YHA Hawkshead

8.6
Excellent
(385 reviews)

Ambleside LA22 0QD, United Kingdom

+44 345 371 9321

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Hotel Description

YHA Hawkshead, located in Ambleside LA22 0QD, United Kingdom, is a charming hostel nestled within the heart of the picturesque Lake District National Park. This simple yet welcoming hostel resides in a beautiful Regency-style building, offering guests a serene escape surrounded by nature and history. Just 2.1 miles from Hill Top Museum, the former home of beloved author Beatrix Potter, and 5.7 miles from the iconic Wray Castle, the location provides the perfect blend of tranquility and access to regional attractions. Whether you’re here for the natural beauty or the rich literary history, YHA Hawkshead offers a comfortable base to explore the surrounding areas.
The hostel boasts a variety of room options to suit different needs, including modest private rooms, basic dormitories, and even cabins and camping pods for those seeking a more rustic experience. All rooms come with essential bedding and free Wi-Fi, ensuring guests stay connected while enjoying their stay. Some private rooms also feature en suite bathrooms, adding an extra level of convenience and comfort.
Guests at YHA Hawkshead can enjoy a range of amenities designed to make their stay both relaxing and enjoyable. For dining, there is a restaurant offering breakfast, dinner, and packed lunches for a small fee. Additionally, a communal kitchen is available for those who prefer to prepare their own meals, and a BBQ area is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The hostel also features a bar, where guests can unwind after a day of adventure. For leisure and relaxation, a game room, lounge, and library are available, providing various ways to spend downtime. Laundry facilities are also provided, making it easier for longer stays.
The hostel’s location ensures that guests can easily access key attractions and transportation options. Public transport options are readily available, and Grizedale Forest is only a 5-minute drive away, ideal for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. The hostel is also conveniently located near various transportation hubs, with Teesside International Airport just over two hours away by taxi, ensuring easy access to the region.
Safety and well-being are a priority at YHA Hawkshead, with the property being a smoke-free and kid-friendly environment. The hostel does not allow pets and does not offer a fitness center, spa, or pool, but these limitations are offset by the stunning natural surroundings and numerous outdoor activities. The property also ensures guests’ health and safety with stringent measures in place to guarantee a peaceful and secure stay.
For guests seeking the best of the Lake District, there are numerous activities to enjoy nearby. Visitors can take a short walk to the scenic Tarn Hows, known for its breathtaking views and well-maintained trails, or explore the fascinating National Trust site of Hill Top, where Beatrix Potter's home offers a glimpse into the life of one of England's most cherished authors. The beautiful Grizedale Forest is just a 5-minute drive away, offering forest walks, art installations, and adventure trails.
In addition, YHA Hawkshead is surrounded by top sights like Windermere, Coniston Water, and the tranquil Tarn Hows, each within a short distance of the hostel. These stunning landscapes are perfect for boating, kayaking, and hiking, offering a true taste of the Lake District’s natural beauty.
The surrounding area is also home to several fine dining options, including Hyltons Restaurant, Queen’s Head in Hawkshead, Billy’s Barr & Restaurant, Dodds Italian Restaurant, and The Priest Hole, which serve a variety of British and international cuisines. Whether you're in the mood for hearty local dishes or something more refined, these nearby restaurants cater to diverse tastes, providing guests with exceptional culinary experiences.
YHA Hawkshead invites you to explore the wonders of the Lake District while enjoying a welcoming and comfortable stay. With its range of amenities, proximity to major sights, and tranquil location, it’s the ideal place to unwind and embrace nature while discovering the rich heritage of this beautiful region.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Featured in Best Places to Stay in the Lake District (Location & Accommodation Guide)

2. Guests praised the kitchenettes for convenience and versatility

3. 5-minute drive to Grizedale Forest for outdoor activities

4. Guests mentioned the village setting 19 times in reviews

5. Emphasis on self-catering, with kitchen facilities and BBQ options

6. Close proximity to Windermere and Tarn Hows for nature lovers

7. Pet-free and smoke-free environment ensuring a comfortable stay

8. Family-friendly with kid-friendly amenities and activities

9. Proximity to cultural attractions like Hill Top Museum and Wray Castle

10. Walking distance to nearby restaurants offering a variety of cuisines


7.4 Very Good

Location rating

Top sights

Windermere
19 min
Tarn Hows
10 min
National Trust - Hill Top
7 min
Grizedale Forest
5 min
Coniston Water
19 min

Nearest locations

Billys Barr & Restaurant
4 min
The Red Lion Inn
4 min
Queens Head, Hawkshead
5 min
Poppi Red
5 min
Dodds Restaurant
18 min
The Priest Hole Restaurant
19 min
The Old Stamp House Restaurant
19 min
Hyltons Restaurant
29 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating7.4
Nearest airportTeesside International Airport
Travel time to airport2 hr 4 min

Location

Ambleside LA22 0QD, United Kingdom

Airports:

Teesside International Airport

Taxi: 2 hr 4 min

Transit: 6 hr 8 min


Nearby locations

7.4

Very Good Location

Within the Lake District National Park, this simple hostel in a Regency-style building is 2.1 miles from Hill Top museum (home of Beatrix Potter) and 5.7 miles from Wray Castle.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

Parking

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

No air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

8.6

10 reviews

Wonderful
5
Excellent
3
Good
2
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
Cover Image for Gosia Rebelo

Gosia Rebelo

5/5
Stayed here with hubby for couple of nights. We got the big bell tent which in October needs to be heated up. You receive 1 fire pack as you arrive and after that it's £10 per pack (at reception). We used 2 packs per evening. There's a restaurant there that serves breakfast and dinner. Reception opens in the morning till 10am and then reopens at 5pm. Fantastic location. Beautiful grounds. All facilities available. Staff was really friendly. Great hostel and good prices for Lake District ;)

Cover Image for Sona Manoj

Sona Manoj

5/5
My friends and I recently stayed at YHA Hawkshead for a two-night holiday, and we had a fantastic experience. On the first night, we stayed in a premium bell tent, which was quiet, clean, and felt very safe. The next day, we moved to a private bedroom, which was also immaculate and peaceful. Although we shared bathroom, it was very clean and well-maintained. We used the shared kitchen both days, and it was spacious, well-equipped, and never too busy.it was so cheap and affordable . Thank you to the wonderful team and staff for making this a memorable stay!

SH

Sophie H

5/5
Myself and my partner stayed in one of the premium bell tents, we were greeted kindly at reception and given all of the handy information needed! …

Cover Image for CraZy cHErrY

CraZy cHErrY

4/5
Nice place and helpful staffs. Room is spacious with 2 sinks, it’ll be perfect if the room has a wardrobe, but we were thankful to have 4 hooks to hang our clothes. There are enough toilets and shower rooms. The self catering and dining room are well equipped but there are in another building, a bit messy during the bad weather.

Room 4

Service 5

Location4

D

DayTrip36892708826

4/5
We have stayed here 5 or 6 times - in the pods and bell tents and this time we were in the hostel. It’s a lovely place and the self-catering facilities are great. …

Cover Image for john wright

john wright

4/5
We had a very pleasant stay. Fantastic location in the beautiful lake District. Good basic accommodation.

Room 4

Service 3

Location5

Cover Image for Gemma Twinning

Gemma Twinning

5/5
This was a stunning Hostel. Everything we could possible need and want. Breakfast was awesome and all the staff lovely and friendly. The grounds are just beautiful and it's an ideal location for exploring the lakes. Kid friendly and not too expensive. We will definitely be back.

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

S

Stay01024394290

3/5
The room was bit dirty, particularly the shower. Definitely bring flip flops. I felt safe throughout the experience (I am a 16 year old girl). The continental breakfast wasn’t bad (apart from the near stale bread.) Good value for money. Not too long a walk from the village.

SR

Sue R

5/5
Back at YHA Hawkshead for a 3 night staying in a private room. We were in the Courtyard building. We used the self-catering kitchen and found the facilities to be great. …

Cover Image for Jaslyn s

Jaslyn s

3/5
Do not believe google, there are no laundry facilities. The staff suggestion is to go to the laundromat in Ambleside which is terribly rated and would cost you £4 on bus fare alone, 20min walk to the bus each way with all your laundry and more time waiting on an infrequent service. Easily a half day exercise and not ideal.Showers are filthy.If you are walking from the bus stop it is a long way on a narrow walled road, seems a bit dangerous.Otherwise the hostel is satisfactory