YHA Hawkshead - Hostel

3.0 star property
3-star Edwardian hostel near Lake Windermere

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for YHA Hawkshead - Hostel

Garden
Meeting facility
Garden
Dining
Living area

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Hawkshead, Ambleside, England, LA22 0QD
  • Place, Grizedale Forest
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Church of St Mary
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Beatrix Potter Gallery
    ‪2 min drive‬

Room options

Shared Dormitory, Men only (Sleeps 6, Shared Bathroom)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Shared Dormitory, Women only (Sleeps 6, Shared Bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Room (3 Bed Private with Shared Bathroom)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Room (3 Bed Private including Double Bed)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Room (4 Bed Private with Shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Room (5 Bed Private with Shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Room (6 Bed Private with Shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

Room (8 Bed Private)

  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Room (5 Bed Double Private Ensuite)

  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed, 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Tent

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Ambleside

In Ambleside .You'll find Grizedale Forest and Hawkshead Grammar School within 2 miles (3 km) of this hostel. Beatrix Potter Gallery and Church of St Mary are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Grizedale Forest - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Hawkshead Grammar School - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Church of St Mary - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Beatrix Potter Gallery - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • World of Beatrix Potter - 19 min drive - 6.4 miles

Getting around

  • Burneside Station - 23 min drive
  • Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 155 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Drunken Duck Inn & Restaurant - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Lake View Garden - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Bluebird Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Joey's Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Boardwalk Bar & Grill - ‬13 min drive

About this property

YHA Hawkshead - Hostel

3-star Edwardian hostel near Lake Windermere
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. A library, a vending machine, and an arcade/game room are also featured at YHA Hawkshead - Hostel. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Ambleside hostel is smoke free.

  • 22 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1821
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Game room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
YHA Hawkshead - Hostel offers 22 accommodations. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM for a fee: GBP 11.95 for adults and GBP 5.95 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle storage
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Library

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 5 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age: 16

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
All adult guests are required to present a valid government-issued photo ID card at check-in.
The name and address on the booking must match the photo ID presented by the guest at check-in. This property does not accept name changes for existing bookings.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately GBP 11.95 for adults and GBP 5.95 for children
  • Towels fee: GBP 3.50 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)
  • Firewood fee: GBP 12 per person per stay

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
Special cancellation policies or charges may apply for group reservations (more than 8 rooms for the same property / stay dates)
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. Special cancellation policies or charges may apply for group reservations (more than 8 rooms for the same property / stay dates). This property accepts Visa and JCB International. Cash is not accepted.

Please note that this property does not charge an additional temporary membership fee. Discounts are not available for members of YHA (England and Wales) or IYHF as part of this booking.

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitEngland, the National Tourist Board for England.

Property is also known as

YHA Hawkshead Hostel Ambleside
YHA Hawkshead Hostel
YHA Hawkshead Ambleside
YHA Hawkshead
Yha Hawkshead Hostel Ambleside
YHA Hawkshead - Hostel Ambleside
YHA Hawkshead - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
YHA Hawkshead - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Ambleside

Frequently asked questions

How close is YHA Hawkshead - Hostel to the airport?

YHA Hawkshead - Hostel is 98.5 mi (155-min drive) away from the Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at YHA Hawkshead - Hostel?

As of Jun 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at YHA Hawkshead - Hostel on Jul 8, 2026 start from $68, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does YHA Hawkshead - Hostel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at YHA Hawkshead - Hostel.

Does YHA Hawkshead - Hostel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at YHA Hawkshead - Hostel, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of GBP 11.95 for adults and GBP 5.95 for children. It's available every day from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

Is there a casino at YHA Hawkshead - Hostel?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

What time is check-in at YHA Hawkshead - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 5 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM.

Is there free parking at YHA Hawkshead - Hostel?

This hostel offers free self parking.

Does YHA Hawkshead - Hostel have a pool?

YHA Hawkshead - Hostel does not have a pool.

Does YHA Hawkshead - Hostel have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does YHA Hawkshead - Hostel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is YHA Hawkshead - Hostel to downtown Ambleside?

YHA Hawkshead - Hostel is 0.9 mi away from Hawkshead.

YHA Hawkshead - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 45 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Anite

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
We stayed in a tent, it was amazing
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Bed was very comfortable, room very basic
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was basic but functional. It lived up to my expectations. Ideal for an overnight stay. Shower was warm and practical.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Antonio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The location is nice and the staff is friendly and helpful .cool place to enjoy your holidays. But one thing I didn’t like about the property is that the basic amenities like towels were charged for because people spend so much money on the accommodation and I feel that it was not fair.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

Geoffrey

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Generally as expected. The beds and linen could have been more comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped. A television lounge for adults would be good.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The parking for motorbikes was not great, As it was all gravel
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Junaid

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I loved that it was safe and it was a lovely hotel. I did not like it was so much noise at night. the bathroom and the showerroom was not clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

T A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highly Recommended!

An excellent and very enjoyable stay in the heart of the Lake District, with a beautiful view over Esthwaite Water. Ample free parking. Within easy reach of Hawkshead, Ambleside, Windermere, Coniston, Tarn Hows, and so much more! Staff were very welcoming and genuinely doing everything possible to ensure that you had a good stay. Only small issue was that Covid has closed down much of the communal areas, meaning that for a hostel it was particularly quiet, but this is entirely outside the control of the hostel. I would not hesitate to book again when next visiting the Lake District.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The actual house of yha is beautiful. Set in lovely gardens. The room we had slept 3. Very small and cramped.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020
Verified

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Check-out at 10am and check-in at 3pm is not acceptable.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Decent YHA, but people sharing room incnsiderate

Great service from staff - very friendly, welcoming, quick check in. Beds comfy as any other YHA beds. Plug sockets next to beds with USB sockets also, which makes life easier. Only downside was people coming in drunk at 12/1/2 (three separate waves) and not being courteous enough to keep quiet. There was some broken glass on the driveways the following morning though this didn't affect us as we came/left by foot.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nilesh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful Location !

Beautiful location, lovely people and excellent facility for the price we paid !
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice scenic view from the room depend on your allocation. Could provide map for joggers in the hostel and the distance from key location. e.g. point A to B. Could provide farm touring arrangement with landlord around the Hostel.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Trevor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Value for money

Good location, nice staff and clean accommodation.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

推荐选择。

环境很好,房间宽敞,干净。
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Staff & service

Pleasant

Good stay, excellent surroundings and views. Typical hostel type accommodation.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018
Verified

4/10 Poor

CHRIS

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Herd of elephants

Room very very hot just managed to cool down and nodding off when what sounded like a herd of elephants above my room arrived at 12 of clockmidnight.Honestly thought the ceiling was going to collapse.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Verified

4/10 Poor

greg

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

hotel

no space in the room, but the location was excellent
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
Verified

8/10 Good

C

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

In the hills near the Lake

The rooms and facilities were nice, though my bed did not stop creaking every time I moved and I move a lot. And there were so many families here during this time, so the place was louder than expected.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JASBINDER

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was the first time we have stayed in a hostel so was a bit unsure of what it was going to like. Everything was great looking forward to going g again next year
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2017
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

乾淨,景觀漂亮的青旅

適合背包客或是全家出遊露營,背包客房間無足夠的插座,水壓很少,離公車站牌有一段距離須走約莫半小時。
Verified

6/10 Okay

MEI LAN

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
飯店說提供早餐沒說要另外付費,我們以為是免費的,誰知道還要另訂付費,語言不清楚,感覺真不好
Verified

8/10 Good

Luiz

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Wonderful view

Nice hostel, excellent cost benefit. Amazing kitchen, nice room and bathroom but don´t expect too much luxury. The views are definitely worthwhile. Staff was really cool and easy to park.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vivien

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely staff. Excellent breakfast. Friendly environment. Peaceful setting. Gorgeous grounds......house had interesting history
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Declan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent value for money

Excellent value for money with good facilities and a scenic location