Situated right on the shores of Windermere, this stylish youth hostel offers an unbeatable location, stunning views, and state of the art facilities for families, groups, and solo travellers to enjoy.
In the centre of the Lake District National Park and within walking distance of its charming village namesake, YHA Ambleside gives you easy access to prime walking, climbing and water sports. With a modern bar and restaurant serving great food and local ales, you can return to the hostel confident you will be catered for.
Perched on the shore of Windermere with views out across stunning mountain vistas, YHA Ambleside offers an unforgettable location for a Lake District getaway. This well-equipped hostel is perfect for activity breaks with walking, watersports and climbing nearby. Alternatively, discover the rich literature of the Lakes with a visit to Beatrix Potter or William Wordsworth’s homes.
For schools and groups looking for adventure, you’re in the right place. We can help to organise a range of outdoor activity sessions for you, through our adventure bolt-on activities. We work with our AALA-licensed partners Carnegie Great Outdoors to provide real, safe and thrilling experiences including ghyll scrambling, kayaking, climbing and more.
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.
This hostel offers modern facilities, meeting space, stylish social areas, a decked area overlooking Windermere and free Wi-Fi. Groups can benefit from the use of our lounge, complete with comfy sofas.
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Ambleside (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 is available at the hostel.
Looking to fill some free time? Our bolt-on activities can easily be added to your stay.
YHA Ambleside holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (105529).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Reception opening hours: 24 hours.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests from 07:30 – 09:00 on weekdays and 07:30 – 10:00 at weekends. Meals are also available until 21:00.
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.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Café and restaurant opening hours: Lakeside Restaurant & Bar is open to the public from 11:00 - 20:30, Monday to Sunday.
Parking: The property has a free car park on-site for guests and patrons. This car park is controlled by an ANPR parking system. Upon arrival, you will need to validate your presence by entering your car's registration number at reception. If this is full when you arrive, there is limited on-street parking in front of the pier and on Lake Road (three-minute walk). There is also a pay and display car park two minutes' walk from the hostel on Borrans Road.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Ambleside. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
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Saturday 4th October 2025 Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) Duration: 8 hours Led by: Rose Gare-Simmons, BMC Ambassador for Hill Walking Skills and confidence We will start the day with a classroom-based...
Sunday 14th September 2025 Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) Duration: 6 hours Led by: Harriet MacMillan, Navigation with Harriet Skills and confidence A walk up to Wansfell in more mountainous ground, with...
Saturday 13th September 2025 Distance: 4.1 miles (6.6 km) Duration: 5 hours Led by: Harriet MacMillan, Navigation with Harriet Skills and confidence An introduction to navigation and map reading in...
Sunday 28th September 2025 Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km) Duration: 5 - 6 hours Led by: Simon Ainley, YHA, with BMC volunteer guides Discovery and connection Starting and finishing at YHA Ambleside...
A long and strenuous, but fairly straightforward mountain walk bagging the Wainwright summits of Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike and Low Pike. Superb views...
A lovely walk including a low level peak providing sweeping views of the surrounding fells, mountains and lakes, there's also a cave, a country estate and lots of outdoor gear shops and cafés.
An excellent walk and there is so much to see and do in and around Ambleside, including stunning views across the lake, the Roman Fort, a beautiful riverside path, sports and games facilities and...
Rothay Park is a gorgeous green space in the centre of Ambleside in the Lake District which is popular with both locals and visitors. The park features a full-size football pitch, a jungle-themed...
St Mary’s Church, or St Mary’s Parish Church as it is also known, is a beautiful ecclesiastical building situated within the stunning landscapes of the Lake District National Park. The church is open...
The Wordsworth Way is a 14-mile (22.5-kilometre) long-distance walk in the Lake District, taking in some of the famous poet’s favourite landscapes. The route runs between Glenridding and Ambleside and...
Chapel Stile is a beautiful village near Ambleside in the Lake District. The picturesque village is nestled in the Great Langdale valley and surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. It makes for a...
Bridge House, also known as Little Bridge House, in Ambleside, is one of the most recognisable features in this popular Lake District town. The historic building has had many uses over the years...
Wray Castle is an historic property and parkland on the shores of Windermere in the Lake District. The National Trust estate is credited with starting children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter...
Brockhole on Windermere is an Arts and Crafts villa and estate on the shores of Windermere in the Lake District. Although the house itself is not open to the public, you can explore the historic...
Windermere is England’s largest lake situated in the heart of the Lake District. Experience the spectacular views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands by boat with...
Go Ape Adventures at Grizedale Forest is the ultimate outdoor activity for adventurous families and adults. Take part in the Treetop Challenge, Zip Trekking Adventure or Treetop Adventure Plus. There...
Take a walk through Miss Potter's famous tales, complete with animatronics and walk-through scenes from her stories. The exhibition features favourite characters from the famous books, an award...
Visit Ambleside Adventure offers exciting indoor adventures such as an indoor climbing wall, bouldering and even a cafe. Join fellow beginners or book a private 1 hour Introduction to get you up the...
Lake Windermere No trip to Windermere is complete without a gentle ramble along Lake Windermere. The Lake Windermere west shore walk takes you along the water’s edge, providing a serene route with...
The best cycling is out of season when there's less traffic. There's an endless variety of cycling routes from quiet lanes to high mountain passes. Enjoy beautiful scenery and explore the lovely...
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 through YHA Volunteering.
YHA Ambleside Queens Hotel operated proudly from 1946 to 1971 until YHA began negotiating the purchase of the Ambleside Hotel. After successful negotiations, YHA Queens Youth Hostel was closed on 25th September 1971 and sold in May 1972.
On the 4th October 1971, the new YHA Ambleside opened its doors and took over business from the original youth hostel. With 240 beds, it was considerably larger than the Queens Hotel building and, at the time, the largest and most successful YHA hostel to date.
Manager recommends: Right in the heart of the Lake District, Ambleside is ideal for everyone, from first timers looking for weekend breaks to seasoned visitors who love serious outdoor activity holidays and want the best access to all that the Lakes have to offer - from climbing holidays to water sports holidays. Everything you need for great outdoor activity holidays or school trips! Water sports, walking, climbing and steamboat trips, it is all here!
Garden/grounds
Free parking on premises
WiFi
Free parking on premises
WiFi
Restaurant
Meeting room(s)
24-hour access after check-in
WiFi
Large garden/grounds
Free parking on premises
Self-catering kitchen
