleep up to 3 people each. They include 3 single beds. 

Two rooms that sleep up to 3 people each. They include a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

One en-suite room that sleeps up to 4 people. It includes 2 sets of bunk beds.

One room that sleeps up to 4 people. It includes 2 sets of bunk beds.

One en-suite room that sleeps up to 5 people. It includes 1 set of bunk beds and a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

One room that sleeps up to 5 people. It includes 1 set of bunk beds and a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

A cot is available.

Shared spaces

Kitchen and dining

The kitchen is located on the ground floor and includes a range of conveniences listed below.

Kitchen appliances: grill, 2 kettles, 2 microwaves, mini fridge, 4 ovens, refrigerator, 2 toasters.

Kitchenware: dishes and cutlery for 30 people, kitchen utensils, pots, pans.

Cleaning basics: anti-bacterial spray, cloths, paper towels, sponges, tea towels, washing up liquid.

Located on the ground floor, the lounge/diner seats up to 24 people at tables. There are 3 comfy sofas and 2 armchairs in the lounge area of the room, providing seating for up to 12 people.

A highchair is available.

Bathrooms

Across the entire building there is a total of four bathrooms.

En-suite bathrooms: 2

Toilets: 4

Showers: 2

Toilet paper is provided and hand soap is available next to all sinks.

Outdoors

Outside consists of some small grounds.

Other guests who have booked the seperate main building will have shared use of the hostel grounds.

Outdoor amenities: picnic tables.

What our courtyard offer

  • Bed linen
  • Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Central heating
  • Cleaning basics
  • Cooking basics
  • Cot available
  • Dishes and cutlery
  • En-suite rooms available
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Fridge
  • Garden/grounds
  • Grill
  • Heating
  • Highchair
  • Hot water
  • Kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Lake view
  • Lock on doors
  • Microwave
  • Mini fridge
  • Mountain view
  • Outdoor seating
  • Oven
  • Pool table
  • Shower(s)
  • Smoke alarm
  • Toaster

What you need to know about our courtyard

Check-in
From 16:00
Check-out
Before 10:00
Heating
There is central heating throughout the property.
Bedding
Bedding is supplied in all our rooms.
Dogs
Hire YHA Hawkshead Courtyard and bring your dogs! Add a dog to your booking at the checkout and bring your four-legged friend along with you. Dogs are not permitted in the bedrooms, on the furniture or in the kitchen, and must be kept on a lead in the grounds.
Checking in
You will receive an email prior to your arrival with the property address and check-in instructions.
Guest access
Guests have sole use of the courtyard building, which is adjacent to staff accommodation. The seperate main building may be booked by other guests who have shared use of the hostel grounds.
WiFi
Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
YHA Hawkshead
  • Sleeps up to 102 guests
  • 20 bedrooms
  • 11 bathrooms

Located in a tranquil surroundings, YHA Hawkshead Main Building and Courtyard offer quality and comfortable accommodation for guests to enjoy during their stay. If you're looking for a true Lake District walking holiday, these properties act as the perfect base for your break. 

Where you'll sleep

Main building

Across the entire building there is a total of 12 bedrooms.

First floor

Three rooms that sleep up to 4 people each. They include 2 sets of bunk beds.

One room that sleeps up to 5 people. It includes 1 set of bunk beds and a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

Four rooms that sleep up to 6 people each. They include 3 sets of bunk beds.

Four rooms that sleep up to 8 people each. They include 4 sets of bunk beds.

A cot is available.

Courtyard

Across the entire building there is a total of eight bedrooms.

First floor

Two rooms that sleep up to 3 people each. They include 3 single beds. 

Two rooms that sleep up to 3 people each. They include a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

One en-suite room that sleeps up to 4 people. It includes 2 sets of bunk beds.

One room that sleeps up to 4 people. It includes 2 sets of bunk beds.

One en-suite room that sleeps up to 5 people. It includes 1 set of bunk beds and a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

One room that sleeps up to 5 people. It includes 1 set of bunk beds and a high sleeper bunk with a double bed underneath.

A cot is available.

Shared spaces

Main building
Kitchen and dining

The commercial-sized kitchen is located on the ground floor and includes a range of conveniences listed below.

Kitchen appliances: microwave, oven, refrigerator, toaster.

Kitchenware: dishes and cutlery, kitchen utensils, pots, pans.

Cleaning basics: anti-bacterial spray, cloths, paper towels, sponges, washing up liquid.

Located on the ground floor, there are two dining rooms which seat up to 54 people in total.

A highchair is available.

Lounge

The lounge is located on the ground floor and seats up to 14 people. There are 3 comfy sofas and 4 chairs so you can relax in the evening after a day of exploring.

There is also a games room that can seat up to 15 people with a pool table.

Bathrooms

Across the entire building there is a total of seven bathrooms.

Toilets: 7

Showers: 8

Toilet paper is provided and hand soap is available next to all sinks.

Outdoors

Outside is a large garden. The garden is enclosed with bushes.

Outdoor amenities: grass/lawn, picnic tables.

Courtyard
Kitchen and dining

The kitchen is located on the ground floor and includes a range of conveniences listed below.

Kitchen appliances: grill, 2 kettles, 2 microwaves, mini fridge, 4 ovens, refrigerator, 2 toasters.

Kitchenware: dishes and cutlery for 30 people, kitchen utensils, pots, pans.

Cleaning basics: anti-bacterial spray, cloths, paper towels, sponges, tea towels, washing up liquid.

Located on the ground floor, the lounge/diner seats up to 24 people at tables. There are 3 comfy sofas and 2 armchairs in the lounge area of the room, providing seating for up to 12 people.

A highchair is available.

Bathrooms

Across the entire building there is a total of four bathrooms.

En-suite bathrooms: 2

Toilets: 4

Showers: 2

Toilet paper is provided and hand soap is available next to all sinks.

Outdoors

Outside consists of some small grounds.

Outdoor amenities: picnic tables.

What our main building & courtyard offer

  • Bed linen
  • Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Central heating
  • Cleaning basics
  • Cooking basics
  • Cot available
  • Dishes and cutlery
  • En-suite rooms available
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Fridge
  • Garden/grounds
  • Grill
  • Heating
  • Highchair
  • Hot water
  • Kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Lake view
  • Lock on doors
  • Microwave
  • Mini fridge
  • Mountain view
  • Outdoor seating
  • Oven
  • Pool table
  • Shower(s)
  • Smoke alarm
  • Toaster

What you need to know about our main building & courtyard

Check-in
From 16:00
Check-out
10:00
Heating
There is central heating throughout both properties.
Bedding
Bedding is supplied in all our rooms.
Dogs
Hire YHA Hawkshead and bring your dogs! Add a dog to your booking at the checkout and bring your four-legged friend along with you. Dogs are not permitted in the bedrooms, on the furniture or in the kitchen, and must be kept on a lead in the grounds.
Checking in
You will receive an email prior to your arrival with the property address and check-in instructions.
Guest access
Guest have sole use of the main and courtyard buildings.
WiFi
Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.

Overview

This family friendly, grade II listed building is an ideal base for cheap breaks, school trips and activity holidays in Beatrix Potter country. YHA Hawkshead is great for walking and cycling and nearby Grizedale Forest offers some of the country’s best routes if you're looking for a mountain biking holiday.

YHA Hawkshead offers our biggest choice of Camping & Cabins – with an atmospheric glamping village of camping pods, cabins and tipis in our grounds. Free Wi-Fi is available in our spacious social areas and you can expect tranquil views over Esthwaite Water, fabulous drinks in our licensed bar and plenty of Regency charm.

Why guests love YHA Hawkshead

  • Large garden/grounds
  • Free parking on premises
  • Self-catering kitchen
  • Close to Grizedale Forest and Coniston Lake
  • Lakeside location overlooking Esthwaite Water
  • Atmospheric glamping village of camping pods, cabins and tipis
YHA Hawkshead - Exterior
YHA Hawkshead - Exterior
YHA Hawkshead - Exterior
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Accommodation at YHA Hawkshead

Bed in a shared room

If you're happy to share, dorm rooms have multiple beds - ideal for budget breaks.

View info Book now

Private rooms

Like your own space? Private rooms offer the hostelling experience with more privacy.

View info Book now

Private en-suite rooms

Enjoy your own space with a private en-suite room, including bathroom facilities.

View info Book now

Cabins

Go glamping in style and feel as cosy as can be inside a rustic wooden cabin.

View info Book now

Camping pods

Our wooden pods offer the camping experience with protection from the elements.

View info Book now

Premium bell tents

Get all the fun of the great outdoors without the set-up in our beautiful bell tents.

View info Book now

Tipis

Try something different and go camping in style with our spacious tipi tents.

View info Book now

Hire the Courtyard building

Take the Courtyard building for you and your group with YHA Exclusive Hire.

View info Book now

Hire the whole place

With YHA Exclusive Hire, you can take the main building for you and your group.

View info Book now

Group bookings for 16+ guests

Let YHA take care of your stay with our group booking service.

View info Book now

Reviews

Food and drink at YHA Hawkshead

  • Unlimited breakfast at YHA Hawkshead

    Enjoy all you can eat for breakfast including sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, tomatoes and beans. Continental options include fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt and pastries. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to get stuck into. Drinks are included too! Under 10s eat for £1 with our special offer (see menu for details).

    View menu
    Cooked full English breakfast

  • Main menu at YHA Hawkshead

    Take your pick from our range of delicious light bites, hearty classics, and delicious desserts – everything you need after a long day of exploring. Under 10s eat for £1 with our special offer (see menu for details). Vegan and vegetarian options available.

    View menu
    Burger, chips and coleslaw on a plate

Things to do around YHA Hawkshead

  • cycling

    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

  • tying shoelace

    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

  • The Grammar School Museum

    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.

  • Rabbits

    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!

  • Tom Ghyll (or Gill) waterfalls on way to Tarn Hows

    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.

  • Lakes Aquarium

    Lakes Aquarium

    Watch otters swim from the underwater tunnel, stroll through the tropical rainforest and explore the seashore discovery zone.

  • Blackwell Arts & Crafts House exterior

    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  

  • Windermere Jetty Museum interior

    Windermere Jetty Museum

    Come rain or shine the museum offers a welcoming space to spend time with friends and family.

  • Brantwood

    Brantwood

    Discover the home of John Ruskin.

  • Coniston Boating Centre, view of jetties

    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

  • Beatrix Potter Hill Top

    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.

  • Mountain Guide instructs a group of young people

    Highpoint Mountain Guides

    Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Visit the website

  • Go Ape

    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

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

  • Windermere Lake Cruises

    Windermere Lake Cruises

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

  • Mountain biking

    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

    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.

  • Dove Cottage

    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.

  • Coniston Launch Cruises

    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

  • Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water

    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

  • Coniston town centre

    The Ruskin Museum

    Exhibition including the Ruskin collection, the copper mines, slate, geology, farming and Donald Campbell's Bluebird. Visit the website

Hostel facilities

  • Baby changing
  • Contactless payments
  • Cycle store
  • Dining room
  • Evening meals
  • Free parking on premises
  • Games
  • Garden/grounds
  • Group meals
  • Highchair
  • Intermittent mobile coverage
  • Lake view
  • Large garden/grounds
  • Licensed bar
  • Minibus parking on premises
  • Mountain view
  • Outdoor games kit
  • Outdoor seating
  • Pool table
  • Self-catering kitchen
  • Shared drying room
  • Shared lounge
  • Unlimited breakfast
  • Vending machines
  • Water refill station
  • WiFi

Hostel need to know

Reception 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 – 20:30.

Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.

Parking: There is free parking on site and an overflow car park for use during busy times.

WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.

Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Hawkshead, except in our Camping & Cabins accommodation or when hiring the whole hostel or courtyard through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.

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, except when hiring the whole hostel or courtyard through YHA Exclusive Hire.

YHA Hawkshead - Access Statement

(PDF download - 140.32 KB)

YHA Hawkshead

Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QD

Map references

OS Map:
96
OS Grid Ref:
SD354966
Lat/Lng:
54.361697, -2.994753

Contact information

Get directions

Volunteering

We are very grateful for all of the help and support that our generous volunteers give to YHA. We are proud of our “Investors in Volunteering” accreditation and have a wide range of opportunities available across the country, all of which will provide great learning or social experiences and help us to create even more opportunities for young people.

Why not come and spend some time at YHA Hawkshead to find out more about our fabulous hostels and spend some time helping us maintain our high standards of hospitality. The tasks are energetic and varied and in return you will get to meet some great people who both work and stay in our hostels as well as enjoying your time off to get out and discover the beautiful Lake District landscape.

Find out more and apply to volunteer.

Meet the team

Manager recommends: Great for family activity breaks and some of the best cycling and mountain biking holidays that England has to offer. After an active day in the south Lakes, relax on the veranda, overlooking the expansive gardens and tranquil Esthwaite Water.

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2023 logo Visit Britain Walkers and Cyclists Welcome logos

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