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 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.
Why guests love YHA Ambleside
Accommodation at YHA Ambleside
Bed in a shared room
Dorms are not currently available.
Dorm rooms have multiple beds and are shared with other people who may not be travelling together. They are usually more affordable than private rooms as you'll be booking a bed rather than the whole room.
A typical shared dorm room includes bunk beds, a reading light and a storage cupboard for each guest.
Children aged between 12 and 15 can stay in dorm rooms as long as an adult of the same gender accompanies them.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room. None of our dorm rooms have en-suite facilities.
Private rooms
Want some privacy? With a private room, you'll be booking the whole room for your stay.
Private rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus a wash hand basin.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room.
Private en-suite rooms
For added privacy, relax with your family, friends or by yourself in a private en-suite room.
Private en-suite rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus shower and toilet facilities solely for the people in your room.
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.
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.
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
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,
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
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
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
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access
- 24-hour reception
- Baby changing
- Breakfast
- Café
- Classroom(s)
- Corridor zoning
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Lake view
- Lakefront
- Large garden/grounds
- Licensed bar
- Luggage store
- Minibus parking nearby
- Minibus parking on premises
- Mountain view
- Near bus stop
- Outdoor seating
- Packed lunch
- Paid on-street parking
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Vending machines
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
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 from 11:30 – 20:30.
Self-catering : Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Café and restaurant opening hours: Lakeside Restaurant and 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, which offers free parking from 18:00 to 08:00.
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.
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 internet access, a library and group catering.
Book your YHA School Trip.
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.
Find out more and apply to volunteer through YHA Volunteering.
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 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!
