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
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.
Camping
Camping is sold per person and not per pitch. 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.
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 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
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
Hostel facilities
- Ambulant accessible
- Breakfast
- 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
- 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 free parking onsite. 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)
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.
