YHA Ambleside
Waterhead
View on map and nearby hotels
Why people book this hotel
“Location is great”
“Location, comfortable beds, breakfast”
“So friendly”
“Everything, and especially the staffs in the facility they have been extremely k…”
“Very comfortable bed, great kitchen facilities and bar”
“Location was stunning staff were friendly Lovely restaurant and bar area Rooms…”
“This time we had a shared toilet which was sometime not very clean however it wa…”
“Location excellent, great value for money, rooms clean”
Overview
The YHA Ambleside sits on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District. It offers a range of budget accommodation and a café serving local food. After being refurbished, the property now boasts newly decorated rooms, a new restaurant and a decked terrace with lake views. Some bedrooms have views across both the lake and the Langdale Pikes. This hostel offers private rooms with en-suite or allocated shared bathrooms.. The bar offers a range of local ales and there is a large garden. There are many walking and cycling routes surrounding YHA Ambleside, and there is a bike store on site. A variety of watersports can be enjoyed on the lake. Ambleside village is a 10-minute walk from the YHA hostel. It has a selection of quaint tea rooms, artisan shops and country pubs. The majority of rooms contain bunk beds. Breakfast is available for an additional charge.
Traveller reviews
David
solo_traveller
June 8, 2026
Location is great.
Rajan
couple
June 7, 2026
“Superbb!!”
So friendly
Aniruddha Nag
solo_traveller
June 4, 2026
“Amazing stay at YHA Ambleside”
Everything, and especially the staffs in the facility they have been extremely kind to us. I was a bit nervous staying in a hostel with 1 y/o daughter but at the end it came out as the best decision over staying in a fancy hotel with double money
Daniel
solo_traveller
June 3, 2026
Location, comfortable beds, breakfast
The Godfather
solo_traveller
June 2, 2026
“Prepare to be ripped off !”
Very little,the food was edible and very basic
Rabbi
solo_traveller
June 1, 2026
The location was excellent. This was my 2nd stay in same month. This time we had a shared toilet which was sometime not very clean however it was good stay overall.
Mohamed Rafeek
solo_traveller
May 31, 2026
“Wonderful place and really great experience. Great restaurant nearby and certainly a very beautiful place.”
The property is wonderful and perfect for hikers like me.
Muhammad waleed
family_with_children
May 28, 2026
The location was very nice
Robert
family_with_children
May 28, 2026
“Value for money location fab”
Location excellent, great value for money, rooms clean
Paul
extended_group
May 25, 2026
“Great location would highly recommend for YHA”
Bar was excellent, great beer selection great view of the lake. Location was brilliant. Staff were good.
Arushi
solo_traveller
May 18, 2026
“Very good location”
Location
Asim
solo_traveller
May 17, 2026
Location
Marcus
extended_group
May 13, 2026
Location
Kerry
solo_traveller
May 12, 2026
“Great hostel, fabulous staff.”
Exceptionally friendly staff at check in and throughout hostel. Very comfortable bed, great kitchen facilities and bar. Fabulous location by the lake.
Heather
solo_traveller
May 12, 2026
Location was stunning staff were friendly Lovely restaurant and bar area Rooms clean and plenty of shower and toilet facilities
Emmanuel
solo_traveller
May 9, 2026
Location is great, close to lots of activities, family friendly
Rabbi
solo_traveller
May 9, 2026
“Nice stay”
The location was great! And the staff were friendly too
Craig
solo_traveller
May 8, 2026
Perfect location, immaculate, friendly staff.
Veronica
couple
May 8, 2026
“great kitchen”
I had a very comfortable stay overall. The standout feature is definitely the kitchen—it’s exceptionally well-equipped with ovens, hobs, and plenty of utensils. It’s much better than most hostels I’ve stayed in and kept very clean. The views from the property are also stunning.
Maria
solo_traveller
May 5, 2026
Location on the lake shore is magic. Staff working hard, full of good advice. Our walk from Grasmere to the hostel had the best view of bluebells.
Facilities
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible, Toilet with grab rails
Activities
Canoeing, Hiking
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays
Entertainment and family services
Board games/puzzles
Food & Drink
Kid meals, Coffee house on site, Breakfast options, Bar
General
Non-smoking rooms, Facilities for disabled guests, Family rooms, Heating, Non-smoking throughout, Designated smoking area, Bicycle parking
Internet
WiFi, Free WiFi, Internet services
Kitchen
Shared kitchen
Outdoors
Picnic area, Garden
Parking
Parking, Accessible parking
Physical distancing
Cashless payment available
Safety & security
24-hour security, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, First aid kit available
Services
Shared lounge/TV area, 24-hour front desk, Vending machine (drinks), Vending machine (snacks)
5 Bed Double Private Room Shared Bathroom
The family room features a carpeted floor and heating, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 4 beds.
5 Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom
Bunk beds with access to a shared bathroom.
6 Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom
Bunk beds with access to a shared bathroom.
5 Bed Double Private Room Ensuite
An en suite bathroom is featured in this room.
6 Bed Private Room Ensuite
An en suite bathroom is featured in this room.
3 Bed Double Private Room Shared Bathroom
The triple room provides a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
3 Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom
Bunk beds with access to a shared bathroom.
2 Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom
Bunk bed with access to a shared bathroom
4 Bed Private Room Ensuite
An en suite bathroom is featured in this room.
4 Bed Private Room Shared Bathroom
Bunk beds with access to a shared bathroom.
Single Room Shared Bathroom
Shared bathroom facilities are provided with this room.
Hotel Policies
Price Watch
Email me price updates for Hotel YHA Ambleside
Each day we'll check prices and send you an email for your selected dates at YHA Ambleside.
If you don't have specific dates but would like to check prices for say next weekend or say next month we can check the price too.