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YHA Langdale
Overview
A magical place to stay – this sprawling Victorian mansion is steeped in history and perched above its own three tier arboretum that’s managed by the National Trust. Its labyrinthine corridors and ornate grandeur captivate most guests.
YHA Langdale’s enviable location is unmatched, with stunning views of the Langdale Pikes, Loughrigg Fell and rolling views all the way down to Lake Windermere and Bowness. This is a hostel from which the central fells can be explored and enjoyed immediately upon stepping out through the front door.
Accommodation at this hostel
- Bed in a shared room is offered here
- Private room is offered here
- Entire place is offered here
- Camping & Cabins is not offered here
Why guests love this hostel
- Steeped in history
- Stunning views of the local Lakeland area
- Arboretum within the grounds
Accommodation at YHA Langdale
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 106 people
YHA Langdale makes any group visit feel magical. With period features and stunning views over Windermere, this hostel is the centrepiece of the historic High Close Estate.
The estate offers 16 acres of National Trust aboretum, the secluded and beautiful Low Wood, and Loughrigg Terrace on the doorstep – all waiting to be explored. Schools can get involved in a range of activities while walking groups will love having Loughrigg Fell, Silver Howe and the Langdale Pikes on their doorstep. Come and see for yourself…
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 a 140-year-old oak-panelled Great Hall and adjacent drawing room, this atmospheric Victorian mansion has plenty of space. Groups can also make use of our flagstone meeting room in the cellar.
Group catering
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Langdale (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
There is parking at the hostel.
Packages and bolt-ons
Our packages include activities, accommodation and catering – everything you need for a real outdoor adventure.
- Alex Rider Classified Mission
- Alex Rider Mission Briefing
- Connecting to nature package
- Discovery package
- Multi-activity package
Looking to fill some free time? Our bolt-on activities can easily be added to your stay.
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- Baby changing
- Classroom(s)
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Extra-large garden/grounds
- Free parking on premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Indoor play area
- Library
- Licensed bar
- Meeting room(s)
- Minibus parking on premises
- Mountain view
- Outdoor play area
- Outdoor seating
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- 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 parking at the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Langdale, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
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, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire.
YHA Langdale - Access Statement
(PDF download - 173.38 KB)
Food and drink at YHA Langdale
Things to do around YHA Langdale
Windermere Jetty Museum
Come rain or shine the museum offers a welcoming space to spend time with friends and family. Housed inside striking architecture you’ll find a fascinating collection of boats, interactive displays...
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, with its closely guarded recipe still being kept a secret to this day. Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside...
Dove Cottage
Visit the barely-changed home of famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. You'll find plenty to inspire you in the museum too.
Cycling in Langdale
Get out and about on your bike and enjoy the landscape. Wherever you want to explore, you can ride as far as your legs will allow you. Rise and fall with the landscape, and enjoy the effort of your...
Brockhole Visitor Centre
Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. See the house first created by William Gaddum, a silk merchant from Manchester, as his family's 'summer house'. Browse the shop...
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...
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 Hodge...
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...
Watersports in Langdale
For taking a dip on the wild side, the Lake District is a wild swimmer's paradise. Why not take a dip in one of the secluded fell tarns or smaller lakes such as nearby Grasmere and Rydal Water? Head...
Walking and Rambling in Langdale
Spectacularly located, YHA Langdale overlooks Windermere and gives you access to the iconic fell walking routes of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes. For a gentler pace, either walk over...
Mountain biking in Langdale
If you're an experienced mountain biker, try the Langdale Loop in the Langdale valley area. The route takes in some of the hills on either side of the valley, mainly along forestry and farm tracks...
St Oswalds Church
1.8 miles William Wordsworth has a simple tombstone in the churchyard - one of the most visited literary shrines in the world. Visit the website
Merz Barn
Discover the recovery, documentation and restoration of Kurt Schwitters’ last Merzbau project; the Elterwater Merz Barn.
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 at this hostel through YHA volunteering.
History
Originally a small hamlet of cottages that worked as hill farms, High Close then became the property of the Benson family who were fullers – there is evidence of a fulling mill in Low Wood, a reservoir, sluice, bracken kilns and a service road in the immediate vicinity of the property. The years 1792 to 1802 saw the first extension to the original farmhouse before it being sold to Edward Balme Wheatley Balme in 1857 who presided over a major refurbishment and expansion starting in 1866 and finishing in 1876.
Upon the death of the last Wheatley Balme resident of High Close, commissioners of the Inland Revenue directed that High Close should become the property of the National Trust who subsequently leased it to YHA on the 1st of January 1954. Since then the building has been adapted and altered to meet the accommodation needs of its residents but it still maintains a magical charm that it skillfully weaves around its guests with its incredibly warm and inviting atmosphere and sense of history.
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