Women-only social walk from YHA Ilam Hall
Sunday 14th September 2025 Distance: 8 miles (12.8 km) Duration: 3 hours Led by: Outdoor Adventure Girls Discovery and connection We will be starting our walk at YHA Ilam Hall before heading towards...
YHA Ilam Hall
Overview
This Victorian gothic mansion sits in 84 acres of National Trust parkland, with the beauty of Dovedale just on its doorstep. The beautiful youth hostel is full of character and nestled near the quaint village of Ilam.
A 25-minute walk from Ilam Park, the Dovedale Stepping Stones have remained a huge draw for Peak District day-trippers since they were laid in the mid-19th century. You'll also encounter some of England's most extraordinary limestone gorge scenery. For a different thrill, the hostel is just 15 minutes from Alton Towers. Nearby Carsington Water is great for having a go at a range of water sport activities or learning all about the water cycle.
Accommodation at this hostel
- Bed in a shared room is offered here
- Private room is offered here
- Camping & Cabins is not offered here
- Entire place is not offered here
Why guests love this hostel
- Victorian gothic mansion in National Trust parkland
- Near to the Dovedale stepping stones
- Great base for visiting Peak District attractions
Accommodation at YHA Ilam Hall
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 130 people
Nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Dovedale Valley, YHA Ilam Hall provides an appealing base for all types of groups to explore the Peak District.
We can provide activities for school groups as part of our residential packages or those on a self-led trip can add our activities to their stay as a half or full-day bolt-on. We are also offer geography activities delivered by Education Rangers from the Peak District National Park!
Group-friendly facilities
Sleeping arrangements
Most of our bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. We always try to allocate bedrooms close together and will never ask your group to share bedrooms with anyone not in your group.
Upgrades are available for sole use of an area, floor or the entire place.
Shared spaces
With extensive grounds, two lounges, a spacious dining room, four meeting rooms, a games room and free WiFi, this hostel offers comfort and convenience.
Group catering
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Ilam Hall (see sample menu).
Meal plans range from bed and breakfast up to full-board catering. Vegetarian options are available and we aim to cater for any special dietary requests.
Parking
The car park is owned and operated by the National Trust. Parking is free for National Trust members. YHA guests are charged a discounted rate of £5 for the duration of their stay, this can be purchased at reception.
Packages and bolt-ons
Our packages include activities, accommodation and catering – everything you need for a real outdoor adventure.
Looking to fill some free time? Our bolt-on activities can easily be added to your stay.
Accredited site
YHA Ilam Hall holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (103932).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- Ambulant accessible
- Classroom(s)
- Coach parking on premises
- Contactless payments
- Corridor zoning
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Licensed bar
- Meeting room(s)
- Minibus parking on premises
- No mobile coverage
- Paid parking on premises
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- Vending machines
- Water refill station
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception hours: From 07:30 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests from 07:30 – 09:00 daily. Meals are also available from 17:00 – 20:30.
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.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: The car park is owned and operated by the National Trust. Parking is free for National Trust members. YHA guests are charged a discounted rate of £5 for the duration of their stay, this can be purchased at reception.
WiFi: WiFi is available in shared social spaces. There is no phone signal within the building, though you can make WiFi calls if your phone supports this.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Ilam Hall. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
Guest access: The hostel is situated in extensive grounds belonging to the National Trust that are open to the public.
YHA Ilam Hall - Access Statement
(PDF download - 130.09 KB)
Food and drink at YHA Ilam Hall
Things to do around YHA Ilam Hall
Dovedale Stepping Stones self-guided walking route
From the National Trust grounds of Ilam Park this walk passes through the village of Ilam, and the lovely countryside of the White Peak, to a stroll alongside the River Dove and the popular stepping...
Manifold Valley and Blore self-guided walking route
A lovely walk through parkland, farmland and on a riverside path. Great views of the southern Peak District towards Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud – the flat topped hill – and very scenic along the River...
Dove Dale, Wolfscote Dale and Hall Dale self-guided walking route
A great walk through the dales of the White Peak with stunning views, beautiful flora and fauna and interesting caves and rock features.
Nordic social walk from YHA Ilam Hall
Tuesday 30th September 2025 Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) Duration: 3 hours Led by: Catherine Hughes, British Nordic Walking National Trainer Skills and confidence Enjoy learning how to Nordic Walk using...
Crich Tramway Museum
A lovingly restored period village that is also home to the National Tramway Museum and its world renowned archives. Travel on one of the many working trams. Visit when there is a special event, such...
Haddon Hall
This remarkable medieval house is surrounded by Elizabethan gardens and set in the rolling countryside of the Peak District.
Climbing in Ilam
Raven's Tor in Dovedale offers superb crack and face climbing on solid rock, all in a beautiful setting above the river.
Carsington Water (Reservoir)
Visit Britain’s newest reservoir and explore the trails through spectacular scenery. It offers a lovely day out for all the family with a children's play area, visitor centre, watersport centre and an...
Cycling in Ilam
Converted former railway lines, such as the Tissington, High Peak and the Manifold Trails offer great routes for cycling. Sections of the Monsal Trail boast safe, traffic-free cycling along relatively...
National Stone Centre
A dramatic site crammed with ancient tropical reefs, rocks and minerals, centuries of industrial history and abundant wildlife. Visit the Stone Centre website
Alton Towers
There's something for all thrill seekers and families at Alton Towers, with tons of terrific (and terrifying) rides and amazing live shows. Plus, there's CBeebies Land for the little ones, a water...
Chatsworth House
Less than an hour drive away from each of our hostels in the Peak District, Chatsworth House is a stately home which belongs to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and is open to the public to explore...
Kedleston Hall
Kedleston Hall was designed to be different. Take a trip back to the 1760s to chart the creation of a unique house and park.
Ashbourne
Ashbourne has remained largely unchanged since the 18th century, with it's Medieval street pattern and historic buildings.
The Heights of Abraham
18 miles Ride high above the Derwent Valley in an alpine-style cable car explore the famous caverns at the top. Visit the website
Watersports in Ilam
The nearby Carsington Water offers equipment hire and a range of courses in sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and powerboating for absolute beginners through to instructors.
Northfield Farm Riding and Trekking Centre
Try horse riding, pony trekking or Trail riding through stunning Peak District scenery.
More about this hostel
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.
History
YHA Ilam Hall has a varied history. It was originally built in the 15th Century by the Sir John Port family. After many years in the family, due to finical difficulties the manor and all its land were sold.
In the 17th century it was the home of the Russell-Watts family. Under their ownership the building was completely re-designed by architect John Shaw and rebuilt in its current gothic style. Not only did the family transform the manor, they also moved and re-modelled Ilam village. They built new houses for the villagers and a local school. Controversially, they also re-directed the road that used to run in front of the manor, crossing the river at St Betrams Bridge.
In the early 1930s, ownership came into the hands of Mr Backhouse. The entrepreneur transformed the building to be used as a hotel and pleasure grounds. Unfortunately, the business failed and again the manor was sold, this time to a demolition company. After a few years, most of the elegant rooms and ornate parts of the building had been demolished; the building was saved and restored by Robert McDougal and John Cadbury.
In 1932, the reaming 84 acres of land and the manor were donated to the National Trust with the agreement the building was to be used as a youth hostel. The Ilam Hall you now see is only a third of its original size and it is mostly the servants' quarters that remain.
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