Welcome to Cumbria
Home to some of the most famous poets and storytellers the UK has to offer, Cumbria is a wellspring of inspiration.
The dark slate hills, thick pine forests and quaint stone villages dotted throughout Cumbria make it a true fairy-tale destination. Whether you’re an avid hiker, biker, kayaker or wild swimmer, a stay in beautiful Cumbria is sure to leave you refreshed and recharged.
YHA hostels in Cumbria
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Things to do in Cumbria
Five free things to do in Cumbria
Lace up your boots
Cumbria is a central hub for hikers of all abilities. Whether you want to hike the imposing Skiddaw or Scafell Pike, or complete a gentle meander around the shores of Buttermere, there’s something for everyone.
Kayaking and canoeing
At nearly every lake, tarn, or mere in Cumbria there is the opportunity to take a swim, kayak, paddleboard, or canoe and explore the water for yourself. Set sail on your own voyage, who knows what you might discover!
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Dating from around 3000bc, Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the oldest in Britain. Perched atop a high moor with breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape, Castlerigg Stone Circle is well worth a visit.
Carlisle Cathedral
If there’s a history buff among your ranks, they’d appreciate a visit to Carlisle Cathedral. Here you’ll find stunning architecture, medieval paintings and beautiful stained glass, as well as discovering the story of kings, queens, bishops and rebels involved in the borderlands conflict.
St. Bees beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful, unspoiled, dog-friendly escape, look no further than St. Bees beach. When the tide is out, there are plenty of things to explore. Hunt for sea glass, go rock pooling, or just admire the view from the bay.
There’s nowhere in the world quite like Cumbria
With slate covered fells surrounding you, thick pine forests and miles upon miles of lakes, Cumbria is seriously impressive. Even the towns and villages have their charm: chilly fell-walkers warming up in centuries-old pubs by open fires, wonderful local food and dram, and cheery atmospheres, you’d be hard pressed to find somewhere that lives up to the reputation Cumbria has won for itself.
There are plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants to sample. From pub grub to the fanciest of gastronomies, you’ll be sure to discover something new. A lot of the food in Cumbrian villages is locally grown, reared, or caught to ensure premium quality and freshness. Why not stop off in Keswick for a huge choice of hand-crafted chocolates at Friar’s, or warm up in The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite, with a selection of seasonal culinary delights.
You’ll have lots of museums, galleries and heritage centres to choose from too – from the Lakeland Motor Museum to The World of Beatrix Potter. You’re bound to find something you like, whether you’re interested in grand halls and gardens, illusions, poetry or arts and crafts.
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Aira Force Waterfall and Gowbarrow Park
Probably the most famous of the waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force provides a glimpse of impressive mountain scenery.
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Appleby
Appleby-in-Westmorland ia an attractive, historic, market town, famous for its horse fair that attracts a huge gypsy gathering each year. While here visit the Appleby Castle. Tours of th
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Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
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Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
From the leaf-shaped door handles to the carved wooden panelling, Blackwell is an important icon of Arts & Crafts architecture. Visit Blackwell's website
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Brantwood
Discover the home of John Ruskin.
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Brougham Castle
With panoramic views over the Eden valley, the 13th century castle has a maze of passages and spiral stairways to explore. The grounds also make it an ideal picnic spot. Visit the English Her
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Cathedral Quarry
A network of quarries above Little Langdale - best known for the main chamber, which is 40ft in height and lit by two windows. Visit the Visit Cumbria website Walkers, see the National Trust Hod
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Climbing in Coniston
Close by there is skilled scrambling on the famous Pudding Stone - on this large boulder alone there are 30 different challenging routes. Not much further away there are classic climbing and scr
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Climbing in Keswick
For an accessible road-side route try Little Chamonix for an entry level climb.
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Climbing in Langdale
Raven Crag, Gimmer Crag and White Ghyll are just a few of the numerous rock climbing spots which line the Langdale valley floor, providing some of the most spectacular rock routes in the UK - come and
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Coniston Boating Centre
To see Coniston Water and the stunning fells hire a motor boat, canoe, rowing boat or sailing boat and explore. Take a break at the Bluebird Café right on the edge of Coniston Water. Visit the w
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Coniston Cruises
Enjoy a beautiful boat cruise on Coniston Water, staying on the boat for the full cruise or getting off at a jetty to explore. Or just use the service as a ferry to get between where the differe
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Cross Bay Walks
The walks cross several estuary channels, some some fast running, so it's best to use a guide across the dangerous sands.
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Cycling in Alston
The hostel is a popular stop off for the Sea to Sea bike ride. The secure bike shed and drying room offer all the facilities a cyclist needs. However we do not have bikes to rent out.
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Cycling in Coniston Holly How
The circular route around Coniston Water is perfect for easy, relaxing rides. Take on the high altitude buzz of Hardknott and Wrynose passes from the hostel. The Fred Whitton Challenge aro
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Cycling in Dufton
There's fantastic road cycling around Dufton with lots of quiet roads making it suitable for all cycling abilities.
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Cycling in Eskdale
The fantastic Hardknott Pass circuit takes you over one of the highest and hardest cycle passes in Britain, then cycle down the Duddon Valley and return to the hostel via Birker Moor.
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Cycling in Keswick
From YHA Keswick there is a cycle route to suit everyone, whether you’re looking for a gentle ride following the River Greta along an old railway track to tackling the famous 112 mile Fred Whitton cha
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Go Ape Grizedale
Fly 200 metres across the top of the Grizedale Beck and marvel at the forest canopy from 18m up a Douglas Fir. YHA members get 10% off outdoor adventures with Go Ape (all activities and locations,
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Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun.Instructors and mountain guides used by Highpoint Mountain Guide are experienc
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Holker Hall
Set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.
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Leighton Moss RSPB reserve & Morecambe Bay RSPB reserve
Two nationally important wetland reserves. Free entry for YHA guests arriving at RSPB by bike or rail.
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Levens Hall
One of the finest stately homes in south Cumbria. Don't miss the fantastic gardens with the famous topiary.
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Mountain Biking around Coniston Holly How
There's low level bridleways with easy wooded terrain for youngsters, while the more adventurous can take on the challenge of Walna Scar Road or the north face trail in Grizedale Forest.
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Mountain Biking in Alston
The South Tyne Trail is a great route for all abilities to enjoy traffic-free picturesque rides.
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Mountain biking in Ennerdale
Situated alongside moderately graded forest roads, the hostel also has easy access to the lanes and B roads of West Cumbria.
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Mountain biking in Eskdale
For those with energy to burn, and a certain amount of experience, there is the trickier mountain route into the neighbouring valley of Wasdale and coming back to the hostel by Burnmoor into Wasdale v
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Mountain Biking in Keswick
Whinlatter Visitors Centre is just five miles from YHA Keswick with some of the best purpose built single track mountain bike trails in the country.
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Muncaster Castle
Historic haunted castle, with 70 acres of stunning Gardens, set against the back drop of the fells. Home to the Hawk and Owl Centre, where from Easter through to min-Oct there are daily flying d
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Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
See the mineral mining past of the North Pennines, with underground tours and interactive waterpower demonstrations. See samples in the nearby museum and tea-room. Visit the Mine website for
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Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway
Travel for seven miles from a delightful coastal village, through two glorious valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains. Visit the Railway website
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