About

The hostel is a beautiful Regency mansion with stunning grounds overlooking Esthwaite Water. This is a great base to explore the beautiful village of Hawkshead, Beatrix Potters Hill Top, Grizedale Forest and the southern fells.

Family-friendly and in a glorious setting, this grade II listed Regency style building overlooks tranquil Esthwaite Water. Great for walking and cycling, nearby Grizedale Forest also offers some of the countrys best mountain-biking. Explore the surrounding Beatrix Potter country from here too, plus theres easy access to the southern fells and Lake Windermere. Enjoy good food and local ales in the hostels comfortable restaurant.

Our rooms are in two buildings, one of which has 24 hour access once check-in has been completed.

Please note, we do not charge an additional temporary membership fee. Discounts are not available for members of YHA (England & Wales) or IYHF as part of this booking

We also have:
Two steps into the main building and also into the Courtyard Lodge
Ground floor bedrooms in the Courtyard Lodge
En-suite rooms

To ensure a safe and comfortable stay for all guests, the lead booker must be 18 years or older. Guests under 18 are welcome to stay when accompanied by an adult. Children under 12 years old are not permitted in shared dormitory rooms and must be booked into private accommodation. Guests aged 12 to 17 may stay in shared dormitories only when accompanied by the adult they are traveling with. Mixed-gender groups who wish to stay in the same room are required to book private rooms.

House Rules

Check In

17:00 - 22:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Parking
  • Reception (limited hours)
  • Pool Table
  • Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
View all facilities

Reviews

8.9Fabulous(191)
  • Value for Money
    6.0
  • Security
    10.0
  • Atmosphere
    10.0
  • Cleanliness
    8.0
  • Staff
    10.0
  • Location
    10.0
  • Facilities
    8.0
Summary of traveller reviews

YHA Hawkshead in the Lake District offers a fantastic location for exploring the scenic surroundings. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff. The hostel provides good facilities, making it a suitable base for daytime adventures, though some recent guests noted issues with hot water and a lack of lockers.

Was this helpful?
Stayed in Jul 2026
8.9
C
Carlos
Male, 41+, England
Very good location, close to the lake and smaller towns, it was quite clean inside the property, plants and grass well maintained. I would just suggest looking after a bit better outside the properties, a swipe and cobwebs removal would be great.
Stayed in Sept 2025
7.1
E
Elissa
Female, 25-30, England
Lovely staff & location! The room was very basic but had what you needed to rest your head down. Would have been much better if there were lockers available to put your bags in. First night showers were nice & hot but was told the second night that there were boiler issues so were lukewarm which I saw was quite a common review that other people mention on google, which was a bit of a shame after a long day out in the rain Would consider here again for a cheap stay of any of the other YHA sites
Stayed in Jul 2025
10
T
Thameeda
Female, 18-24, England
Cool place!! So relaxing massive area close to the centre, v easy to get around if you have a car beautiful scenic route love it x
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Location

Hawkshead, Ambleside, Lake District, England
13.6km from city centre