Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside the tiny shop.
YHA Ambleside
Overview
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.
Why guests love YHA Ambleside
Accommodation at YHA Ambleside
Food and drink at YHA Ambleside
Things to do around YHA Ambleside
Walking and Rambling in Ambleside
If you're planning on staying at YHA Ambleside, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
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
Lakes Aquarium
Watch otters swim from the underwater tunnel, stroll through the tropical rainforest and explore the seashore discovery zone.
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.
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Here at Ambleside Climbing Wall there's an indoor climbing wall, bouldering room, and cafe. There's also a room dedicated to climbing gear, which can be hired.
The World of Beatrix Potter
Take a walk through Miss Potter's famous tales, complete with animatronics and walk-through scenes from her stories. Don't forget to exit through the gift 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...
Windermere Lake Cruises
The spectacular voyage gives you views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands.
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...
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...
Hill Top (Beatrix Potter)
Full of her favourite things, the house looks like Beatrix has just stepped out for a walk. Don't miss the lovely cottage garden.
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...
Tom Ghyll Waterfalls
Tom Ghyll (or Gill) is a lovely stream with two waterfalls. A trail runs alongside the stream and the path then leads up to Tarn Hows. Start at the Car Park on the A593 by Glen Mary Bridge. Head east...
Watersports in Ambleside
The Lake District was made for wild swimming and with this hostel right on the edge of England's largest lake, Windermere, it would be rude not to. The best time for wild swimming here is early...
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...
Go Ape
Go Ape has several locations across the UK where you can climb and fly through the trees. If it's adrenaline fuelled family fun you're after then look no further. YHA members get 10% off outdoor...
Mountain biking in Ambleside
With Claife Heights right opposite, the hostel is a perfect base for exploring the area by mountain bike. Exciting steeples and exhilarating ground, along with stunning views make this a fantastic...
Troutbeck Village
A truly unique village, located in a lovely unspoilt valley, nearly every building is over 100 years old, and some are over 300 years old. Visit the Village website (Note: Not to be confused with the...
Walking and Rambling around Windermere
There's a great choice of high and low level walks in the area, from easy walks around the beautiful Troutbeck Valley to the high fells in the east. Don't miss a walk up Wansfell Pike, a moderate...
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- 24-hour reception
- Baby changing
- Café
- Classroom(s)
- Corridor zoning
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Lake view
- Lakefront
- Large garden/grounds
- Licensed bar
- Luggage store
- Minibus parking nearby
- Minibus parking on premises
- Mountain view
- Near bus stop
- Outdoor seating
- Paid on-street parking
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Unlimited breakfast
- Vending machines
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Building works: From 14th October until at least 29th November 2024, external building works will be undertaken at this hostel. Scaffolding will be in place and contractors will be restoring the external windows of the property. Some noise is anticipated on weekdays from 08:00 - 17:30.
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 from 12:00 – 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.
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.
YHA Ambleside - Access Statement
(PDF download - 811.02 KB)
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 through YHA Volunteering.
History
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.
Meet the team
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!
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