Go Ape Whinlatter
Whinlatter Forest offers dramatic views and unique landscapes, both of which can be soaked up at Go Ape Whinlatter. YHA members get 10% off outdoor adventures with Go Ape (all activities and locations...
YHA Buttermere
Overview
Set in an unrivalled position, overlooking the lake and surrounded by some of the highest mountains in England, YHA Buttermere is a fabulous base for a holiday in the Lake District. There are fantastic walks to suit all abilities direct from the door, including Haystacks, made famous by Alfred Wainwright.
Gentle family walks around the shores of Buttermere and Crummock Water can be found and for the more adventurous, there is great wild swimming potential. Buttermere also offers great cycling routes, including gentle rides out towards the Loweswater Fells.
Accommodation at this hostel
- Bed in a shared room is offered here
- Private room is offered here
- Camping & Cabins is offered here
- Entire place is offered here
Why guests love this hostel
- Overlooking Lake Buttermere
- Grand, historic building
- Great for walking
Accommodation at YHA Buttermere
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 66 people
Wainwright Walks eat your heart out! YHA Buttermere is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in England and top walking, cycling and climbing routes. This cosy location makes a perfect base for groups looking for an adrenaline-fuelled activity break or a field trip exploring the Cumbrian countryside.
This peaceful property is the ideal spot for a field trip, offering some amazing opportunities for geography and biology students. There’s also some great Lake District attractions like Honister Slate Mine and Wordsworth House. You could even indulge in our local wild swimming spots!
Group-friendly facilities
Sleeping arrangements
Most of our bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. We always try to allocate bedrooms close together and will never ask your group to share bedrooms with anyone not in your group.
Upgrades are available for sole use of an area, floor or the entire place.
Shared spaces
YHA Buttermere has a library if your group needs to talk or study, plus a bright and airy lounge with comfortable chairs. Not to mention acres of woodland grounds to discover outside.
Group catering
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Buttermere (see sample menu).
Meal plans range from bed and breakfast up to full-board catering. Vegetarian options are available and we aim to cater for any special dietary requests.
Parking
There is parking space for 18 cars on-site. Additional free on-street parking can be found near the base of Newlands Pass, 200m away.
Packages and bolt-ons
Looking to fill some free time? Our bolt-on activities can easily be added to your stay.
Hostel facilities
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Free on-street parking
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Library
- Licensed bar
- Meeting room(s)
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Unlimited breakfast
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception opening 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 – 20:00.
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 through YHA Exclusive Hire.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is parking space for 18 cars on-site. Additional free on-street parking can be found near the base of Newlands Pass, 200m away.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Buttermere, except in our Camping & Cabins accommodation or when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
YHA Buttermere - Access Statement
(PDF download - 49.67 KB)
Food and drink at YHA Buttermere
Things to do around YHA Buttermere
The Lake District Wildlife Park
With over 100 species of animals, you can spend the whole day wandering around the beautiful 25 acre park. Visit the Lake District Wildlife Park's website for more information (Formally known as...
Wordsworth House
Step back in time. The house and garden have been taken back to the 1770s, right down to the last knife and fork.
Climbing in Buttermere
There are fantastic multi pitch climbs on the quick drying Grey Crag to suit all abilities. Alternatively, check out the classic combination of Harrow Buttress, Chockstone Ridge and Oxford and...
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. The ‘Four Seasons Fred Whitton Bike...
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. Head to the Hills Swim the Lake...
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
More about this hostel
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 at this hostel through YHA volunteering.
History
YHA Buttermere was built by local author Nicholas Size who wrote The Secret Valley, an historical account of local resistance to the Norman invasion in the 12th century. The hotel was given to YHA in 1956 as a memorial to King George VI.
Meet the team
We try to create a really friendly, informal and welcoming atmosphere at YHA Buttermere. Being in Buttermere allows us to get out onto the fells; in summer climbing, walking and fell running; in winter we try to make the most of what the weather offers us. In a good winter, Buttermere offers some great winter walking and climbing and, if there’s enough snow, you can drag a snowboard out for some Lakeland shredding!
Manager recommends: If you're on a walking holiday, the staff favourite is Rannerdale Knotts - for unbeatable views of the whole valley, finished off with an ice cream from Syke Farm. If you're looking for a rural retreat in a quieter corner of the lakes. Buttermere is great for both activity breaks and cheap family breaks.
Nearby hostels
YHA Ennerdale
-
Free parking on premises
-
Garden/grounds
-
Self-catering kitchen
YHA Black Sail
-
Café
-
Mountain view
-
Self-catering kitchen
YHA Honister Hause
-
Mountain view
-
Near bus stop
-
No WiFi
YHA Borrowdale
-
WiFi
-
Meeting room(s)
-
Free parking on premises