Elterwater Hostel, Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, The Lake District, LA22 9HX

Call Reception on 01539 437245

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  • dining room at elterwater youth hostel
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  • self catering kitchen at Elterwater Hostel
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  • Spring sunshine on Elterwater Hostel

Friendly hostel accommodation in the Langdale Valley

With access to the fells right from the front door and a focus on providing warm, homely accommodation at a great price, Elterwater Hostel makes a perfect base for cycling, walking, and climbing trips, or simply a fantastic spot to escape for a quiet break, whether on your own or with family and friends.

The Hostel has been welcoming guests since 1939 and can sleep up to 38 people in a variety of private or shared dorm rooms. Guests can also enjoy a range of delicious home-cooked food, from hearty full meals to lighter bites, served throughout the day from breakfast to evening meals or just a coffee and a piece of homemade cake, perfect to refresh after a day on the fells.
With direct access to the fells right from the front door and warm, homely accommodation at a great price, Elterwater Hostel is the perfect base for cycling, walking, climbing — or simply enjoying a quiet break, whether on your own or with family and friends. The hostel has been welcoming guests since 1939 and can accommodate up to 38 people in private or shared rooms. Home-cooked meals are also available.
With access to the fells right from the front door and a focus on providing warm, homely accommodation at a great price, Elterwater Hostel makes a perfect base for cycling, walking, and climbing trips, or simply a fantastic spot to escape for a quiet break, whether on your own or with family and friends.

The Hostel has been welcoming guests since 1939 and can sleep up to 38 people in a variety of private or shared dorm rooms. Guests can also enjoy a range of delicious home-cooked food, from hearty full meals to lighter bites, served throughout the day from breakfast to evening meals or just a coffee and a piece of homemade cake, perfect to refresh after a day on the fells.

This accommodation is featured on our map of the Lake District and here is its own website.

Availability

Available    Unavailable

Details

  • Beds & Rooms:

    38 : 6x2, 1x4, 1x4 ensuite, 3x6
  • Open:

    All year (Nov-Feb groups only). Access 7.30am-11.30pm. Reception 7.30-10am & 5-10pm.
  • Price per night:

    From £25pp.Check website for special offers.Call for sole use.
  • Booking:

    Booking advisable all year round, via website or phone.
  • Directions:

    From Ambleside take the A593. After 2 miles, turn right onto the B5343. After a further 2 miles go over cattle grid, then next left. Go through the village over the bridge and turn left and then the hostel is on the right.
  • Public Transport :

    Nearest Station Windermere. From Ambleside: Stagecoach-in-Cumbria route 516 toward Dungeon Ghyll.
  • Walks :

    Long Distance Walkers AssociationLong Distance Walks Ravenber Way Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk Mountain Bike Coast to Coast Cumbria Way Trans Euro Trail
This accommodation is featured on the following pages
School Residentials Wild Swimming Family Friendly Mountains En suite rooms Eco Hostels Close to a Pub Individuals welcome Youth Hostels Accommodation for Cyclists Breakfast Evening Meals IHUK Community Discount for Sustainable Travel Hostels near to dive sites

This accommodation is available at the following peak times

Available for Christmas 2025 Available Easter 2026 Available Spring Bank Holiday or Half Term 2026 Available August Bank Holiday 2026

Facilities

bSingle sex dormitories
cPrivate rooms
&Family rooms
dBedding provided
gFully heated
mMeals available (with notice)
nBreakfast available (with notice)
oMeals available locally
kSelf catering facilities
'Bike/equipment store (lockable)
iDrying room
jShowers
lShop
pClothes washing facilities
[WiFi
tWithin 1 mile of NCN
9Best Price Guarantee

Map

Map showing the location of Elterwater Hostel

News & Offers from Elterwater Hostel

Christmas and New Year at Elterwater Hostel

September 22nd 2025

Elterwater Hostel is a fantastic place to gather the family for Christmas in the heart of the Lake District. With 38 beds across 11 rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen with multi-ovens, you can bring everybody together to cook up Christmas Dinner. Plenty of beautiful walks and cycling routes from the door will give you ample opportunity to work off that extra mince pie too!

Latest News

Gather Your Group This October – Elterwater Hostel Awaits!

August 15th 2025

Gather Your Group This October – Elterwater Hostel Awaits!

We’ve got great availability for group bookings throughout October – perfect for: Running clubs, Cycling groups, Walking parties or simply friends & family looking for a getaway.

Book the whole hostel for your group, self-catered or with delicious catering provided and make the most of the beautiful autumn landscapes in the heart of the Lake District.
Whether you’re planning an active adventure or a cosy catch-up, we’ll work with you to make sure everything’s just right. Get in touch today to discuss your needs and start planning your October escape!

elterwater youth hostel
Latest News

Latest Blog about Elterwater Hostel

Countrystride Podcast

April 26th 2025

Learn about the highs and lows of running a hostel, about the satisfaction that comes from facilitating new friendships, and about why hostels are so good for today’s society.

Read More
etching of lake district scene from countrystride podcast
Latest Blog
elterwater youth hostel

Contact Elterwater Hostel

Contact Elterwater Hostel - Call Reception on 01539 437245

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