YHA Helvellyn

9.0
Exceptional
(231 reviews)

Greenside Rd, Penrith CA11 0QR, United Kingdom

+44 345 371 9742

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Hotel Description

YHA Helvellyn, located at Greenside Rd, Penrith CA11 0QR, United Kingdom, is a classic stone hostel that offers guests an unforgettable stay with panoramic views of the stunning English Lake District. Just 2.7 miles from Helvellyn's peak and 8 miles from the iconic Castlerigg Stone Circle, the hostel is perfectly positioned for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The surrounding landscapes provide a tranquil setting, ideal for those looking to explore the great outdoors, while the hotel’s design captures the rustic charm of the area with its classic stone architecture. Inside, YHA Helvellyn offers a variety of room types, including single-sex dormitories featuring shared bathrooms and bunk beds, as well as utilitarian private rooms. Guests can enjoy a simple yet comfortable atmosphere where rest and relaxation are the main priorities, especially after a long day exploring the nearby hiking trails. Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with family, the hostel is designed to cater to all kinds of travelers seeking an affordable and welcoming space to unwind.
This hotel’s amenities make it an ideal choice for a comfortable stay. The hostel has a café/bar where guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet (for a fee) to kickstart their day, and a communal kitchen where visitors can prepare their own meals. The common room, complete with a TV, offers a space for guests to relax, mingle, and unwind. Additionally, the hotel provides laundry facilities and bicycle storage, perfect for those embarking on outdoor adventures. While there is no fitness center, spa, or swimming pool, the absence of these amenities allows for a focus on outdoor activities and exploration, making it a perfect place for active travelers.
Accessibility is one of the hotel’s strong points. The location is easily accessible by public transport, with Newcastle International Airport just 1 hour and 51 minutes away by taxi. Guests can also take advantage of the nearby transportation options to reach local landmarks such as Helvellyn, a 9-minute drive away, or Ullswater, a stunning 9-mile glacial lake, just 11 minutes away. The hotel is conveniently located near the Aira Force Waterfall, another popular tourist destination within a 9-minute drive. For those seeking a longer journey, the majestic Derwentwater is 35 minutes away, while Windermere, known for its breathtaking beauty, is just over an hour away.
Health and safety are a top priority at YHA Helvellyn, with strict measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of guests. The property is smoke-free, and pets are not allowed, ensuring a clean and safe environment for all visitors. There is also a kid-friendly policy, making it an excellent choice for families. While there is no air conditioning or hot tub, the hostel’s rustic charm and outdoor-focused atmosphere make it a great option for nature lovers and adventurers looking for a comfortable, no-frills base from which to explore.
Guests staying at YHA Helvellyn will find plenty of exciting activities nearby, from hiking and climbing to sightseeing and water sports. Popular activities include hiking up Helvellyn or walking along the trails surrounding Ullswater. The hostel’s proximity to several beautiful lakes and waterfalls offers ample opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, the nearby towns and villages offer a range of local experiences and attractions. Whether you’re looking to relax by the lake or challenge yourself with a hiking excursion, YHA Helvellyn offers a perfect base for your Lake District adventure.
For dining options, there are several restaurants within a short taxi ride from the hostel, including Fellbites, Ramblers Bar, and The Ullswater Inn, all within 4 minutes. Dodds Restaurant, an Italian spot, and The Priest Hole, serving British cuisine, are slightly further at 41 and 42 minutes, respectively. Each restaurant offers its unique charm and a taste of the local culinary scene, making it easy to find something to suit every palate.
YHA Helvellyn welcomes you to enjoy a memorable stay in the heart of the Lake District. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, the hostel provides a comfortable, affordable, and scenic retreat for travelers of all kinds. With outdoor adventures right at your doorstep and all the amenities you need to relax and unwind, YHA Helvellyn is the perfect choice for your next adventure in the Lake District.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. 9-minute drive to Helvellyn, a popular hiking destination

2. Guests praised the excellent service and friendly staff

3. One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant and bar

4. Guests frequently mentioned hiking, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts

5. While Wi-Fi quality received some negative reviews, it’s perfect for guests looking to disconnect

6. The hotel offers a delicious breakfast buffet to start your day

7. Kid-friendly and suitable for families with young children

8. Access to local attractions, such as Ullswater and Aira Force Waterfall, within 11 minutes

9. No pets allowed, providing a clean and quiet environment for guests


7.8 Very Good

Location rating

Top sights

Helvellyn
9 min
Ullswater
11 min
Aira Force Waterfall
9 min
Derwentwater
35 min
Windermere
1 hr 9 min

Nearest locations

Fellbites
4 min
Ramblers Bar and the Candleroom
4 min
The Ullswater Inn
4 min
The Inn on the Lake
4 min
The Pooley Bridge Inn, Pooley Bridge
20 min
Hyltons Restaurant
35 min
Dodds Restaurant
41 min
The Priest Hole Restaurant
42 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in17:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating7.8
Nearest airportNewcastle International Airport
Travel time to airport1 hr 51 min

Location

Greenside Rd, Penrith CA11 0QR, United Kingdom

Airports:

Newcastle International Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 51 min


Nearby locations

7.8

Very Good Location

This classic stone hostel with panoramic views of the English Lake District is 2.7 miles from Helvellyn's peak and 8 miles from the Castlerigg stone circle.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Bar

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

No air conditioning

Kitchen in some rooms


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

8.8

10 reviews

Wonderful
6
Excellent
2
Good
2
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
DP

David P

5/5
Cheap and cheerful and very clean. The vibe and ethos are great for walkers up in the mountains. It is a well-considered set up in an exceptional location for walks in the mountains above Glenridding in the Lake District. I didn’t eat there but the food looked good.

MG

Mike G

4/5
Six blokes from Manchester stayed for 1 night on Saturday 23rd June 2018. We climbed Helvelyn and then hiked down Striding Edge into Glenridding. …

Cover Image for Martin Slater

Martin Slater

5/5
Clean, warm, comfortable and no frills accommodation which is all we needed.It's located a bit of a walk from Glenridding centre and whilst accessible by car, the road/track to it is unpaved and quite rough in places. However free parking is available here.Ideally located for a wander up Helvellyn and many other walks..Food and drink are available in the hostel and the staff were friendly and helpful.Overall a pleasant place to stay.

DM

Dave M

5/5
Had a really good time here the place is magical the children loved it food was good all staff were very helpful. The only moan I would have is the track to the place is horrible potholes rocks .my car is booked into the garage. …

J

Jakarta

3/5
The hostel was clean, remote, very basic. The kitchen was small, very small bar/reception area, rooms small, no sink, mirror, sockets or lights on the bunks, no storage in the room, but they were clean. Staff really nice too. …

Cover Image for Robert Robert

Robert Robert

5/5
Good place to stay, staff are very friendly! Shared bathroom is spacious with lots of cubicles for toilets and showers. Lots of space to hang out and plenty to do!

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Loic Chasseray

Loic Chasseray

4/5
Lovely location, very easy access to Helvellyn via the rocky Striding or Swirral edges and the calmer White Side route. Ullswater is only 20 minutes away by foot with two corner shops filled with a variety of outdoor items and food. My friends and I took the StageCoach buses (the X5 and 508) to get to the hostel and back which came infrequently but on time. The hostel itself was clean and had a good ambiance. The land pods were cosy, fitting 4 people and had a small, solar powered battery for lighting and charging. Don't count on it recharging your phone more than 3 times in a day though, we had no lights during one of the nights! A small gem was the river next to the hostel which, during a sunny day, was fun to walk down by parkouring the rocks. We also managed to take a dip a couple hundred metres downstream. Cold but worth it.

Cover Image for Adrian Miller Yache

Adrian Miller Yache

5/5
Excellent time at YHA Helvellyn for a race over the weekend from the 1st interaction to last. The guy went out of his way to ensure I had a great experience starting with storing my bag ahead of the 5pm check in to arranging a last minute breakfast with the chef who himself quickly arranged a extra portion 5 stars from me!

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for martha Autumn

martha Autumn

5/5
Really beautiful location alongside a river, overlooking mountains. Stayed here for a night whilst hiking in the Lakes. The guy on reception was really friendly and helpful.The shared kitchen was really clean, the bar area modern and the bedding comfortable.The drying room here was an absolute life saver.Things to note: the road to this hostel is pretty bumpy going by car.There is no wifi in rooms, only in communal spaces.If you book a room using the discount code on the yha website then you can’t cancel/ alter the booking. I was caught out with this when a friend was unable to come.Overall great for a few nights over the summer especially arriving on foot and incorporating into a hike. Hope to come back someday.

JD

Jonathon D

3/5
Staff were great and location could be considered good for some as it is located at the base of some of the Helvellyn ascent routes, however, it is also a 25 minute walk from Glenridding, so consequently there are no shops in the immediate …