Walking and Rambling in Wasdale
If you're planning on staying at YHA Wasdale Hall, 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...
YHA Wasdale Hall
Overview
This 19th century country manor is every bit as grand as its name would suggest. This Cumbrian hostel is often cited as a favourite due to the impressive nature of the building, not to mention its breath-taking scenery which has earned the title of 'Britain’s Favourite View'.
YHA Wasdale Hall is set right on the shore of Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, from the hostel you can see the expanse of the lake plus the awe-inspiring mountains beyond - perfect for getting away from the pressures of everyday life and relaxing in beautiful surroundings.
Why guests love YHA Wasdale Hall
Accommodation at YHA Wasdale Hall
Food and drink at YHA Wasdale Hall
Things to do around YHA Wasdale Hall
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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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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...
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Climbing in Wasdale
Follow in the footsteps of the Abraham brothers and climb to the top of Napes Needle - a classic hard/severe climb with stunning mountainside views straight down to Wasdale.
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St Bees Head
Blow away the cobwebs with a bracing walk along the cliff top path, and look across to the Isle of Man on a clear day. Visit the RSPB website (grid reference is St Bees Head car park, and not as...
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Watersports in Wasdale
The hostel grounds run down to the lakeshore. Paddling, canoeing and kayaking are available on the lake, a stones throw from the hostel door, just remember to bring your own equipment. Alternatively...
Hostel facilities
- Ambulant accessible
- Café
- Classroom(s)
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Intermittent mobile coverage
- Lake view
- Lakefront
- 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 lounge
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- Water refill station
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception 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.
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.
Self-catering : Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is parking at the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in social spaces.
YHA Wasdale Hall - Access Statement
(PDF download - 130.9 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.
History
YHA Wasdale Hall was built in 1829, the owner was a Yorkshire Banker and Merchant called Stansfield Rawson whose family had connections with the East India Trading Company. How Rawson first came to Nether Wasdale is not known, but rich (and not so rich) off comers had been building houses for themselves in the Lake District since the 1770s! Rawson, unusually chose to build in a late-Medieval/Tudor style. Rawson’s son, was able to lay what his father called the foundation stone in the North East corner of the laundry (or servants hall gable). The stone is still there, not a foundation stone in the accepted sense, but a block set into the wall of one of the attic rooms! The new wing that he built, the present South wing of Wasdale Hall, was larger then the earlier one, housing not only a library with a morning room above, but also a dining room, with a bedroom and dressing room above, and at the rear of the building an ale cellar.
After Rawson died, his son inherited the property, and after his death it then passed through various owners as a home for the summer – much of its original grounds were separated and sold off. This 200 year old country pile was originally used as a lakeside holiday home before becoming a National Trust property. Built in the 19th century, the Youth Hostel retains many of its original features including panelled windows, gabled roof and cornicing. The Hall became a Youth Hostel in 1969 and in recent years has been restored and decorated to give something of the appearance and atmosphere which it might have originally had. The hostel's name was changed from YHA Wastwater to YHA Wasdale Hall in 2015 as it was felt that this was more reflective of the nearest area, Wasdale.
Meet the team
Manager recommends: Summer evening strolls around Wasdale are simply amazing. The screes turn pink in the setting sun and looking up the lake gives a view that was not only voted Britain’s favourite in 2007 but was also the inspiration for the Lake District National Park’s logo. For those with young children, I would heartily recommend exploring Low Wood and the banks of Wastwater. However, if you want to get up high Whin Rigg and Illgill Head on top of the screes offer stunning views without the crowds you will find on the honey pots of Scafell and Scafell Pike.
