St Patrick's Boat Landing and 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
YHA Patterdale
Overview
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
Food and drink at YHA Patterdale
Things to do around YHA Patterdale
-
-
Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Visit the website
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
Hostel facilities
- Ambulant accessible
- Contactless payments
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Intermittent mobile coverage
- Large garden/grounds
- Licensed bar
- Mountain view
- Near bus stop
- Outdoor seating
- Packed lunch
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- Water refill station
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Road closures: Due to essential roadworks, the A592 alongside Ullswater will be closed in stages from March 2023 to April 2024. The closure periods will be intermittent but may impact travel to and from this hostel on specific dates. Diversion routes will be in place and local bus services may also be affected.
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.
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: There is limited free parking onsite. If the car park is full at arrival, we recommend using the local long stay car parks roughly 5-10 minute walk from the hostel. The 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: 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. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.
YHA Patterdale - Access Statement
(PDF download - 47.49 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 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.
