
Windermere Lake Cruises
The spectacular voyage gives you views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands.
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.
Overlooking England’s largest natural lake, YHA Windermere offers the chance to stay in an idyllic countryside setting only two miles from Windermere. The hostel is an ideal base for anyone wanting to escape the crowds, and perfect for activity breaks and family holidays, while children will love the large wooded grounds.
Relax with a drink on the terrace and enjoy good quality food from our restaurant and bar. We're now home to some colourful new tipis too, so you can wake up enjoying panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
Dorms are not currently available.
We have 69 beds in total, and most of our rooms are 4 bedded rooms. The hostel is situated in 4 acres of grounds, and has a bar/restaurant and lounge area for guests to enjoy relaxing in.
If you like glamping, then you will love an Airstream! This unique holiday experience has all the fun of sleeping under the stars but without the set-up stress. Plus you are protected from all the elements that England and Wales can bring. The Airsteam comfortably sleeps two people in a double bed with bedding, heating and USB charging points included for your comfort.
The Airstream is also equipped with a table and two chairs – perfect for dining al fresco in the warmer months. You are welcome to use hostel facilities including showers, toilets and self-catering kitchen during your stay.
Guests have year-round access to 2 shower shacks and 2 toilet shacks, where you can freshen up after a sleeping under the stars.
Please note that the Airstream interior and furnishings may differ from those pictured.
Fully kitted out with a double futon bed and three single futons plus all bedding, these tents can sleep four/five people. They also have eco-friendly solar lighting and comfy bean bags for you to chill out on during the day plus bedside tables, a coffee table, rugs and soft flooring.
There are four bell tents at YHA Windermere, available to book for stays between May and September.
Guests have year-round access to 2 shower shacks and 2 toilet shacks, where you can freshen up after a sleeping under the stars.
Come and sleep under the stars and wake up to the best view in the Lake District. Our campsite is situated on an adjacent field with breath-taking views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. Alternatively, we have limited space at the edge of our gorgeous wooded grounds for those looking for a more secluded experience. Camping is available throughout the year.
Facilities
All facilities in the Youth Hostel are open to all campers with 24 hour access via a door code. We also have toilet and shower facilities for campers.
Guests have year-round access to 2 shower shacks and 2 toilet shacks, where you can freshen up after a sleeping under the stars.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available - please use the main car park or lower car park.
Get all the fun of camping but without any of the set up stresses with these beautiful tipis - part of the YHA glamping experience. These spacious tipis are fully kitted out with bedding and can sleep four people on mattresses. They have a wooden floor which is partly carpeted and a lockable coffee table chest which you can store you belongings. There's also eco-friendly solar lighting and two comfy waterproof bean bags for you to chill out on during the day, as well as a woodburner to keep you snug. This cosy glamping option is perfect for those who love camping but not roughing it.
There are four tipis available at YHA Windermere and they are available to book throughout the year for stays between April and the end of October. Tipi guests have use of an external toilet and shower block and self-catering kitchens.
Guests have year-round access to 2 shower shacks and 2 toilet shacks, where you can freshen up after a sleeping under the stars.
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.
Closed facilities: The following facilities are temporarily closed at this hostel due to Covid-19 safety measures - self-catering kitchen(s), drying room(s), luggage/storage room(s).
Check in: 5.00pm to 10.00pm
Check out: Before 10.00am
Open every day?: Yes
Towels and toiletries: Towels and toiletries are not provided but are available to hire or purchase from reception. Bedding is supplied.
Parking: A good amount of car parking is available at the hostel with an overflow car park for busy times.
Pets: Dogs can stay on our campsite and in our tipis. There is a £5 charge per dog per night for our tipi accommodation which is payable upon arrival. 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 Windermere 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 7.30am to 9.00am.
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Invite all your family and friends along to YHA Windermere and hire the whole place to yourself through YHA Exclusive Hire.
YHA Windermere offers educational geography packages in association with the Field Studies Council. There are also a range of action and adventure activities to be enjoyed in the surrounding area to provide an activity break to your educational visit. The hostel provides group catering and has classroom facilities.
Visit the YHA School Trips website for more information.
We are very grateful for all of the help and support that our generous volunteers give to YHA. We are proud of our “Investors in Volunteering” accreditation and have a wide range of opportunities available across the country, all of which will provide great learning or social experiences and help us to create even more opportunities for young people.
Volunteering is a great way to meet people, visit new places, gain experiences and have fun. Full details of all of our various volunteering programmes can be found on the volunteering website.
At YHA Windermere, we offer the following volunteering opportunities subject to availability:
Please contact [email protected] or call 01629 592562 for more information.
The existing building at High Cross has been a hostel for over 75 years. Thought to be one of the first buildings in the country to be made of concrete, it was built in the late 1920s and opened as a hostel in 1935.
Originally intended as a private guesthouse for clergy, the present building replaced an earlier wooden building on the same site that was dramatically destroyed by fire in 1915. The owner, vowing that this would never happen again, designed his second house as a more sturdy construction of solid concrete. Known until recently as High Cross Castle, the building derives its name from a stone cross in the grounds.
Andy Partridge is the manager at YHA Windermere: "I have been working for YHA for about 10 years, worked at various sites and managed four hostels. I love what I do and I believe this shows in the way our hostel is run. YHA Windermere is a beautiful hostel, it is a tranquil, conformable and relaxing place to be. I love running, walking and exploring the amazing National Park."
Manager recommends: Windermere is the gateway to one of the most iconic valleys in the Lake District: Langdale. Both Great Langdale and Little Langdale offer amazing walks, climbing, mountain biking, picnic spots and great pubs. A full day linking the two valleys is highly recommended, taking in Blea Tarn and finishing in Elterwater.