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
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
Bed in a shared room
Dorm rooms have multiple beds, are typically more affordable than private rooms, and shared with other people who may not be travelling together. A typical shared room includes bunk beds, a reading light and a storage cupboard for each guest, secured by a padlock if required.
Children aged between 12 and 15 can stay in dorm rooms as long as an adult of the same gender accompanies them.
Some dorms may be en-suites, meaning that they have a bathroom in the room that you would be sharing with the other people in your dorm.
Private rooms
Don't fancy sharing a room? Private rooms typically include a storage cupboard for each bed, secured by a padlock if required, a reading light and a wash hand basin. Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room.
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.
Food and drink at YHA Langdale
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
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access
- Baby changing
- Breakfast
- Classroom(s)
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Extra-large garden/grounds
- Free parking on premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Indoor play area
- Library
- Licensed bar
- Meeting rooms
- Minibus parking on premises
- Mountain view
- Outdoor play area
- Outdoor seating
- Packed lunch
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Sole use
- 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.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is parking at the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Langdale, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
YHA Langdale - Access Statement
(PDF download - 173.38 KB)
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 classroom facilities and group catering available, this hostel is well equipped for school trips.
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
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.
