Thanks to its stunning scenery and easy accessibility, the Lake District in Cumbria, in the north of England, is the UK's most-visited National Park. Because of its popularity, it often isn't cheap to spend a few days here, with demand driving up the prices, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
However, the good news is that you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a break away in the beautiful surroundings of the Lakes. YHA (England & Wales) offers a range of cheap accommodation in the Lake District with hostels situated in some of the most beautiful areas.
There's so much to explore in England's largest National Park. Climb one of the many fells, take a wild swim in a lake, or explore one of the beautiful towns and villages. It really is the perfect destination for a midweek trip or a weekend away.
Choose from getting away from it all in the mountains to staying in the heart of some of the most popular towns. Hostels give you the opportunity to have a much-needed break in nature at a fraction of the price you might expect.
So if you're working to a budget for your holiday this year then read on to find out more about our low-cost breaks in the Lake District, Cumbria.
Is it cheaper to stay in a hostel?
In a word, yes! Hostels offer more affordable accommodation in the Lake District, when compared to staying in a hotel or a holiday cottage.
Forget paying a single-person supplement when you travel. If you're travelling alone, one of the cheapest options is booking a bed in a shared dormitory. Our shared single-sex rooms have either en-suite bathrooms or access to shared toilet and shower facilities. For added security, there are usually lockers in the room in which you can safely store your valuables.
But if you don't fancy sharing, many of our hostels offer single rooms for just a fraction more of the cost of a bed.
And if you're travelling with friends or as a family, then it often works out cheaper per person to book a private or family room – some of which come with ensuite facilities too.
Hostel rooms are basic but warm, comfortable and clean. You won't find some of the facilities you might be used to in a hotel room, such as TVs in bedrooms or services like laundry or wake-up calls. However, you will be able to make use all of the hostel's shared spaces, like the lounges, where you can relax, read, chat or borrow one of the board games.
Our self-catering kitchens can help you to save even more on your Lake District stay. Instead of paying for pricey meals out, our well-equipped kitchens have everything you need to prepare and store your own food. All included in the price.
Some of our Lake District hostels, like YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe and YHA Borrowdale, have dog-friendly campsites in the grounds. Camping is charged per person but often works out cheaper than staying in the hostel. Camping guests can use the hostel's facilities too, so there's no need to fire up the camping stove – just head inside to the self-catering kitchen.
Do I have to be under 25 to stay in a hostel?
Despite what you may think, there's no upper age limit for staying in YHA hostels. We welcome everyone from 0 – 100 (and over!), whether they're solo travellers, groups of friends, or families. We pride ourselves on creating friendly social spaces where you can meet and chat with other people travelling.
For safeguarding reasons, guests aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older. Under 12s are not permitted in dorm rooms.
How much is it to stay in a hostel in the Lakes?
YHA's Lake District hostels are very reasonably priced. Beds in shared rooms start from just £15, and private rooms start from £25.
Camping at a YHA hostel in the Lake District is available from £10 per person per night.
If you're travelling with a larger group of family or friends for a special occasion, another cheap accommodation option is to hire the whole hostel. We call this ‘Exclusive Hire’ and prices start at just £350 per night for the whole hostel for up to 26 guests. This works out at just over £13 per guest per night.
Best cheap hostels in the Lake District
YHA has no less than 18 cheap hostels in the Lake District, so you've got plenty of choice for your holiday! Here are some of our favourite options for budget accommodation in the Lakes:
1. YHA Ambleside
YHA Ambleside has one of the most spectacular locations in the Lake District, right on the shores of Windermere, with stunning views over the lake. It is within walking distance of the charming village of Ambleside, so you can leave the car in the car park (where you'll find free parking!) or at home and save money on transport.
As well as a cosy lounge and self-catering kitchen, YHA Ambleside also has a modern bar and restaurant overlooking Lake Windermere. Here, you can get a reasonably priced meal and indulge in some local ales.
If you're travelling with children, you can also save cash by eating here too. Kids under 10 eat for just £1 whenever you buy an unlimited breakfast or a main meal during your family holiday.
2. YHA Borrowdale
For a cheap activity break in the great outdoors, there's nowhere better than YHA Borrowdale. The hostel is perfect for family-friendly walking holidays as well as more challenging hikes. If you love walking, there's no need to spend money on other activities.
Some of the Lake District's best Wainwrights – Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Castle Crag – are right on the doorstep – and the hostel is a popular recommended stop on Wainwright's Coast to Coast route. It's a cheap overnight stay for long-distance walkers.
The hostel is located in a valley with an epic surrounding landscape, so it's the perfect place to escape from the day-to-day.
3. YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
Grasmere is one of the most sought-after villages in the Lake District with its picturesque buildings, independent shops and cafes, and its own lake. Because of this, it isn't easy to find budget accommodation here.
But we've got the answer! YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe is a beautiful building just two minutes' walk from the town centre. There are plenty of hikes right from the door and stunning views over the local area.
Don't forget to try the famous Grasmere gingerbread while you're here – more like a biscuit in texture, it’s perfect for dunking in your morning coffee.
4. YHA Keswick
YHA Keswick is another hostel offering reasonably-priced accommodation in a bustling tourist town. The hostel overlooks the River Greta and is just a couple of minutes' walk from Fitz Park, a large park perfect for playing games or a leisurely stroll.
Save your petrol pennies to spend on something else. There's plenty to do within walking distance of YHA Keswick, so you really won't need a car while you're here. Potter around the shops and stalls of this market town or lace up your walking boots and head up to Castlerigg Stone Circle to enjoy the backdrop of Helvellyn and High Seat.
Back at the hostel, relax with a drink from the licensed bar and play some games for a cosy night in.
5. YHA Wasdale Hall
If you're looking for an Instagrammable Lake District break that will impress your friends without having to overspend, then YHA Wasdale Hall is the location for you. It's a 19th century country manor house which looks every bit as grand as its name suggests.
The gorgeous stone building has a black and white half-timbered façade and large bay windows. Inside, there's a cosy lounge with leather furniture and a real fire. Relax here with one of the books from the library shelves or grab a game to play with your group or the other guests.
Not only is the building absolutely stunning, but it has the surroundings to match. Situated right on the shore of Wastwater, the deepest lake in England, the hostel has spectacular views over the whole of the lake and the incredible mountains beyond.
Five top tips for finding cheap accommodation in the Lake District
- The Lake District is popular all year round, but especially so during the school holidays when families flock to the area. If you can, try to book your break outside of these times where you'll find better prices and more options for accommodation
- The same applies to weekends, especially if the weather forecast is good. If you can, try to travel midweek instead, where you'll find hostel prices even cheaper, and don't be dependent on the weather. You can still have a great time, even if it rains!
- Book as far in advance as you can. Again, this will ensure that there's availability in your chosen hostel and help you get better prices. Booking early will also give you plenty of time to save your spending money. You could try putting away a little each week to make it feel more manageable
- Choose a less well known destination. Some of the most-visited towns and villages will have more expensive accommodation than other areas, so try to search for those hidden gems to grab a bargain
- Become a YHA member. Members save 10% on all accommodation bookings and pre-booked meals. Not only do you save money, but becoming a member helps to support YHA as a charity, helping to provide inclusive adventures, in extraordinary buildings, in amazing places
Discover more about YHA.
