"The Hostel is located directly at the lake so that you can have dinner sitting right at the water and watch the sunset."
Niels from Germany
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"The YHA Ambleside has a location for dreaming and gazing, in rain, drizzle or sun."
David from United Kingdom
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"Our private family room had one double bed and three single bunks, en-suite toilet , bathroom and a cupboard."
Maria Matos Sequeira from United Kingdom
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"Location on Windermere is fantastic, staff excellent and helpful, kitchen OK, shared areas good"
Laurie from United Kingdom
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"We booked a triple room for 2 people."
Fiona from United Kingdom
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YHA Ambleside: Budget Lakeside Lodge on Lake Windermere
Accommodation and Rooms
The YHA Ambleside offers private rooms and dormitories, some with views across Lake Windermere and the Langdale Pikes. After a full refurbishment, the property features newly decorated rooms with en-suite or allocated shared bathrooms. The majority of rooms contain bunk beds, and a number of accessible rooms are available for guests with limited mobility.
Dining and Bar
The on-site restaurant serves local food and a full English or continental breakfast (available at an additional charge). The bar offers a range of local ales, and there is a coffee house on site. A decked terrace with lake views provides outdoor seating, and a well-equipped self-catering kitchen is available for guests who prefer to prepare their own meals.
Activities and Outdoor Pursuits
Canoeing and hiking are directly accessible from the hostel, and a secure bike store is available for cyclists. The hostel sits on the shores of Lake Windermere, providing immediate access to watersports and lake cruises from the adjacent Ambleside pier. Board games and puzzles are available in the shared lounge for indoor relaxation.
Amenities and Accessibility
The property has 24-hour front desk, CCTV in common areas, and smoke alarms for guest safety. Wheelchair accessible rooms and facilities for disabled guests include toilets with grab rails and accessible parking. A shared lounge/TV area, vending machines, and a picnic area are available, along with free WiFi throughout the common spaces.
Location and Parking
YHA Ambleside is a 10-minute walk from Ambleside village with its tea rooms, artisan shops, and pubs. The Waterhead Bus Stop is a 3-minute walk away, providing connections to Windermere station and surrounding towns. On-site parking is controlled by an ANPR system; overnight guests receive a discounted rate of £5 per vehicle for 24 hours after registration at reception.
Highlights
Location: On the shores of Lake Windermere, next to Ambleside pier
Rooms: Private and dormitory rooms with lake or fell views
Dining: On-site restaurant with local food and bar with local ales
Activities: Canoeing, hiking, watersports, and secure bike store
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible rooms and disabled facilities
Parking: Discounted overnight parking at £5 per 24 hours
Must-do experiences
Hike the beautiful Loughrigg Fell for stunning views of Lake Windermere.
Savor a slice of homemade cake at the popular Chesters by the River.
Visit the quirky 19th-century Bridge House, a must-see landmark.
Discover local crafts at Ambleside's quaint market every Thursday.
Enjoy a traditional Lake District meal at The Old Stamp House Restaurant.
Choose your room category
Yha Ambleside offers double, family, and suite rooms throughout the Lake District, all including breakfast, free cancellation, and seasonal deals
Bunk Bed Female Dormitory Room
2 persons
5 m²
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
3 Bed Private Room
3 persons
8 m²
2 Bunk beds
Heating
Shower
room details
2 Bed Private Room
2 persons
10 m²
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
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Room Rates & Availability Calendar
See current rates and availability for the Lake District now!
Amenities
Yha Ambleside provides amenities designed for a relaxing stay and memorable moments
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
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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Where to Find Yha Ambleside
Waterhead, Ambleside, LA22 0EU,
Map view
City landmarks
Castle
Wray Castle
2.02 km
Landmark
Ambleside Roman Fort
770 m
Landmark
Brockhole on Windermere
2.26 km
Gallery
Old Courthouse Gallery
1.44 km
Bridge
Bridge House
1.98 km
Museum
The Armitt Museum And Gallery
1.74 km
Landmark
Hayes Garden World Ambleside
1.68 km
Garden
Stagshaw Garden
2.67 km
Landmark
High Close Estate
950 m
Landmark
The National Trust
1.02 km
Landmark
Moss Eccles Tarn
1.48 km
Landmark
Jenkin Crag
2.83 km
Landmark
Merz Barn
1.28 km
Landmark
Stock Ghyll Force
2.67 km
Landmark
Rothay Park
1.45 km
Church
St Mary's Church
1.4 km
Landmark
Wansfell Pike
2.05 km
Landmark
Copt Howe
1.48 km
Landmark
Lily Tarn
2.17 km
Landmark
Townend
3.07 km
Camping
Skelwith Fold
2.48 km
Landmark
Treetop Lake District
2.38 km
Landmark
Merewood
2.3 km
Landmark
Mellbreak
2.38 km
Landmark
Blelham Tarn
2.66 km
Garden
Rydal Mount
3.6 km
Landmark
White Cross Bay
2.98 km
Garden
Rydal Hall Gardens
3.49 km
Landmark
Dora's Field
3.44 km
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
3.25 km
Ambleside Road The Samling Hotel
Explore Ambleside
Explore Waterhead, Ambleside
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Ambleside Roman Fort
10 minutes' walk
Roman ruins set against stunning landscapes, showcasing history. Free entry on certain days enhances its appeal.
Borrans Park
7 minutes' walk
Scenic park by the lake, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. Ideal for families looking to relax outdoors.
Wray Castle
25 minutes' walk
Victorian Gothic castle with picturesque grounds, offering guided tours and unique exhibits.
Kayaking on Lake Windermere
25 minutes' drive
Thrilling kayaking experiences on the largest lake in England. Rentals available for adventurous explorers.
Yoga Retreats
15 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions amidst nature, focusing on well-being. Advanced booking recommended for a tranquil experience.
The Lakeside Restaurant at YHA Ambleside
1 minute' walk
Casual dining with local flavors, featuring seasonal ingredients. Daily specials perfect for a wholesome meal.
Wateredge Inn
5 minutes' walk
Cozily situated pub offering classic English meals and local beers. Great views enhance the dining experience.
Old Courthouse Gallery
15 minutes' walk
Exhibits featuring local artists. Monthly rotating displays keep the gallery fresh and engaging for visitors.
The Bar & Grill at Waterhead
4 minutes' walk
Vibrant bar with live music on weekends and a great selection of cocktails. A favorite spot for nightlife.
Local transport options
City Centre
Ambleside 14 min · 1.1 km
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 115 min · 76.6 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 158 min · 104.7 km
Bus
Bus stop 16 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
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 11.95 per person.
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 Reviews & Ratings
Read what past guests have said about their stay at Yha Ambleside
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
6.4/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Good location
Helpful staff
Cons
Maintenance issues
Inconsistent service
Unreliable Wi-Fi
Guest reviews
based on 1504 reviews
8.4/10
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.