Skip to main content

The best hostels in Ambleside

Some of the best backpacker spots in Ambleside

Filter by:

Review score

See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.
Lakes Boutique Hostel Apartment Windermere, hotel in Ambleside

Set in Windermere and with World of Beatrix Potter reachable within 2 km, Lakes Boutique Hostel Apartment Windermere offers express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a terrace, free WiFi and...

The apartment was fantastic for everything we needed - location was brilliant right in the centre of Windermere, quirky and spacious communal area and everywhere was clean and tidy. Beds were so comfy too. The host was also very helpful, friendly and responsive - we will definitely stay again thank you Lakes Boutique!
Scored 7.6
7.6
Rated good
Good
8 reviews
Price from
£245
1 night, 2 adults
YHA Helvellyn, hotel in Ambleside

Situated in the Cumbrian countryside, conveniently located to visit the Lake District, YHA Helvellyn has on-site free parking and a bar.

Absolutely perfect location, lovely welcoming atmosphere and friendly vibe from all of the staff. Beds and bedding sooooo comfy. The whole place was cozy and warm and the showers hot which was so nice after a long hike
Scored 8.7
8.7
Rated fabulous
Fabulous
456 reviews
Price from
£50
1 night, 2 adults
Denton House Hostel, hotel in Ambleside

Located in the market town of Keswick in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Denton House Hostel is just a 5-minute stroll from Keswick Leisure Centre.

I thought it was a very relaxed clean welcoming space. Were you can chill 😎 and cook watch to mix. As a single woman on my own I felt security was very good door code is changed very frequently.
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very good
819 reviews
Price from
£90
1 night, 2 adults
YHA Buttermere, hotel in Ambleside

This Lakeland slate house is 0.5 miles above Buttermere village, and ideal for the famous Haystacks walk. YHA Buttermere has a bar/restaurant with views of the Red Pike and High Stile mountains.

Great location Nice old building Nice lay out Fabulous breakfast Fabulous staff
Scored 8.5
8.5
Rated very good
Very good
310 reviews
Price from
£60
1 night, 2 adults
The White Horse Inn Bunkhouse, hotel in Ambleside

Situated in Threlkeld, 12 km from Derwentwater, The White Horse Inn Bunkhouse features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant.

Loved the views Close to where we love Very affordable
Scored 8.3
8.3
Rated very good
Very good
805 reviews
Price from
£55
1 night, 2 adults
YHA Ambleside, hotel in Ambleside

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.

Great location in Ambleside, not a lot of parking spaces but managed to get one starlight away, free of charge when you put your car reg in the machine at reception, hostel was clean and tidy, friendly staff who were happy to help.
Scored 8.5
8.5
Rated very good
Very good
1,610 reviews
YHA Langdale, hotel in Ambleside

Set in a grand Victorian mansion, YHA Langdale is a National Trust property with leafy grounds, cosy log fires and a restaurant. The Lake District hostel is situated between Elterwater and Grasmere.

The Property itself is gorgeous. It's an old mansion house in the traditional slate Lakes style, up high on the side of a hill overlooking a valley. The views from the upstairs windows are lovely. When the sun is streaming in on the breakfast room, it's just a wonderful way to wake up. The staff couldn't have been friendlier. They gave us great directions for dinner options, were incredibly kind to the kids, and were lovely in the morning with the kids' various requests for things. The car park does get full, with occupancy for 100, but only 20 parking spots. There IS an overflow car park tucked down the hill a little. However, it's tricky to find, and only has space for 3/4 cars so you are best asking at reception! The self-catering kitchen is large, clean, and very well stocked. There's loads of cutlery if you're cooking for yourself. There's good shelf space and a big fridge too. All the windows are big sash windows, so they let in lots of light. When the sun comes in, the whole building feels alive with golden light, it really does feel like a nice place! There's an arboretum with a National Trust walk through it (google it!), which is a lovely walk to take kids on to see some rare trees. It's down an old overgrown Victorian Carriage track too, which is full of mystery and wonder for the really little ones. The breakfast was cooked to perfection, and the veggie sausages were delicious. Not the usual shriveled quorn ones, but a much nicer, crunchier veggie sausages. The chef got the grilled tomatoes just right, and the bacon looked perfect too. That's a catering staff that knows what it's doing!
Scored 8.5
8.5
Rated very good
Very good
308 reviews
YHA Hawkshead, hotel in Ambleside

Set in a stunning Regency mansion overlooking Esthwaite Water, YHA Hawkshead stands within beautiful grounds just a mile from Hawkshead village.

Scored 8.4
8.4
Rated very good
Very good
1,035 reviews
YHA Coniston Holly How, hotel in Ambleside

YHA Holly How offers dormitory-style accommodation in Coniston, a 10-minute drive from Hawkshead, Ambleside. It has a games room, a restaurant serving evening meals, and offers free parking on site.

location was great, breakfast was good.
Scored 8.5
8.5
Rated very good
Very good
379 reviews
YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe, hotel in Ambleside

Set within the beautiful Lakeland village of Grasmere, this Victorian mansion features fabulous views of the surrounding fells and valleys. Guests can enjoy the restaurant and relaxing TV lounge.

Central location to Grasmere & private parking. Beautiful old building.
Scored 8.6
8.6
Rated fabulous
Fabulous
428 reviews
All hostels in Ambleside
Looking for a hostel?
Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.

Hostels that guests love in Ambleside

  • Avg. price/night: £152
    Scored 8.6
    8.6
    Rated fabulous
    Fabulous
     · 705 reviews
    Very much a last minute booking and didn't get chance to use the hotel facilities or sample food, as I was in/out at unusual times, but hotel was nice and a great location for Ambleside and Coniston. Room was small single but comfortable and clean. Car park was a decent size front/rear and felt safe.
    Mark
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 308 reviews
    Despite some narrow roads getting to and from, the location was great for hiking. Cooked breakfast was tasty. Bunk bed was very comfortable and long enough, despite me being 6'3". I had a bed in the dormitory which was close to a window for some fresh air, which was nice. I wore ear plugs and an eye mask to reduce noise from other sleepers and so I had a very good quality sleep.
    Kevin
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 429 reviews
    Great host, excellent breakfast, very clean room, comfortable bed and great location. Safe and secure parking.
    Ken
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £30
    Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,610 reviews
    You never know with a hostel but this one is very clean, the shared showers and toilets are cleaned on a regular basis even though the YHA was fully booked. The room itself was good as well with a sink. Great location at the lake! The guys at the reception are very friendly and helpful.
    Mathias
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £70
    Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 242 reviews
    great location, very cheap for area
    Mary
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £89
    Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,622 reviews
    The property is at great location. The staff is ❤️❤️. Everyone was so welcoming. Chef is so nice. We tried onion rings, cauliflower vegan curry with rice and pizza. Breakfast was so satisfying. Highlight of our trip was CAS helped us to kindly find a cab on Boxing Day when we were struggling to find transportation and we reached home safely.
    Chetna
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £30
    Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,610 reviews
    Great location and hostel facilities
    L
    Lorna
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £114
    Scored 8.6
    8.6
    Rated fabulous
    Fabulous
     · 452 reviews
    Everything. Clean, welcoming, great location. Decor is beautiful and bed was very comfy, we slept with the window open and felt really safe with no noise. We will definitely stay again
    Emma
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £30
    Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,610 reviews
    Location, restaurant and dining area were all good, and the staff were all kind and helpful. It's an older building and a youth hostel, so by those standards it's doing a good job of upkeep. Bit of cobwebs and dust in the rooms and windows but otherwise ok. The bathrooms (sinks especially) need updating soon, but they function. The best part is the view and the lake in front, and the accessibility to the town.
    FS
    Family with young children
  • Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 308 reviews
    Great location. I was able to park easily , a big bonus in the Lake District. The Hostel location was perfect to be able to start walking from. Solo traveller and felt very safe here, friendly and helpful staff . Great kitchen and shower facilities. nice and clean . I had shared female dorm , and I requested the bottom bunk and my request had been granted. I would definitely return here.
    R
    Rosemary
    Solo traveller