Aira Force Waterfalls
Indulge in impressive mountain scenery and a 65ft waterfall that inspired many of Wordsworth's great works. See the National Trust website See the Visit Cumbria website
YHA Helvellyn
Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QR- Recently refurbished
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!
Why guests love YHA Helvellyn
Accommodation at YHA Helvellyn
The hostel
YHA Helvellyn has 70 beds in a selection of dorm beds and private rooms. The Youth Hostel has excellent self-catering facilities and a lounge which can be used for socialising and relaxing.
Due to our fantastic location the hostel is quite basic but well kept! We have 18 rooms in total all containing bunks, we have several with 2 beds, 4 beds, 3 beds a double room and a few larger 6/7 bedded rooms - 70 beds in total. All the bathroom facilities are shared and are dotted around the building.
We have a fully licensed bar with a good selection of local ales and a fantastic restaurant, which can home-make all your favourite traditional dishes so you can put your feet up and relax after your day out in the park. We also have a well equipped self-catering facility and dining room. We have two lounges; one in the bar and one hidden lounge! You will have to explore the building to find it...
Camping
We have camping space for five people with absolutely stunning views over the Patterdale valley. Campers are welcome to use the hostel facilities including the self-catering kitchen and toilets and showers.
Hire the whole place
This hostel is occasionally made available for hire on an exclusive basis. This means that you can have the place to yourself and choose how many of your friends, family, club mates, etc., join you. We allocate availability for exclusive use in blocks, typically up to 90 days in the future. If you are looking for space to stay with us on a normal shared basis, and can’t see any availability three months or more into the future, then this hostel may be being held for Exclusive Hire. You can check availability for Exclusive Hire on our dedicated website.
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!
The Land Pods are available to hire between April and October. Please note that there is no heating in our Landpods.
Food and drink at YHA Helvellyn
Things to do around YHA Helvellyn
Ullswater
The second largest lake in the Lake District is nine miles long, snaking through a stunning valley between high mountains, none more impressive than Helvellyn to its southwest.
The Dalemain Estate
Behind its Georgian facade, this fantastic house has a wealth of Tudor and Mediaeval rooms and buildings to explore.
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.
Walking and Rambling on Helvellyn
If you take on a high level walk up Helvellyn you'll be rewarded with fantastic views down to the Solway Firth, Morecambe Bay and, in clear weather, Scafel Pike. The low level walks around Ullswate
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.
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 St
Glenridding Sailing Centre
Hire out a sailboat, canoe or kayak for use on Ullswater. A range of courses are offered. Visit the Centre's website for more details.
St Patrick's Boat Landing & Bike Hire
To fully experience Lake Ullswater, hire a self-drive motor, fishing or rowing boat or cycle the shoreline on a Mountain bike. Visit the website
Rookin House Farm
An activity centre offering horse riding for all abilities, archery and quad biking to name but a few. Visit the website for full details
Facilities
General
- Classroom
- Cot available
- Cycle store
- Free wi-fi
- Garden / grounds
Essentials
- Drying room
- Laundry
- Lounge
Entertainment
- Board games
- Library/Quiet room
Accommodation options
- Private rooms available
- Camping and Cabins
Food & drink
- BBQ area
- Group catering available
- Licensed bar
- Meals available
- Self-catering kitchen
Need to know
Check in: 17.00 - 22.00
Check out: Before 10.00
Open every day?: Yes
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.
Towels and toiletries: Towels and toiletries are not provided but are available to hire or buy from reception. Bedding is supplied.
Breakfast: Breakfast is served from 7.30 til 9am
YHA Helvellyn - Access Statement
(PDF download - 109.87 KB)
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.
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.
Nearby Hostels
