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
YHA Buttermere
Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9XAOverview
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.
Why guests love YHA Buttermere
Accommodation at YHA Buttermere
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. None of our private rooms have en-suite facilities.
Landpods
Like camping but with a few added extras! Our Landpods sleep up to 4 people, on two double mattresses and a single futon mattress, which doubles up as the seating area. All bedding is included, plus 15 tog duvets and LED lighting.
Landpods don't have heating, so are more suited to the those who like a traditional camping experience. Even in the colder months, it’s nothing a couple of warm, cosy blankets can’t fix! There is a bench and BBQ firepit outside, so make the most of the great outdoors and dine al fresco.
Guests have year-round access to a shower and toilet shack, where you can freshen up after a sleeping under the stars.
Pitch-up camping
Camping is sold per person and not per pitch. During the booking process, you will need to select the number of people who you wish to camp.
Set in wooded grounds, we have availability for a two-person tent to pitch on the grass. The campsite is open over the summer holidays and selected weekends throughout the year.
Guests have access to all the hostel's facilities including the self-catering kitchen, cafe, drying room and laundry, with 24-hour access provided via a door code when reception is closed. There is also a shower and toilet shack, where you can freshen up after a sleeping under the stars.
Parking is available in the main car park, just next to the camping area.
Hire the whole place
Planning an overdue get-together or celebrating a birthday/anniversary? Looking for a base for your group's next adventure? Make your special occasion extra special with YHA Exclusive Hire.
You can hire the whole building at YHA Buttermere and, with sole use of the property, come and go as you please. This property is a grand, historic house at the heart of the Lake District National Park. It offers quality accommodation and is perfect for a family walking holiday or as a base for outdoor adventures. Dogs are welcome too!
Food and drink at YHA Buttermere
Things to do around YHA Buttermere
Jennings Brewery Tour
Take a tour of the brewery and finish off by sampling some of Jennings' superb Lakeland ales in the Old Cooperage.
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.
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 website (Formally known as Trotters World of Animals.)
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.
Climbing in Buttermere
There are fantastic multi pitch climbs on the quick drying Grey Crag to suit all abilities.
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.
Hostel facilities
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Free on-street parking
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Library
- Licensed bar
- Meeting rooms
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- 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.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: Parking space for 18 cars on site. Additional free parking on road near 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)
YHA School Trips
YHA Buttermere is perfect for geography, biology and history trips. There is also a range of adventure activities available. The hostel has a library, and offers catering for groups, making it ideal for a school trip.
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 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
"I’m Chris, YHA Buttermere’s manager. I’ve tried to create a really friendly, informal and welcoming atmosphere at YHA Buttermere. I’ve been here for six years and enjoy advising our guests on all the great things to do in the Lakes. Being in Buttermere allows me to get out onto the fells; in summer climbing, walking and fell running; in winter I 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, I’ll drag my 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.
