Elterwater Hostel, Elterwater, Ambleside LA22 9HX

Call Nick Owen on 01539 437245

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Friendly hostel accommodation in the Langdale Valley

Elterwater Hostel is located in the peaceful village of Elterwater, in the Langdale valley, 15 minutes drive from Ambleside. The area has many walks for people of all abilities, from gentle riverside meanders to the challenge presented by the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell. Pubs, shops and other amenities are available nearby. The area is also a favourite for both on and off-road cycling, rock climbing and many other outdoor activities. An established overnight stop on the Cumbria way. The hostel is also ideal for individuals, families, outdoor groups, schools and college trips.
Located in the peaceful village of Elterwater, in the Langdale valley, 15 mins’ drive from Ambleside. The area has many walks for people of all abilities, from gentle riverside meanders to the challenge presented by the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell. Pubs, shops and other amenities are nearby. The area is popular for both on and off-road cycling, rock climbing and other outdoor activities. An ideal overnight stop on the Cumbria Way.
Elterwater Hostel is located in the peaceful village of Elterwater, in the Langdale valley, 15 minutes drive from Ambleside. The area has many walks for people of all abilities, from gentle riverside meanders to the challenge presented by the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell. Pubs, shops and other amenities are available nearby. The area is also a favourite for both on and off-road cycling, rock climbing and many other outdoor activities. An established overnight stop on the Cumbria way. The hostel is also ideal for individuals, families, outdoor groups, schools and college trips.

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
Wild Swimming Family Friendly Mountains En suite rooms Eco Hostels Close to a Pub Individuals welcome Youth Hostels School Groups 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 August Bank Holiday 2025 Available October Half Term 2025 Available for Christmas 2025 Available New Year 2025 / 2026 Available February Half Term 2026 Available Easter 2026 Available May Day Bank Holiday 2026 Available Spring Bank Holiday or Half Term 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

Stay, Swim, and Explore from Elterwater Hostel

July 8th 2025

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Elterwater Hostel is the perfect base for anyone keen to explore the area’s stunning wild swimming spots. Just two minutes from our door, the crystal-clear waters of Great Langdale Beck offer a refreshing dip after a day on the fells. For those wanting to venture further, Stickle Tarn and Blea Tarn provide dramatic mountain backdrops for an unforgettable swim, while the gentle shores of Grasmere and Rydal Water promise scenic, more leisurely bathing.

After an early sunrise swim, there’s nothing better than returning to the hostel for a hearty cooked breakfast to set you up for the day. We’ve also thought of the practicalities – our large sink and drying room are perfect for rinsing and drying swim kit, helping to protect our beautiful lakes and rivers.

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just curious to try a wild dip, our friendly team is always on hand with local tips and secret spots to share.

Come and make Elterwater Hostel your home-from-home as you dive into the magic of wild swimming in the Lakes!

Latest News

Sustainable travel is rewarded at Elterwater

May 28th 2025

A committed ECO hostel, Elterwater offers a ‘No Car Discount’. As part of their commitment to ‘Going Green,’ they offer a 5% discount for individual guests arriving to the area by public transport, on foot or by bike.  The offer is only available to guests booking direct via their website or telephone and evidence will be required on arrival.  Please use Promo Code NOCAR5.

walking boots at elterwater hostel which offers sustrainable travel discounts
Special Offer

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 Nick Owen on 01539 437245

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