Brockhole Visitor Centre
Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. See the house first created by William Gaddum, a silk merchant from Manchester, as his family's 'summer house'. Brows
YHA Langdale
Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HJOverview
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.
A magical place to stay – this sprawling Victorian mansion is steeped in history and perched above its own three tier arboretum that’s managed by the National Trust. Its labyrinthine corridors and ornate grandeur captivate most guests.
YHA Langdale’s enviable location is unmatched, with stunning views of the Langdale Pikes, Loughrigg Fell and rolling views all the way down to Lake Windermere and Bowness. This is a hostel from which the central fells can be explored and enjoyed immediately upon stepping out through the front door.
Why guests love YHA Langdale
Accommodation at YHA Langdale
The hostel
YHA Langdale has 106 beds in a selection of dorm beds and private rooms, suitable for families and individuals. The grand social areas and corridors make this a building, which guests will fall in love with. Look out for our atmospheric Great Hall, opulent lounge, and spacious dining areas to relax in after a day’s adventures. The hostel has excellent self-catering facilities where you can cook up your own storm.
The hostel has a veranda which wraps around the entire front of the building and overlooks the top and bottom lawns of the hostel.
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. Check availability for Exclusive Hire.
Things to do around YHA Langdale
Dove Cottage
Visit the barely-changed home of famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. You'll find plenty to inspire you in the museum too.
Climbing in Langdale
Raven Crag, Gimmer Crag and White Ghyll are just a few of the numerous rock climbing spots which line the Langdale valley floor, providing some of the most spectacular rock routes in the UK - come and
Cycling in Langdale
Get out and about on your bike and enjoy the landscape. Wherever you want to explore, you can ride as far as your legs will allow you.
Merz Barn
Discover the recovery, documentation and restoration of Kurt Schwitters’ last Merzbau project; the Elterwater Merz Barn.
Walking and Rambling in Langdale
Spectacularly located, YHA Langdale overlooks Windermere and gives you access to the iconic fell walking routes of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes.
Mountain biking in Langdale
If you're an experienced mountain biker, try the Langdale Loop in the Langdale valley area.
Watersports in Langdale
For taking a dip on the wild side, the Lake District is a wild swimmer's paradise. Why not take a dip in one of the secluded fell tarns or smaller lakes such as nearby Grasmere and Rydal Water?
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside the tiny shop.
St Oswalds Church
1.8 miles William Wordsworth has a simple tombstone in the churchyard - one of the most visited literary shrines in the world. Visit the website
Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Visit the website
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
- Basic food shop
- Classroom
- Cot available
- Cycle store
- Free wi-fi
- Garden / grounds
Essentials
- Drying room
- Laundry
- Lounge
Entertainment
- Board games
- Games room
- Library/Quiet room
Accommodation options
- Private rooms available
Food & drink
- BBQ area
- Dining room
- Group catering available
- Licensed bar
- Meals available
- Self-catering kitchen
Transportation & parking
- Parking
Other YHA products
- Meeting Rooms & Corporate Hire
- Trade bookings
- YHA Exclusive Hire
- YHA School Trips
Need to know
Closed facilities: The following facilities are temporarily closed at this hostel due to COVID-19 safety measures - laundry room(s), bar area(s).
Check in : From 17:00 - 23:00
Check out: Before 10:00
Open every day?: From 18th March to 31st October, YHA Langdale is open during weekends and school holidays for families and individual travellers. From Monday to Thursday the hostel is open for group bookings. From 1st November until 17th March, YHA Langdale is open for group bookings and YHA Exclusive Hire only.
Towels and toiletries: Towels and toiletries are not provided but are available to hire or purchase from reception. Bedding is supplied.
Parking: Free parking on-site
Pets: Pets are not permitted at YHA Langdale. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Breakfast: Breakfast is served from 7.30 til 9am
YHA Langdale - Access Statement
(PDF download - 173.38 KB)
YHA Exclusive Hire
Invite all your family and friends along to this gorgeous Victorian mansion and hire the whole property for yourself. To do so, please visit our YHA Exclusive Hire website. Open for bookings from the autumn half term to the Easter holidays.
YHA School Trips
YHA Langdale is a fantastic destination for school groups, with spacious grounds that include a Victorian arboretum. There are opportunities for studies in biology and geography as well as outdoor activities. With space for up to 106 people, classroom facilities and group catering available, this hostel is well equipped for school trips.
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.
History
Originally a small hamlet of cottages that worked as hill farms, High Close then became the property of the Benson family who were fullers – there is evidence of a fulling mill in Low Wood, a reservoir, sluice, bracken kilns and a service road in the immediate vicinity of the property. The years 1792 to 1802 saw the first extension to the original farmhouse before it being sold to Edward Balme Wheatley Balme in 1857 who presided over a major refurbishment and expansion starting in 1866 and finishing in 1876.
Upon the death of the last Wheatley Balme resident of High Close, commissioners of the Inland Revenue directed that High Close should become the property of the National Trust who subsequently leased it to YHA on the 1st of January 1954. Since then the building has been adapted and altered to meet the accommodation needs of its residents but it still maintains a magical charm that it skillfully weaves around its guests with its incredibly warm and inviting atmosphere and sense of history.
