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From52US$ /night
Check-in
16Mar2026Select date
Check-out
17Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Waterhead, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 0EU
-
Next to Lake Windermere
Great
8.5
9.0
/10
3.4
4.4
/5

Location

YHA Ambleside is located on the shores of Windermere in the Lake District National Park. This strategic position allows easy access to walking, climbing, and water sports. The hostel is within walking distance of Ambleside village, a central hub for local attractions.

Dining

YHA Ambleside features an on-site restaurant and bar offering a variety of meals and local ales. Guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast, with options including cooked breakfast items and vegan choices. The evening menu includes hearty classics and special offers for children under 10 years old.

Rooms

The hostel offers a range of accommodations from shared rooms to private rooms, catering to different group sizes. All private rooms include bedding and central heating, with some designed for disabled access. Guests can find secure lockers and hot water available in every room.

Group Activities

YHA Ambleside specializes in group trips, accommodating everything from school outings to walking groups. A variety of educational and adventure packages are available for large parties. The hostel offers self-guided walk maps starting and ending at the property.

Outdoor Experiences

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like climbing, biking, and water sports, with amenities available to support these pursuits. Claife Heights, located nearby, offers mountain biking trails and scenic views of Windermere. Additionally, the hostel provides access to self-catering kitchen facilities for convenient meal preparation.

Highlights

Location: Right on the shores of Windermere

Dining: Lakeside Restaurant & Bar

Group Activities: Educational and action/adventure packages available

Outdoor Experiences: Challenging walking and climbing routes

Must-do experiences

  • Hike the scenic Loughrigg Fell for stunning lake views.
  • Indulge in a famous Grasmere gingerbread at Sarah Nelson's shop.
  • Visit the quaint Armitt Museum for local art and heritage.
  • Explore the charming Ambleside Market on Thursdays for local goodies.
  • Take a Windermere steamer cruise to soak in the breathtaking scenery.
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Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
Bunk Bed Female Dormitory Room
2 persons
5 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
3 Bed Private Room
3 persons
8 m² 
2 Bunk beds
Shower
Heating
2 Bed Private Room
2 persons
10 m² 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
4 Bed Private Room
2 persons
8 m² 
2 Bunk beds
Shower
Heating
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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking

Guest Parking

  • Shared kitchen

Dining

  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables

Children

  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Yha Ambleside Hostel Location

Waterhead, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 0EU
Map view
Waterhead, Ambleside, United Kingdom, LA22 0EU
Nearby
1 McIver Ln
Borrans Park
560 m
Restaurants
The Lakeside Restaurant at YHA Ambleside
70 m
Waterhead
Ambleside Fish and Chips
150 m
Waterhead Bay
The Pier Cafe Bar
150 m
Waterhead Cottage Ambleside Pier
The Bar & Grill at Waterhead
260 m
Lake Road
Wateredge Inn
350 m
Borrans Road
Table 22 Restaurant
390 m
Waterhead Bay Regent Hotel
Restaurant at Samling
3.2 km
Ambleside Road The Samling Hotel
Explore Ambleside
Explore Waterhead, Ambleside
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Ambleside Roman Fort
Ambleside Roman Fort
10 minutes' walk
Historic ruins of a Roman fort showcasing the area's ancient past with informative displays nearby.
Borrans Park
Borrans Park
7 minutes' walk
Scenic park offering play areas and stunning views of the lake, perfect for family picnics and relaxation.
Old Courthouse Gallery
Old Courthouse Gallery
15 minutes' walk
Local art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions and a shop supporting regional artists, ideal for art lovers.
Wray Castle
Wray Castle
25 minutes' walk
Gothic revival castle with picturesque grounds and family-friendly activities, including guided tours.
Hiking to Wansfell Pike
25 minutes' walk
Challenging hike leading to panoramic views of Windermere, suitable for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Lake Windermere Kayaking
10 minutes' drive
Kayaking adventures for all skill levels on the serene waters of Lake Windermere, rental services available.
Yoga at Brockhole
5 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions available near the lake, offering a tranquil experience amidst nature's beauty.
The Lakeside Restaurant at YHA Ambleside
The Lakeside Restaurant at YHA Ambleside
1 minute' walk
Family-friendly dining specializing in local ingredients with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day.
Ambleside Fish and Chips
Ambleside Fish and Chips
2 minutes' walk
Traditional fish and chips served in a casual setting, known for its crispy batter and locally sourced catch.
The Bar & Grill at Waterhead
The Bar & Grill at Waterhead
4 minutes' walk
Stylish grill with a focus on seasonal dishes and an extensive wine list, offering stunning lake views.
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
20 minutes' walk
Cultural hub featuring art, history, and literature exhibitions, with regular events for all ages.
The Pier Cafe Bar
The Pier Cafe Bar
2 minutes' walk
Lively bar with live music events and an inviting atmosphere, perfect for evening relaxation with friends.
Getting around the city
City Centre
Ambleside14 min  ·  1.1 km
Airports
Carlisle Lake District Airport (CAX)115 min  ·  76.6 km
Blackpool International Airport (BLK)158 min  ·  104.7 km
Bus
Bus stop16 min  ·  1.3 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Paid Public parking is possible at a location nearby.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP9.95 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Polish, Bahasa Indonesian
Number of rooms:
56

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Yha Ambleside Hostel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 548 verified reviews
8.3/10
Great
87%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.4/10
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
6.7/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
5.0/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Amazing location
Great bar
Friendly staff
Cons
Dusty windows
Noisy rooms
Guest reviews
based on 1451 reviews
8.5/10
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.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Yha Ambleside
What are the check-in and check-out times at Yha Ambleside?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What dining options are available at Yha Ambleside?
The hotel features a café serving local food and is within a minute's walk of The Bar & Grill at Waterhead.
What amenities and facilities does Yha Ambleside provide for guests?
Highlights include free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, bar/lounge area, picnic area, leisure/TV room, and 24-hour reception.
How far is Yha Ambleside from Ambleside village?
The hotel is located approximately 1 km from Ambleside village.
Is parking available at Yha Ambleside?
Public parking is available nearby, and free parking is provided from 20:00 to 08:00.
What room amenities are offered at Yha Ambleside?
Rooms include heating, linens, non-smoking facilities, and bathrooms with showers.
What is the closest airport to Yha Ambleside?
Carlisle Lake District Airport is located 80 km from the hotel.
What options are available for breakfast at Yha Ambleside?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £9 per person.
Does Yha Ambleside provide internet access?
Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel.
What is the maximum length of stay at Yha Ambleside?
The maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Are there any historical or natural landmarks near Yha Ambleside?
Nearby attractions include Ambleside Pier and the Langdale Pikes.
What is the policy regarding ID at Yha Ambleside?
Passports of all international guests and a photo ID of other adult guests will be requested upon check-in.

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