Lake District hostels & Bunkhouses
Dacres Stable comfortably sleeps 8 in great value self-catering accommodation. A short drive from Kendal on the Eastern edge of the Lake District National Park, the farm is on a gated road remote from busy roads. A great base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, the Lakes and Eden Valley.
Elterwater Youth Hostel, now independent, is located in the peaceful village of Elterwater, in the Langdale valley, 15 mins' drive from Ambleside. A friendly welcome awaits individuals, family and groups enjoying the gentle riverside meanders or the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell. Pub nearby.
High Wallabarrow Camping Barn is a 17th century Lakeland farmhouse restored to provide a well equipped camping barn for walkers, climbers, mountain bikers and those who enjoy tranquility and wildlife. Set on a traditional hill farm in the Duddon Valley, an unspoilt corner of the Lake District.
Fisher-gill Camping Barn, Thirlmere, at the foot of the Lake Districts Helvellyn mountains. Close to Sticks Pass and the spectacular Fisher-Gill waterfall, the barn has direct access to walks, hills and rock climbs. Basic self catering kitchen/diner & within walking distance of a pub serving meals.
Dinah Hoggus Camping Barn lies on the old packhorse route to Watendlath on the edge of the village of Rosthwaite in the Borrowdale valley of the Lake District. Ideal for walkers and families it is located right on the Cumbria Way and the Coast to Coast walk. Pub and village shop just 300m away.
Wayfarers Independent Hostel is close to Penrith town centre and perfect for those on the C2C cycle route. Excellent value accommodation to those visiting Penrith, the Eden Valley and the North Lake District National Park. Bike cleaning and maintenance facilities and bike hire on site.
Kendal Hostel is a family run hostel set in a Georgian townhouse in the historic market town of Kendal. The well known Brewery Arts Centre is right in front and the town centre is only a stone's throw away. The gateway to the Lake district Kendal has lots to offer its visitors.
Old Windebrowe, on the outskirts of Keswick, provides dog-friendly self catering group accommodation in the Coach House. A listed Tithe Barn that was once home to William Wordsworth and now belongs to The Calvert Trust. Fully accessible and 20 minutes from Keswick by foot or wheelchair.
The National Trusts Holme Wood Bothy offers basic accommodation in a spectacular secluded location, right on the shore of Loweswater in the Lake District. It is a simple stone tent where you can bring your camping equipment. Great for accessing the lakes and canoeing on Loweswater.
Bents Camping Barn, formerly a 17 century shepherd's cottage, is in Newbiggin-on-Lune close to Kirkby Stephen in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There are 2 bunkrooms sleeping 14 in total (BYO sleeping bags), a well equipped kitchen and a dining area. The Coast to Coast path is nearby.
Shepherds Crook self catering accommodation sleeps 8 at the 17th Century Noran Bank Farm in Patterdale at the foot of Ullswater. With two bedrooms sleeping 2 and 6 the bunks are ideal for Coast to Coasters, walkers, cyclists and for family/friends get-togethers.
Skiddaw House is a remote mountain hostel on the shoulder of Skiddaw Mountain in the Lake District. No roads, no buildings, just uninterrupted views of beautiful mountain wilderness. Enjoy the comfort of made up beds, wood burning stoves & a well-stocked bar an hours' walk from Keswick or Threlkeld.
Bassenthwaite Parish Room, built in 2017, provides accommodation for visitors with their own camp beds in a fantastic location with Skiddaw rising just a few fields away. Self-catering for small or large groups is easy in the modern and well-equipped kitchen.
Slack House Farm provides walkers accommodation on an organic dairy farm overlooking Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall. It is on the NCN 72 cycle route and is only a field from the Hadrian's Wall National Trail. Warm and cosy with farmhouse breakfasts, suppers and packed lunches.
Great Langdale Bunkhouse by the Sticklebarn Tavern in the Langdale Valley, is set amidst some of the finest mountain scenery in the Lake District with access to mountain biking, cycling, walking, fell running and climbing. Recently refurbished with private rooms, ideal for small groups & families.
St John's-in-the-Vale Camping Barn is an 18th century hayloft, in an idyllic setting near Keswick in the Lake District. Overlooking St John's Beck, on peaceful Low Bridge End Farm with stunning views to Blencathra & Helvellyn. There is no light pollution & the star-filled night skies are magical.
Howgills Barn is beautifully renovated self-catering accommodation with Hot Tub in Sedbergh Yorkshire. Breathtaking views, plenty to see & do and set in a private location where the children can enjoy some freedom. Five minute walk to Sedberghs' pubs & cafés and restaurants. Dogs welcome.
Watendlath Bothy sits next to the tarn in the quiet, picturesque hamlet that shares its name. High in a beautiful valley, it offers superb access to the surrounding Lake District fells. The perfect choice for an escape to one of the most remote-feeling places in the Lakes. BYO camping equipment.
Carlisle City Hostel, Carlisle's only independent hostel, is located on picturesque Abbey Street in the centre of town. A great place from which to explore Carlisle, The Tuille House Museum, Eden Valley, Hadrien's Wall and more. The staff look forward to welcoming you as their guest.
Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre is in the Ennerdale valley, one of the most beautiful and least spoilt valleys in the Lake District. At the foot of Pillar and Red Pike. Well equipped for groups but welcoming all, it is the perfect base for walking, climbing, wildlife, mountain biking and canoeing.
Kirkby Stephen Hostel, a former Methodist Church accommodates visitors amongst beautiful authentic features; stained glass, arches & panels. The market town of Kirkby Stephen, is on the Coast to Coast path, the Walney to Wear Cycle Route, the Howgill Hills, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lakes.
The National Trusts High Wray Basecamp provides self catering group accommodation in secluded woodland, 4 miles from Ambleside. An ideal base from which to explore the Lake District and enjoy rambling, fell walking, climbing and water sports.
Lowick School Bunkhouse nestled between Coniston and Ulverston, has a lounge with wood-burning stove, large kitchen/dining room, great views of the mountains and an outdoor area with campfire. River Deep Mountain High Activity Centre provides outdoor activities for groups and families on site.
Bowderstone Bunkhouse in the Borrowdale Valley provides basic self catering accommodation for educational groups, clubs and organisations like Scouts. There is an assessable shower room. Bring your own camping mattresses and sleeping bags.
Cragg Camping Barn, with its stunning views of Buttermere fell is a simple base for outdoor enthusiasts in the Lake District, with great walking, climbing and mountain biking close by. The simple accommodation has mattresses for 8. BYO sleeping bag and camping stove.
Lake District Backpackers is a friendly, cosy hostel in the heart of the holiday town of Windermere. Access to the fells from the door and close to shops, pubs, tourist info, trains and buses. Walking distance from Windermere Lake with steamer trips and boat hire. Maps and guides available.
The Carlisle Diocesan Youth Centre in the valley of St John's-in-the-Vale near Keswick in the Lake District offers great value accommodation for groups in modern en suite bunkrooms. Fell walking, climbing, orienteering, geo-caching and cycling on the doorstep and amazing views from the windows.
The White Horse Inn Bunkhouse, Scales near Threlkeld & Keswick, provides accommodation in the converted stables of this traditional Lake District inn at the foot of Blencathra. Guests are welcome to socialise in the Inn which has great pub food, open fires & local ales. Walks & C2C route pass the door.
Bunk house accommodation in the South Lakes for individuals and groups. Perfectly placed national cycle routes with local and national walking routes from the door.
Thorney How, the old Grasmere YHA, offers a range of self catering accommodation in the house and grounds of a charming gentleman's farmhouse. Close to the Coast to Coast path, Grasmere village and lake it is your perfect Lake District base. Enjoy the bar, restaurant & spacious grounds.
Rookin House Camping Barn is at heart of the Lake District surrounded by some of the best walking in Cumbria, from strenuous hikes up Blencathra to gentle meanders along Aira Force. The Barn provides centrally heated self catering accommodation popular with walkers year round and close to the C2C.
Greengill Barn group accommodation is a modern conversion of traditional barn on the edge of Morland in Cumbria's rolling Eden Valley. Close to the Lake District and handy for the M6. Great for gatherings of family or friends wanting to visit the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and the Borders.
High House in remote Seathwaite, at the head of the beautiful valley of Borrowdale, offers comfortable self-catering hostel accommodation for groups. A converted 16/17 century farmhouse set within its own grounds, it is popular with walking & climbing clubs, outdoor education and corporate groups.
Come and witness the star filled skies, a truly breathtaking sight, and experience tranquil and calm at Fell End Camping Barn. This 18th century Lakeland stone barn has no electricity and is set within its own grass courtyard approximately ½ mile from the Thornthwaite Farm in the Lake District.
Stroll from Yealand Old School's doorstep to Warton Crag for views across the sands of Morecambe Bay. In early summer hunt out a host of wild flowers on the limestone scenery at nearby Gaitbarrows NNR and Hutton Roofs crags. Kids will enjoy Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, a small zoo close by.
Denton House provides warm and well equipped self-catering accommodation in the centre of Kendal, designed for groups but also available to individuals and families. Outdoor activities and equipment storage can be arranged and there is access to the River Greta across the road.
Swallow Barn Camping Barn provides basic stone tent accommodation for exploring the Lake District Western Fells on both high and low level walks. Enjoy spectacular views or the peace and tranquillity of the Loweswater valley. On the C2C Cycle Route. The Kirkstyle pub, 1 mile away, serves food.
Situated next to Rydal Beck in the heart of the Lake District, Rydal Hall Bunkhouse provides self catering accommodation for groups in 30 acres of garden, woodland and natural beauty in the grounds of the Lake District Rydal Hall. En suite rooms in the Hall, Eco pods and camping also available.
At the foot of Souther Fell, close to Blencathra, Blakebeck Farm Camping is set amidst the wildflower meadows of Mungrisdale. On the C2C cycle route and the Cumbrian Way. Perfect as an overnight stop for cyclists or weekend break for walkers and families. Basic kitchen, BYO sleeping bags.
Summergrove Halls accommodation is close to the start of the Coast to Coast Walk at Whitehaven and within easy access to the Cumbrian Coast and Lake District. En suite self catering accommodation in private rooms with a popular breakfast & dinner menu in the Terrace Bar and Grill.
Hillside Farm Bunkbarn Burgh-by-Sands, is on a Georgian farmstead, on Hadrian's Wall National Trail and Cycleway near the Solway Coast AONB. Stunning views over the Solway Firth marshes towards Scotland. Self catering Bunkbarn and B&B rooms available. Walking, cycling and family groups most welcome.
Derwentwater Independent Hostel, Borrowdale near Keswick, is a Georgian mansion in 17 acres of grounds with stunning mountain views. It offers great value self catering accommodation for individuals, families & groups to enjoy the Lake District. Also ideal for conferences and weddings.
Rookhow Centre in the Rusland Valley, surrounded by glorious woods, is a small cosy hostel converted from the stables of the nearby Quaker Meeting House. Close to Coniston, Windermere & Grisedale Forest in the Lake District. Individuals, families & groups welcome. Private & family rooms available.
The Wild Wool Barn, nestled in the peace of the Ennerdale Valley, overlooking Ennerdale Water, provides luxury bunkhouse accommodation for 6 (plus up to 4 camping) with a traditional wood-burning stove. Get away from it all and explore the rarely visited Western Lake District.
Right on the Hadrian's Wall National Trail, Florrie's on the Wall Bunkhouse provides B&B accommodation with evening meals for walkers and cyclists.
Nestled in the wild and remote Wasdale valley, Murt Camping Barn is ideally situated for high fell walks in the Lake District including Scafell Pike, Mosedale Horseshoe and Great Gable. Pubs in the village of Nether Wasdale are just a 10 minute walk away and Waswater YHA is half a mile away.
The iconic Greenhead Youth Hostel, now privately, is in the village of Greenhead on Hadrian's Wall and the Pennine Way. Ideal for walkers and exploring the nearby Roman heritage sites. This flexible self catering accommodation can be booked by the bed, the room or for sole use by groups.
Hawse End Centre sits at the head of the magnificent Borrowdale Valley on the shores of Derwentwater with easy access to Keswick via launch or lakeside walk. A comfortable country mansion, cottage for smaller groups & families and yurts with transparent domes for star gazing. Everyone welcome.
New Ing Lodge B&B and hostel offers comfortable, friendly, accommodation with delicious food in the Lake District village of Shap. On Wainwright's Coast to Coast, the Westmorland Way and the Miller's Way close to the Howgills and the Pennine Fells. Perfect for individual walkers and groups.
Things to do in the Lake District
The Great Outdoors
Cumbria is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. With amazing walks, lakes, scenery and mountain passes, people come from all over for outdoor activities such as climbing, water sports and mountain biking.
Hostelling is the ideal way of taking in the stunning landscape of the Lake District National Park. The Lake District is home to Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Scarfell Pike, one of the peaks used in the Three Peaks Challenge. Other famous peaks include Blencathra, Catbells, Coniston Old Man and Skiddaw. Poets, authors, walkers and watersports lovers alike have all fallen for the charms of, Coniston, Derwentwater, Ullswater Grasmere and the many other lakes and tarns in the area.
World Famous Towns & Attractions
The small towns and villages of Kendal, Keswick, Ambleside, and Bowness on Windemere, are centres of tourism with many family-friendly attractions including the Cumberland Pencil Museum, the World of Beatrix Potter, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, and Carlisle Castle.
Soaked in Culture & Steeped in History
For the literary minded the National Trust manage Hill Top, home of Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth’s Childhood home at Cockermouth. Meanwhile, the Wordsworth Trust run his home at Dove Cottage in Grasmere, near Ambleside. Admirers of John Ruskin can visit his home at Brantwood on Coniston, and lovers of Lake District artists can find their work showcased in galleries across the region.
For those who like a more gentle view, the river Eden sweeps through the Eden Valley to the east of Penrith and is the home to otters which can be regularly seen in the area. The Eden valley is also the home of Andy Goldsworthy’s art installations “Sheep-Folds” which can be found across the area including near the villages of Melmerby, Brough and Tebay. Contrast this with the high fells of Shap known to most only from the route of the M6 as it climbs over Cumbria past Carlisle towards the border.
