Brantwood
Discover the home of John Ruskin.
YHA Coniston Holly How
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DDOverview
COVID-19 Industry Standard
In Partnership with The National Tourist Organisation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In recognition that this business has confirmed that they have followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social/physical distancing.
There’s so much to do on an activity break at YHA Consiton Holly How. Whether you’re into watersports, sailing or cycling, there's something for everyone, including some of the country’s best mountain biking trails.
YHA Coniston Holly How sits in the heart of the Lake District National Park and provides easy access to the village and Coniston Water. This traditional Lakeland house is close to excellent walks for all levels and is also a major Mountain Leader Training and Assessment base. It's also a popular venue for school trips, bank holiday getaways and camping breaks - ideal for all kinds of get-togethers and outdoor activity holidays.
Why guests love YHA Coniston Holly How
Accommodation at YHA Coniston Holly How
The hostel
Dorms are not currently available.
YHA Coniston Holly How has space for 60 people over a selection of dorm rooms, private rooms and camping. This traditional Lake District house has excellent self-catering facilities, lovely social areas and a drying room to hang your clothes after a muddy walk. There are two lounges - one with a TV and a main lounge and a proper bar in the restaurant - perfect for cosy nights in.
If you're travelling as part of a large group we can arrange a joint booking with YHA Coniston Coppermines and offer a total 86 beds.
Landpods
These brand new Landpods, upgraded for 2019, are fully waterproof and sleep up to four adults. They are slightly elevated off the ground for a comfortable night’s sleep under the stars – you can even open the roof for a better view! With LED lighting these cosy pods include all beds and bedding. There is a table, bench and BBQ firepit outside so you can make the most of the great outdoors and dine al fresco.
The new larger Landpod sleeps up to 4 people, on two small double mattresses (one above the other) and a single futon mattress, which doubles up as the seating area. They’re even tall enough to stand up in!
Please note that there is no heating in our Landpods.
Guests have year-round access to 1 shower shack and 1 toilet shack, where you can freshen up after a sleeping under the stars.
Tipis
Get all the fun of camping but without any of the set up stresses with these beautiful tipis - part of the YHA Glamping experience. These spacious tipis are fully kitted out with bedding and can sleep four people on mattresses. They have a wooden floor which is partly carpeted and a lockable coffee table chest which you can store you belongings in and use as a table. There's also eco-friendly solar lighting and two comfy waterproof bean bags for you to chill out on during the day, as well as a woodburner to keep you snug. This cosy glamping option is perfect for those who love camping but not roughing it.
There are two tipis available at YHA Coniston Holly How and tipi guests will have full use of the hostel's facilities plus a separate shower and toilet block. YHA Coniston Holly How's tipis are available to book throughout the year for stays between April and the end of October.
Guests have year-round access to 1 shower shack and 1 toilet shack, where you can freshen up after a sleeping under the stars.
Camping
Please note that camping is sold per person and not per pitch and so, during the booking process, you will need to select the number of people that you wish to camp.
Camping is available at YHA Coniston Holly How in a wooded walled garden which has 30 different tree species, including the Lake District's tallest Monkey Puzzle tree which is 150 years old. The site has spectacular mountain views.
Facilities
There is an outside toilet available for campers at night time, and campers have full use of the hostel showers and toilets during the day.
Campers have access to the self-catering kitchen and the hostel has a licensed bar and restaurant which campers are also welcome to use.
Guests have year-round access to 1 shower shack and 1 toilet shack, where you can freshen up after a sleeping under the stars.
Parking
There is on site car parking but when the car park is full it may be occasionally necessary to drop off and park in the village.
Important Information
Campfires are strictly prohibited.
Food and drink at YHA Coniston Holly How
Things to do around YHA Coniston Holly How
Climbing in Coniston
Close by there is skilled scrambling on the famous Pudding Stone - on this large boulder alone there are 30 different challenging routes. Not much further away there are classic climbing and scr
Watersports in Coniston
This lovely area is great for water sports, so whatever mode of water transport takes your fancy, take the plunge and enjoy some fun on, or in, the water! Gorge scrambling in Church Beck is on the
Running in Coniston
The fells and trails of the Lake District abound with opportunities to take your running to new heights and achieve euphoria. And where better to base your experience than this remote retreat of
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
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
The Ruskin Museum
Exhibition including the Ruskin collection, the copper mines, slate, geology, farming and Donald Campbell's Bluebird. Visit the website
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
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.
Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Visit the website
Walking and Rambling around Coniston Holly How
Explore the drama of Coniston Old Man and Weatherlam compared to the tranquillity of Tarn Hows in Beatrix Potter country. Wind your way up through the mining heritage of Coniston, through a jagg
Mountain Biking around Coniston Holly How
There's low level bridleways with easy wooded terrain for youngsters, while the more adventurous can take on the challenge of Walna Scar Road or the north face trail in Grizedale Forest.
Cycling in Coniston Holly How
The circular route around Coniston Water is perfect for easy, relaxing rides. Take on the high altitude buzz of Hardknott and Wrynose passes from the hostel. The Fred Whitton Challenge aro
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
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
Facilities
General
- Ambulant accessible
- Classroom
- Cot available
- Cycle store
- Free wi-fi
- Garden / grounds
Essentials
- Drying room
- Lounge
Entertainment
- Board games
- Library/Quiet room
Accommodation options
- Private rooms available
- Camping and Cabins
Food & drink
- Licensed bar
- Meals available
- Self-catering kitchen
Transportation & parking
- Parking
Other YHA products
- Meeting Rooms & Corporate Hire
- Trade bookings
Need to know
Closed facilities: The following facilities are temporarily closed at this hostel due to COVID-19 safety measures - laundry room(s). Catering is currently unavailable until at least 3rd October 2021.
Check in: From 17:00 - 22:00
Check out: Before 10:00
Open every day?: From 1st March to 31st October YHA Coniston Holly How is open during weekends and school holidays for families and individual travellers. From Monday - Thursday the hostel is open for group bookings. From 1st November until 28th February YHA Coniston Holly How is open for group bookings every day. Beds and rooms may become available during summer and at weekends in winter three months prior to the travelling date so please check the website for more information.
Groups: If you're travelling as part of a large group we can arrange a joint booking with YHA Coniston Coppermines and offer a total 86 beds.
Towels and toiletries: Towels and toiletries are not provided but are available to hire or purchase from reception. Bedding is supplied.
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.
Pets: Dogs can stay on our campsite and in our Landpods and tipis. There is a £5 charge per dog per night for our Landpod and tipi accommodation which is payable upon arrival. You can bring your dog for free if you are camping in your own tent. Pets are not permitted in the hostel accommodation at YHA Coniston Holly How however, assistance dogs are welcome throughout, please advise upon booking.
Wi-Fi: Free wi-fi is available in social spaces.
Breakfast: Breakfast is usually served daily from 07:30 - 09:00, however, catering is currently unavailable at YHA Coniston Holly How until at least 21st September 2021.
YHA Coniston Holly How - Access Statement
(PDF download - 52.79 KB)
YHA School Trips
This hostel combines the opportunity for an activity break with educational activities co-ordinated by the Field Studies Council. The hostel accommodates 60 people and has great facilities including a classroom and library.
Visit the YHA School Trips website for more information.
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.
Meet the team
Manager recommends: Being open all year round, we’re ideal for spring daffodils, bluebells and Herdwick lambs, but if you want to soak up the real Cumbrian atmosphere, stay with us in October or November for spectacular autumn colours, mist on Coniston Water and snow-frosted peaks!
