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 Patterdale
Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0NWOverview
Lively, retro and full of character, this Scandinavian style retreat is ideal for families and activity breaks exploring the surrounding ridges and fells. Built in the 1970s and with a unique look all of its own, YHA Patterdale recently had a stylish makeover and has never looked better.
If you're feeling energetic, the Helvellyn range is fantastic for climbing and hiking. For something more gentle, take a cruise on the Ullswater steamer or hire a boat. Sit back and relax after exploring - we've got incredible views of the fells.
Why guests love YHA Patterdale
Accommodation at YHA Patterdale
The hostel
Dorm beds and private rooms are available at YHA Patterdale, not to mention a comfortable and spacious living and dining area to realx in. The hostel boasts sparkling new showers, renovated social spaces and characteristic wooden bunks. There are 85 beds spread out over 14 bedrooms, with a layout of 4 x 2 beds 1 x 1 beds, 7 x 8 beds and 2 x 10 beds.
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.
YHA Patterdale offers wild camping with the luxury of a hostel just a few steps away. The field has glorious views south towards Kirkstone pass. There is a small river running next to the camping field, which is ideal for launching kayaks as it runs all the way to Ullswater.
There is room for up to 10 large tents and several small one-man tents.
Facilities
Campers have access to all of the Youth Hostel facilities including the self-catering kitchen, indoor showers and toilets. Please note that there are no barbecue facilities but there is a fire pit.
Parking
Parking is available in the main car park, just next to the camping field, which means you won't be trudging around for miles with your camping gear!
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 on our YHA Exclusive Hire website or use our live chat service for more information.
Food and drink at YHA Patterdale
Things to do around YHA Patterdale
Climbing in Patterdale
For the full mountain experience, serious climbers can try the exposed technical routes of Dove Crag, Raven Crag and Eagle Crag - three star routes within walking distance of the hostel.
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 Rheged 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
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
Walking and Rambling in Patterdale
Situated on the Coast to Coast route, the hostel is great for accessing Helvellyn, the second highest mountain in the Lakes.
Watersports in Patterdale
Ullswater, the second largest lake in England is great for a wide variety of watersports from sailing to windsurfing.
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
Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Visit the website
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
- Dining room
- Licensed bar
- Meals available
- Self-catering kitchen
Transportation & parking
- Parking
Other YHA products
- Trade bookings
- YHA School Trips
Need to know
Check in: 15.00 - 23.00
Check out: Before 10.00
Open every day?: YHA Patterdale is open every day for bookings from mid-March until the end of October. From November until March the hostel is available 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: 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. 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 Patterdale however, assistance dogs are welcome throughout, please advise upon booking.
Wi-Fi: Free wi-fi is available in social spaces.
Breakfast: Breakfast is served from 7.30 til 9am
YHA Patterdale - Access Statement
(PDF download - 47.49 KB)
YHA Exclusive Hire
Make YHA Patterdale your home for a few days by booking the whole place for yourself! Visit our YHA Exclusive Hire website for more information. Available for group bookings.
YHA School Trips
Whether students are on a geography trip studying lakes and landscapes, an activity break or even an English field trip, YHA Patterdale is ideally suited to cater for school parties large and small. There are up to 82 beds, classroom facilities and group catering available to make your school trip enjoyable and rewarding.
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
The original Patterdale Youth Hostel opened in 1932 but had an unsettled lifespan due to short term openings and closures. In 1940, the hostel closed but reopened 2 years later. Goldrill House continued to serve YHA members into the 1960s but sadly closed for demolition. The current Patterdale hostel opened in 1971, and continues to successfully operate, attracting many visitors each year.
Meet the team
Manager recommends: If you're looking for energetic activity breaks try hiking or climbing on the Helvellyn range or there's plenty of great mountain biking in the area. If you're visiting the Lake District to relax, chill out on the Ullswater Steamers - great fun for family breaks.
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