Walking and Rambling on Helvellyn
If you're planning on staying at YHA Helvellyn, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
YHA Helvellyn
Overview
Situated in a unique spot, 963ft up one the UK’s largest mountains, YHA Helvellyn is quite the base for those looking to enjoy an all action holiday, or equally to relax in the peace and quiet that such an area can offer.
Mountain bikers will love the downhill ride from the summit of the mountain. In the winter months, there is a ski slope with drag lift 40 minutes' walk (or ski) away from the hostel. There are also plenty of less strenuous walking routes starting from the front door!
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
- Located 963ft up the third highest mountain in the country
- On the doorstep of the Helvellyn range
- Situated in the Lake District National Park
Accommodation at YHA Helvellyn
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 70 people
Nestled in the Lake District mountains, YHA Helvellyn makes an incredible base to explore the second-highest peak in the Lakes. Our rural retreat sits 963ft high and is ideal for field trips and groups who want a head start up the mountain.
Mountaineering and walking groups are spoilt for choice, and schools can get really adventurous here with activities like abseiling and rock climbing. After a long day in the crags, sit down to some tasty group catering, or enjoy a local ale from the bar. Our dramatic location is also great for ice climbing, mountain bikers and water sports groups – just ask us about local providers. Whether you’re looking to relax and get away from it all or try some activities, YHA Helvellyn won’t disappoint.
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
You’ll find a fully licensed bar, three comfy lounges to chill out in and a meeting room with conference facilities for studying.
Group catering
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Helvellyn (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
Parking is available at the hostel.
Accredited site
YHA Helvellyn holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (Sit Only) (105559).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Hostel facilities
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Group meals
- Intermittent mobile coverage
- Licensed bar
- Minibus parking on premises
- Mountain view
- Restaurant
- Shared drying room
- Unlimited breakfast
- Water refill station
- 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: 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, motorists are required to validate their presence by entering their car's registration number at reception.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Helvellyn, 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 Helvellyn - Access Statement
(PDF download - 121.74 KB)
Food and drink at YHA Helvellyn
Things to do around YHA Helvellyn
Aira Force Waterfall and Gowbarrow Park
Probably the most famous of the waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force provides a glimpse of impressive mountain scenery. There are lots of woodland trails to discover and this 65ft waterfall...
Rookin House Horseriding and Activity Centre
Rookin House is an established adventure venue in the Lake District. It offers horse riding, archery and quadbiking to name but a few. Visit Rookin House's website
Glenridding Sailing Centre
Hire out a sailboat, canoe or kayak for use on Ullswater. A range of courses are offered. Visit Glenridding Sailing Centre's website
Ullswater
The second largest lake in the Lake District is 9 miles long and snakes through a stunning valley between high mountains, none more impressive than Helvellyn to its southwest. Steamers have stopped at...
St Patrick's Boat Hire
To fully experience Lake Ullswater, hire a self-drive motorboat, fishing boat, rowing boat or canoe. Whether you're seeking adventure or a piece of tranquility, you can go at your own pace. Visit St...
Rheged Discovery Centre
Designed to resemble a Lakeland hill, the grass-covered centre houses a cinema, play areas, pottery painting and regional shops that reflect the area, its craft people and producers. Why's it called...
Watersports near Helvellyn
Ullswater is great for a wide variety of water sports from sailing to windsurfing - you can even travel light and hire all the equipment you need from the sailing centre. A trip on the Ullswater...
Mountain biking on Helvellyn
Bike up Helvellyn, the second highest mountain in the Lake District, to get your heart pumping! Or if you fancy a lakeside route try Ullswater Singletrack near High Street and Place Fell.
Ullswater Steamers
1.5 miles A ferry service with great views of “England’s most beautiful lake”. Sails from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, stopping in the summer at Howtown. Show your YHA membership card and claim a...
The Dalemain Estate
Behind its Georgian facade, this fantastic house has a wealth of Tudor and Mediaeval rooms and buildings to explore.
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.
History
The mountain-side hostel known at first as Glenridding was often described as a former lead miner’s hostel. Debris from the old mines lay all around the hostel still to this day. The hostel used to be for men only in 1947 but expanded to accommodate both sexes the following year. In 2011, YHA Helvellyn received a sparkling renovation, making the hostel a lot more modern and refreshing.
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