About

Providing simple, comfortable, warm and homely accommodation at a great price, Elterwater Hostel is an ideal base for cycling, walking and climbing trips to the Lakes, or simply a fantastic spot to escape to for a quiet break! With a friendly atmosphere, Elterwater will be your home away from home.

With 38 beds, and a history of hostelling since 1939, Elterwater is a great choice of accommodation for groups, individuals and families alike. With bunk rooms sleeping two, four and six people, a spacious living and dining area, delicious home cooked meals and a large self-catering kitchen, the property is perfect for anybody visiting the Lakes.

There is also a cosy lounge and large dining area, perfect for relaxing and sharing stories with fellow guests, reading a book from our collection, or making use of the free WIFI.

With stunning scenery all around us, and the conveniently central nature of our location, whatever your reason for visiting the lakes, Elterwater provides an ideal base from which to experience all that Lakeland has to offer.

Other facilities include;
*Excellent drying room
*Cycle storage
*Small shop selling maps, postcards snacks and drinks
*Just a two/three minute walk from a fantastic Lakeland pub
*National Trust car park just a couple of hundred meters away - free to National Trust members
*Fully catered accommodation options available
*Friendly and knowledgeable staff willing to help you plan your time in the lakes

Elterwater Property policies & conditions;

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation within 28 days of arrival arrival. In case of cancellation between 28 days and 2days of arrival a charge of of 20% of the total booking will be charged. In the event of a No Show, or cancellation within 2 days before arrival you will be charged the full balance of your booking.

Check in from 15:00 to 21.00, but property is open for guests to make themselves a cup of tea or coffee and make themselves at home if they arrive before 15:00
Check out before 10:00 .

Please provide the credit card CVV code in order to confirm the booking. In case the CVV code is not provided, the booking will be cancelled.

Taxes included.
Breakfast not included.

General:

Child friendly.
Non smoking.

House Rules

Check In

15:00 - 21:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free WiFi
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Reception (limited hours)
  • Board Games
  • Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Meals Available
View all facilities

Reviews

9.9Superb(237)
  • Value for Money
    10.0
  • Security
    9.4
  • Atmosphere
    10.0
  • Cleanliness
    10.0
  • Staff
    10.0
  • Location
    10.0
  • Facilities
    10.0
Summary of traveller reviews

Elterwater Hostel in the Lake District is praised for its incredibly friendly and helpful staff, who offer great local advice. Guests love the stunning location, perfect for hiking and exploring the beautiful countryside. The hostel is consistently described as clean and welcoming, with good facilities and a homely atmosphere, making it ideal for solo travellers and hikers.

Stayed in May 2026
9.4
I
Isobel
Female, 18-24, Australia
I loved this hostel! Would recommend over all other hostels in the UK. Was so cute, lots of hikes in all directions accessible from the hostel. Easy enough to get into bigger towns by bus too! Didn’t have any lockers for belongings, although I didn’t feel particularly worried anyone would be stealing things from the rooms.
Stayed in May 2026
10
A
Ainsley
Female, 18-24, USA
The best hostel I have ever stayed in. There was nothing wrong with my stay. Gorgeous area with a great small town and accessible hikes. The hostel was clean. The staff are so welcoming and the food for dinner and breakfast were amazing. Having home cooked meals in a place like this made the stay even more amazing. Elterwater will always have a special place in my heart💕
Stayed in May 2026
10
C
Clare
Female, 41+, Antarctica
We had a wonderful stay. Staff were kind and welcoming and full of good local advice. We will return!
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Location

Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, Lake District, England
5.2km from city centre