Windermere Lake Cruises
The spectacular voyage gives you views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands.
YHA Ambleside
Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EUOverview
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 the charming village of Ambleside, YHA Ambleside gives you easy access to prime walking, climbing and watersports in the Lake District. Plus, with a modern bar and restaurant serving great food and local ales, return to the hostel confident you’ll be catered for.
Why guests love YHA Ambleside
Accommodation at YHA Ambleside
The hostel
This modern 249 bed accommodation has both private and dorm rooms, some of which are en-suite.
YHA Ambleside at a glance:
- Refurbished restaurant and licensed bar
- Decked terrace overlooking Lake Windermere
- 11 rooms with en-suites
- Ideal for action-packed family holidays
- FREE Wi-Fi!
- Right next door to Ambleside Pier, we have our own jetty and slipway
- Bedrooms at YHA Ambleside are across three floors. Please be aware that there is no lift in the hostel.
YHA Ambleside has one ground floor accessible room which can only be booked by calling the hostel directly.
Food and drink at YHA Ambleside
Things to do around YHA Ambleside
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.
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
Go Ape
Go Ape has several locations across the UK where you can climb and fly through the trees. If it's adrenaline fuelled family fun you're after then look no further.
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.
Lakes Aquarium
Watch otters swim from the underwater tunnel, stroll through the tropical rainforest and explore the seashore discovery zone.
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!
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.
Walking and Rambling in Ambleside
A range of information on local walks is available from the hostel - just ask at reception and our friendly staff will be able to recommend a great walk for you.
Mountain biking in Ambleside
With Claife Heights right opposite, the hostel is a perfect base for exploring the area by mountain bike.
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.
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. Visit the website
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside the tiny shop.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Visit the website
Where is Peter Rabbit? The Musical Spectacular
Puppets are breathing new life into the tales of Beatrix Potter. They are the stars of Where is Peter Rabbit?
Real Food Rocks Festival
Join us in our beautiful grounds on the edge of Lake Windermere as we host a family day of real food, real music and real fun.
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
How to build a resilient student through outdoor residentials
Want to build more resilient students and improve retention?
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
Facilities
General
- Ambulant accessible
- Cot available
- Cycle store
- Free wi-fi
- Garden / grounds
- Wheelchair accessible
Essentials
- Drying room
- Laundry
- Lounge
- Luggage store
Entertainment
- Board games
- Games room
- TV
Accommodation options
- Private rooms available
- En suite rooms available
- Disabled access rooms available
Food & drink
- BBQ area
- Cafe
- Dining room
- Group catering available
- Licensed bar
- Meals available
- Self-catering kitchen
Transportation & parking
- Parking
Other YHA products
- Meeting Rooms & Corporate Hire
- Trade bookings
Need to know
Check in: From 14.00
Check out: Before 10.00
Open every day?: Yes
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 is supplied in all rooms.
Parking: The property has a free car park on-site for guests and patrons. Please note that this car park is controlled by an ANPR parking system. Upon arrival, motorists are required to validate their presence by entering their 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 (3 minute walk). There is also a pay and display car park two minutes' walk from the hostel on Borrans Road, which offers free parking from 18:00 - 08:00.
Pets: Pets are not permitted at YHA Ambleside. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Wi-Fi: Free wi-fi is available in social spaces.
Breakfast: Breakfast is served from 7.30 til 9am
YHA Ambleside - Access Statement
(PDF download - 811.02 KB)
YHA School Trips
There are a range of educational and action/adventure packages available at YHA Ambleside. The hostel has 249 beds, Internet access, a library and group catering is available. Visit the YHA School Trips website to reserve the hostel for your field trip.
Meeting rooms
At YHA Ambleside we have one meeting room available for hire - the Wainwright Suite.
Capacity: Up to 20 delegates depending on seating configuration.
Available Equipment: Projector, flipchart, pull down projection screen.
Parking: There is limited parking at the hostel. More parking can be found in Ambleside village.
Wi-Fi: There is no Wi-Fi in the conference room.
Accessibility: There is step free access into the hostel and the meeting room is located on the ground floor. There is a step free route from reception to the room. The closest accessible WC is located in the café bar. For more information please see our full access statement.
Air conditioning: There is no air conditioning but we do have fans and central heating.
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.
You can find out more and apply to volunteer at this hostel on the volunteering website.
History
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.
Meet the team
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 watersports holidays. Everything you need for great outdoor activity holidays or school trips! Watersports, walking, climbing and steamboat trips, it’s all here!
