"Loved the location, nice and clean, amazing breakfast and friendly staff."
Jayson from United Kingdom
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"The rooms are really comfy and the showers are excellent."
Dee Dee O
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"The kitchen was large and well stocked so that you could cook properly."
ajubbajub from United Kingdom
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Historic family-friendly hostel in Elterwater, Lake District
Historic Setting & Common Spaces
Elterwater Hostel occupies a historic building in the Lake District. The property includes a garden with outdoor furniture, a picnic area, and a bar. Guests can use the shared kitchen and lounge with board games and puzzles.
Rooms & Accommodation
Bedrooms range from single-sex dormitories to private family rooms. Some family rooms sleep up to 5 and include a private bathroom with shower. Dormitory rooms have USB charging points and bedside lights.
Dining & Meals
Breakfast is served until 9:30 AM and dinner options include chickpea curry and sticky toffee pudding. Special diet menus and children's meals are available upon request. Packed lunches can be ordered for day trips, and the bar offers local ales, wines, and champagne.
Activities & Nearby Attractions
Hiking, cycling, and boating are all accessible from the hostel. The hostel is located on the Cumbria Way with direct trail access. Nearby attractions include the World of Beatrix Potter (15 km) and Lake Windermere (16 km).
Additional Amenities
A drying room is available for wet gear, and bicycle parking is provided on-site. Free WiFi is accessible in public areas, and the hostel offers a snack bar. The property has smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and key access throughout.
Highlights
Location: Historic building in Elterwater village, 129 km from Leeds Bradford Airport
Rooms: Private family rooms with ensuite bathroom; dorms with USB ports
Dining: Special diet menus, children's meals, packed lunches, bar with local ales
Activities: Hiking, cycling, boating from the doorstep; Cumbria Way access
Facilities: Shared kitchen, drying room, garden with picnic area
Family: Family rooms, children's meals, board games and puzzles
Must-do experiences
Hike the stunning Langdale Pikes for breathtaking views.
Sample the famous Grasmere Gingerbread at Sarah Nelson's shop.
Take a leisurely stroll around Elterwater Lake for serene landscapes.
Visit the quaint villages of Ambleside and Grasmere nearby.
Join a guided tour at the Beatrix Potter Gallery for local history.
Select your preferred room
Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
Quadruple Room
2 persons
9 m²
2 Bunk beds
Shower
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
6 m²
1 Bunk bed
Shower
room details
Dormitory Room
2 persons
13 m²
6 Bunk beds
Shower
room details
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Hotel facilities and services
Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.1/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
No pets allowed
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Cycling
Services
Welcome drink
Dining
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Children
Board games
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Heating
Garden furniture
Self-catering
Shared kitchen
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Elterwater Hostel Location
Elterwater Hostel, Elterwater, LA22 9HX,
Map view
City landmarks
Mountain
Lake District National Park
4.49 km
Museum
Dove Cottage
2.76 km
Landmark
Loughrigg Fell
2.01 km
Landmark
Meg Gill Falls
1.69 km
Landmark
Elter Water
1.02 km
Landmark
Sawrey's Wood Slate Mine
650 m
Landmark
Lake Grasmere
2.1 km
Landmark
Merz Barn
710 m
Landmark
Holy Trinity Mission Chapel
1.05 km
Landmark
Peppers Quarry
1.08 km
Landmark
View over mine
1.24 km
Landmark
Colwith Force
2.21 km
Landmark
Rydal Water
3.14 km
Landmark
Loughrigg Tarn
1.76 km
Cave
Cathedral Quarry
2.23 km
Landmark
Skelwith Force
2.38 km
Landmark
Silver How
1.94 km
Landmark
Todd Crag
2.01 km
Landmark
Copt Howe Artwork Carvings
1.76 km
Landmark
Allan Bank
3.07 km
Church
St Oswald's Church
2.89 km
Landmark
Jack"s Rake
2.43 km
Landmark
Bowfell Mountain
2.43 km
Landmark
Wordsworth Trust
2.79 km
Landmark
The Cathedral chamber
2.27 km
Landmark
Cathedral Quarries
2.29 km
Garden
Wordsworth's Daffodil Garden
2.91 km
Gallery
Heaton Cooper Studio
3.06 km
Landmark
Lingmoor Fell
2.63 km
Nearby
Elterwater Gunpower Site
390 m
Restaurants
Stove Bar and Restaurant
510 m
The Langdale Estate Chapel Hill The Langdale Estate
Explore Elterwater
Explore Elterwater and Beyond
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Dove Cottage
30 minutes' walk
Historic home of poet William Wordsworth, featuring guided tours and exhibitions about his life and work in beautiful gardens.
Meg Gill Falls
20 minutes' walk
Scenic waterfall offering picturesque views, ideal for family picnics and photography in a tranquil natural setting.
Loughrigg Fell
25 minutes' walk
Stunning fell with panoramic views over the Lake District; a popular hiking destination suitable for various skill levels.
Lake District National Park
50 minutes' walk
Vast national park known for its breathtaking landscapes, great for hiking, cycling, and boating in serene locations.
Hiking to Loughrigg Fell
25 minutes' walk
Challenging and scenic hike with breathtaking views, easily accessed from the hostel. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake Kayaking
5 minutes' drive
Rent kayaks at nearby Waterhead for peaceful paddling. Seasonal rentals available; wonderful for families and adventurers.
Relaxing at Rydal Water
35 minutes' walk
Serene lakeside spot ideal for picnics and leisurely walks. Great place for solitude and relaxation, close to nature.
Stove Bar and Restaurant
7 minutes' walk
Cozy eatery offering local cuisine with a contemporary twist. Their homemade dishes and desserts are must-tries!
Merz Barn
9 minutes' walk
Charming barn-style restaurant with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, perfect for both casual and fine dining experiences.
Elterwater Gunpowder Site
5 minutes' walk
Historical site with guided tours, ideal for history buffs. Learn about local industry and heritage while enjoying scenic views.
Live Music at The Drunken Duck
10 minutes' drive
Vibrant pub with weekly live music events featuring local talent, great atmosphere for guests of all ages seeking entertainment.
Getting around the city
City Centre
Elterwater 3 min · 200 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 123 min · 81.7 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 169 min · 112.2 km
Bus
Bus stop 33 min · 2.7 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
21
Former name
YHA Elterwater
Guest ratings and detailed reviews
Feedback about Elterwater Hostel from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.2/10
Pros
Welcoming hosts
Clean place
Nice location
Cons
Lacking atmosphere
Guest reviews
based on 175 reviews
9.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Elterwater Hostel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Elterwater Hostel?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is Elterwater Hostel from Lake Windermere?
Elterwater Hostel is 20 km from Lake Windermere.
What dining options are available at Elterwater Hostel?
Breakfast options include à la carte, Full English/Irish, or vegetarian, and there are nearby restaurants such as Slates Coffee & Kitchen (0.5 km) and Stove Bar and Restaurant (0.5 km).
Is there Wi-Fi available at Elterwater Hostel?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel.
What amenities are provided at Elterwater Hostel?
The hostel features a shared kitchen, bar/lounge area, picnic area, and a snack bar.
What attractions are near Elterwater Hostel?
Nearby attractions include the World of Beatrix Potter (15 km) and hiking and cycling routes in Lake District National Park (10-minute drive).
What types of activities can guests enjoy at Elterwater Hostel?
Guests can enjoy hiking and cycling in the surrounding area.
What local pubs and restaurants are near Elterwater Hostel?
Local dining options include The Britannia Inn (0.5 km) and Elterwater Cafe (0.5 km).
How far is Elterwater Hostel from Leeds Bradford International Airport?
Elterwater Hostel is 100 km from Leeds Bradford International Airport.