YHA Ambleside

YHA Ambleside descritpion

The YHA Ambleside sits on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District. It offers a range of budget accommodation, a café serving local food, and self-catering facilities. After being refurbished, the property now boasts newly decorated rooms, a new restaurant and a decked terrace with lake views.
The comfortable TV lounge and some of the dorms and bedrooms have views across both the lake and the Langdale Pikes. There is a selection of books for guests to borrow. Laundry facilities are also provided.
The bar offers a range of local ales and there is a large garden with plenty of seating.
There are many walking and cycling routes surrounding YHA Ambleside, and there is a bike store on site. A variety of watersports can be enjoyed on the lake and guests can buy tickets for lake cruises and mountain goat tours at reception.
Ambleside village is a 10-minute walk from the YHA hostel. It has a selection of quaint tea rooms, artisan shops and country pubs.
The majority of rooms contain bunk beds.

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Facilities of YHA Ambleside

Outdoors ：BBQ Facilities | Grounds

Kitchen ：Shared Kitchen

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Windsurfing | Canoeing | Hiking | Cycling | Library

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges may apply.

Services ：Packed Lunches | Baggage Storage | Laundry | Meeting/Banquet Facilities

General ：Shops (on site) | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Family Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Reviews for YHA Ambleside

Review 1：Kitchen was a looong way from bedroom to rustle up a hot drink. Toilet cramped and whiffed of drains; shower set-up made it hard to keep clothes and towel dry.

Review 2：fantastic lakeside location, and a well stocked bar. Excellent bedside reading light and charge point

Review 3：Teenage girls screaming but that's not the YHA fault.

Review 4：Great staff who seem happy to work there. I've used this YHA quite a lot and will keep on doing so.

Review 5：The room we had booked had not been cleaned, therefore we were upgraded to a bigger room

Review 6：Excellent location.clean facilities. excellent value for money

Review 7：N/A

Review 8：The place is homely and very relaxing after a days walking. The place has a friendly atmosphere. The room I stayed in was very comfortable and spacious.

Review 9：offered. We visited during the holidays and we were charged £149 per night for a 5 beds room. The week before the same room cost almost £100 less! My husband asked why this difference in the price and he was told because of the school holidays. I understand to pay a premium during the holidays (I know other places do that although I think it is unfair), but when charging such prices I would expect at least to have towels in the room and a breakfast included!

Review 10：This hostel is at a good location and has nice views from the room

Review 11：Rooms on the 3rd floor and bunk beds. Also YH is very well used and becoming scruffy in some areas

Review 12：The location, outlook, friendliness of staff, bar area. Great place to see in New Year!

Review 13：Cost of upgrading from 1 bunk to another was £40 - paid for 2 nights but only stayed 1 due to weather - cost £103 with no breakfast left at 9.10am

Review 14：Location - friendly staff

Review 15：Heating not working in our bedroom. Lighting poor over sink in bedroom for shaving and applying makeup. People left kitchen very messy. There should be signs encouraging people to clean up after themselves.

Review 16：Location, friendly staff, movie for kids.

Review 17：Without exception all of the staff were absolutely lovely and went out of their way to make me feel welcomed and looked after. Chelsey in particular was superb even when arranging Xmas dinner on the phone before arrival and then was just as helpful throughout my stay. The weather didn't dampen the festive spirit either! The full moon shone brightly on the lake and just made my view so special . Lucky that the floods had not affected the hostel although many close by had been...hope they get sorted soon. Thankyou for a lovely Christmas .

Review 18：The staff were all lovely and the bar area is so comfortable and cosy. The breakfasts were brill too, despite problems with the gas supply! We really appreciated the way the staff put themselves out to make a cooked simpler breakfast when the gas supply problems made it impossible to do the full breakfast. The room was very clean and there were plenty of toilets, showers and hot water despite the hostel being full.

Review 19：unfortunately we were unable to take the dog to complete the family weekend away.

Review 20：lovely location on the lake side, lovely helpful staff. This was also at the time of the flooding and they gave good advice were where could and couldn't access. we have children aged 8,10,14yrs who loved the place. there was a cinema in the evening, plenty of grounds to run around. The bare and café were great facilities and the cooed breakfast was very good.

Review 21：Wi-if is good in public areas but it would be nice to have wi-fi available in the rooms.

Review 22：The staff here are really friendly. The food is good and reasonably priced. I'd definitely stay here again. Well worth it and the location is stunning. To all the staff, thank you for a great stay!

Review 23：Breakfast was a little disappointing,cold and dry.

Review 24：Beds very comfy,room nice, most staff friendly and funny. I would definitely stay at another YHA if there like this one. Thank you.

Review 25：Everyone was very friendly and welcoming and the hostel itself is in a great location close enough to walk into the town. Accommodation and catering very good value for money.

Review 26：It is a half mile too far from town when walking back late at night but that's not a real complaint

Review 27：It is 15 years since I visited this propert. The upgrades were really good. The beds were comfy the bar area excellent and the breakfast was nice. The views were outstanding

Review 28：Reasonably expensive for what you got - bunk beds in a dorm. Other pubs/hotels offer nicer accommodation for the money but not the same hiking support facilities or beauty full location you get here.

Review 29：Lovely location on the shore of Windermere, a short walk into town. Facilities were good, drying room and tumble dryers were a boon after a wet hike. Breakfast cheap and cheerful.

Review 30：Even the occupancy is not running very high in this season hotel staff can not allow early check-in.

Review 31：The check-in & out process if efficient, room is clean and the shared bathroom is amazing. The view is awesome.

Review 32：Staff were great.

Review 33：Bedroom way way too hot. Window wide open on a freezing night and it was really unpleasantly hot. On checkout, I was told it was always like that.

Review 34：Upstairs rooms were very hot to sleep in

Review 35：excellent location, friendly staff, good value for money, had all the facilities needed such as good self catered kitchen equipment, clean bed sheets, plenty of showers and toilets, a bedside light and plug socket...

Review 36：Everything about the hostel is excellent. Staffs are friendly, room is not that spacious but include basic necessity like plug for every single bed and I find it to be very convenient.

Review 37：You need a much bigger bike shed, bikes all squished in, considering your location and local activities I would have expected more bike facilities

Review 38：Great location, good breakfast,

Review 39：The noise of the people going in and out of bedrooms in the morning.

Review 40：Location on the lake! Great view of the lake. Good kitchen and dinning area to cook our meals. It is nice to have a Pub and restaurant on the hostel.

Review 41：Parking is difficult. Get in early if you want to park outside the door.

Review 42：We love the location right on the lake. Perfect place to unwind. Great kitchen facilities for cooking our own meal. Staff always amazing. This is the second time we have come to this hostel.

Review 43：Apart from the doubtful cleanliness (the shower wasn't cleaned once in the three days we were here), an organised group overtook the premises so we had no access to the playroom (reserved for the group) or the quiet room and TV room which became their own loud playrooms, most of the other customers huddled in the lobby and pub as a result or sat in the corridor. A pity since our lads had been looking forwards to using the soccer table for weeks...

Review 44：The location was excellent and most of the staff very pleasant and helpful. The food was good and the pub atmosphere relaxed. You can't beat breakfast with view on the Lake.

Review 45：Locker room at ground floor only, need to pay for every access as room for 6 has very limited space for luggage.

Review 46：Located just beside the Ambleside Pier, right in front of the lake with scenic view.

Review 47：Classed as Ambleside, but we had to get taxis into Ambleside Village for a visit to local pubs

Review 48：everything about the hostel itself is superb - staff, service, rooms, cleanliness etc and a lovely view from the front onto Windermere!

Review 49：They were out of pizza, and we couldn't find another facility nearby.

Review 50：The location was superb (and the weather was great), and the room was perfectly adequate.

Review 51：I did ask for en-suite facilities but they did not have any.

Review 52：I liked the easy access to the laundry facilities and the room for 6 was comfortable enough.

Review 53：Nothing.

Review 54：12 of us stayed here while doing the 3 peaks. It was perfect for us - restaurant and bar on site. En suite rooms which were spacious and clean. Unlike other hostels there were plenty of plug sockets in the room which made a huge difference after a long day walking! Would most certainly stay here again.

Review 55：We struggled to find somewhere to park. The room temperature was very warm, even with the window open and radiator turned off. But most importantly, when we arrived and checked in, were informed that I needed proof of ID even though I had a printout off the booking confirmation with me. Nowhere on the Booking Form or Confirmation did it mention that this was required. Gave me a nasty shock, but all was sorted in the end.

Review 56：The location and views are outstanding. The Breakfast was good value.

Review 57：I have the mattresses but that's just me !!!!

Review 58：One of the best YHAs I've stayed in , I've been here several times now, the views are great x

Review 59：Can't think of negative comment

Review 60：Beautiful location, washing facilities very clean. Room basic but all you need and clean, we loved our first ever youth hostel stay. Prices good in food area staff helpful guests well behaved. Parking area brill also.

Review 61：Brekky staff wouldn't make fresh coffee at 9.20am. I would even havetaken instant but was told 'no!' However, I enjoyed my stay, thecoffe thing was just a tad dissappointing thats all. Thought it was abit petty!

Review 62：Excellent facility and I would certainly use it again. Very happy!

Review 63：it was a very noisey at night you can't get away from it even the quiet room was noisey and you counld'nt watch the tv not even for the news but it did get quiet at 11o'clock and the food on the menu was the same as last year

Review 64：the hostel was right on the lake side, the view across the lake are lovely it was clean ,the kitchen were ok and the staff were helpfull

Review 65：N/A.

Review 66：Fabulous Lake frontage with patio,deck chairs etc. As good as any three star hotel,with a five star location at a fraction of a hotel price! Friendly staff,great food,bar,quiet room,all in all a10/10,and I am very fussy!

Review 67：Fabulous location clean comfortable rooms good food friendly helpfully staff excellent value for money would stay there again and recommended it to any body.well done.

Review 68：Some people were not into cleanliness as others.Just the odd dirty toilet and the odd dirty w/top.But that's just down to lazy people.

Review 69：The location is something else.

Review 70：No wifi upstairs! And the charging and light facilities in my bed was broken. But luckily there are other extra chargers in the room~

Review 71：Everything is perfect! Especially the breakfast we had nearby the lake!

Review 72：Two of the 4 bunks had no light or PowerPoint there was very little floor space and only 3 lockers for 6 bunks. The wifi tended to drift in and out which made it hard - for example to pay a bill or book an airline ticket.

Review 73：The self catering kitchen facilities were fantastic. The location lakeside is second to none. There were some great walks close by. I particularly recommend walking to Grasmere and back as there are two different trails. Also really enjoyed the cruise walk ticket at £10 for a ferry to Wrath Castle, walk to the car ferry ( try lunch in Bowness) and a return ferry to Waterhead.

Review 74：Small parking lot could be an issue. Wish they'd given us a run thru of any rules or lay of the property. This is all minor stuff,btw. Lastly, we had to other places to get info on some of the local attractions. They have a very diverse type of guest and perhaps could include a broader range of local information. Again, these are all minor issues. This is a fantastic yha.

Review 75：Wonderfully clean and organized hostel. Lots of age groups which was great. It is at one end of town and shops at another. Parking is tricky though not impossible to find a spot and paid parking a block away is not pricey. Self catering was well stocked and organized. We had a four bed ensuite. It was very clean and the beds comfortable.

Review 76：My roommate in our six man room was up packing until midnight and then up at 5 am rustling around before her 5:30 departure! The others were thoughtful and very considerate.

Review 77：The location and area is lovely.

Review 78：slightly disappointed with the mattress which could have been a bit thicker.

Review 79：I met some really lovely people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Really liked the self service kitchen facilities. Everything you need to cook a feast!!

Review 80：The completion of renovations since a visit earlier in the year provides a friendly atmosphere. Kitchen, dining and relaxation areas give ample room for interaction between guests. The breakfast is ample and very good value for money. The views over Lake Windermere from front rooms are spectacular.

Review 81：However the shops in the city centre close very early,and the hostel is a bit far from it

Review 82：I like the view of the hostel and it is very easy to access :)

Review 83：Room was awful especially for the price - Generator on all night and smells of food cooking in evening and morning, really noisy as no silencer on door and was banging really loud outside our room when anyone came upstairs.

Review 84：Great location, great staff

Review 85：Expensive if you don't get a good deal on the price - we were in a room on top floor next to a continously whirring fan - mattress uncomfortable and dirty showers - wished we had camped instead!

Review 86：Location if you manage to get a lake view

Review 87：Lack of ventilation in the building where the toilets and bedrooms are, loud banging doors through the night.

Review 88：Excellent location, good kitchen facilities

Review 89：Comfort of bed really bad WiFi hasn't work in the rooms. No prarking place on about 330 rooms mayby they have 50 parking place.

Review 90：Really good location

Review 91：One adult / three children £99.00? Cannot recommend that.

Review 92：I am grandad, walking with 3 grandsons As stated above, could not fault any department. (apart from the price !) Excellent pint of real ale.

Review 93：The wifi was only on common areas which was annoying but not a big deal.

Review 94：Excellent location - right on the lake! Beautiful scenery and very peaceful while eating dinner outside. The room was clean and tidy and so were bathrooms. The kitchen facilities were good and fully equipped and staff friendly and helpful.

Review 95：Staff surly. Some unable to be understood in English. Showers dirty. Toilets dirty some without paper. Came in after first day to find someone else in my bed. Staff unable to sort quickly. Ended up in different room. Drying room dirty and overcrowded. Lack of lockers in rooms only two between six people. Noise level very high till early hours of morning. Left day early not asked for reason why or offered refund. Overall very disappointing stay which will not be repeated. Ruined whole holiday experience.

Review 96：Location

Review 97：£165 for a family room with breakfast in a YHA is unreasonable and defeats the purpose of a cheap getaway.

Review 98：The location is great and the food was very good.

Review 99：I have booked my room for me, my wife and my 1 year son. When I booked the room all my informations were given. Still they gave me a room where is no double bed. There were 2 single bunk beds. My wife really straggled to accommodate herself and her brest feeding baby on a single bed.

Review 100：Self cattering and location of the hostel was really good.

Review 101：The only negative point we experienced was asking for the sanitary bin in our en suite bathroom to be emptied. Which was done immediately and with a smile.

Review 102：We found the atmosphere was always pleasant all the staff were polite, friendly and helpful. We arrived with stereotypical ideals and left with changed minds an look forward to another stay. Thank you

Review 103：tiolets weren't the cleanest and sometimes the water pressure dropped suddenly.

Review 104：Nice view + location. Many facilities, especially in the kitchen. Great restaurant/bar.

Review 105：Bunk beds and not enough space to move about in our room. Thought £130 was very expensive per night for our stay.

Review 106：Restaurant and bar on site. Location was excellent.

Review 107：A Lift is welcome for access to disabled or push chairs.

Review 108：Good place near the lake with excellent facility for self catering facility as well. Excellent.

Review 109：I didn't like that the room I had was right next to the upstairs fire door which when opened bangs shut! It was opened about 100 times and banged each time! This kept me awake beyond midnight and I had to get up early. Next time I won't stay in that room.

Review 110：Location, restaurant, price of stay

Review 111：The view from the window straight on to the lake was excellent. Been close to the pier was good. A little walk into town was nice. Will be thinking of staying there again next year as enjoyed our stay here. Thank you. X

Review 112：Seemed to have trouble getting access to internet - non existent on 3rd floor

Review 113：Attached restaurant and bar and great facilities. Excellent breakfast for £5.25.

Review 114：Room was meant to be a twin but it was really a single size with a bunk bed which wasn't great for my Wife and I. Too small.

Review 115：Location was fantastic

Review 116：The quiet room is not quiet. It is a thoroughfare between two other rooms. It is like trying to read in Waterloo Station.

Review 117：A very good self-catering kitchen and a reasonably priced bar/restaurant.

Review 118：Parking was difficult.Breakfast was not good value at £5.25(too small). Not sure how to say this but some of the foreign visitors left the self catering kitchens in a terrible mess

Review 119：We liked the location right on the lake.There was a nice relaxed atmosphere & there was plenty going on.

Review 120：Our room was quite hot; the fan provided made it bearable. Beds were comfortable but pillows too flat. Duvet would be lovely in winter but way too heavy for the hot room. Needed just a light sheet.

Review 121：Very clean rooms. Staff was friendly and helpful. Restaurant was excellent with nice bar area and seating and beautiful views of the lake. Breakfast was very good and a good value.

Review 122：The room had cobwebs on the windows so no 'Spring cleaning' had taken place.. We were on the top floor so a lot of steps!.. The duvets were too warm..

Review 123：Helpful staff on way in (on way out forgot to come up and help with bags..or a misunderstanding). The breakfast was very nice, generous. The restaurant was convenient in the eve for a meal and quite good food.

Review 124：There should be more cupboard for storage any baggage in the dorm.

Review 125：The Staff, Julie (not sure about her name) is very friendly and helpful. As I did a fault when booking, she kindly helped solve this problem very well. Thanks. The location is very good. I really enjoy sitting on the yard near the lake.

Review 126：Lady on breakfast bar was a bit abrupt and shouted at someone for helping themselves (person obviously thought it was self service). Everyone turned around and embarrassing for person concerned. In fact I made same mistake myself as it's not clear if it's self service or you should wait for a member of staff- guy serving the previous morning was really nice about it though. Evening meal wasn't great - my son couldn't eat the fish as it was hard but it was very busy and lots of orders so kitchen inundated with orders all at same time.

Review 127：Location, nachos amazing, good breakfast, comfy beds, relaxed approach and friendly staff - apart from lady on breakfast bar! Kayaking on lake- guy running kayakes was great and very helpful. Kids love jumping off the jetty! We go back every year and love it!

Review 128：Noisy doors during the night! Whether it was bedroom doors, the stairs fire door, or toilet door, there was a pretty constant thud as they clunked shut. A Kettle in the room would have been good.

Review 129：Location is quite phenomenal, right on the shore of Windermere. Bar/Restaurant is quite smart with fantastic views. Food was pretty good - full English breakfast & 1 Lasagne for an evening meal.

Review 130：The location was perfect, the view, the easy to get to, location to other amenities. Staff were excellent. We will be back. Didn't have breakfast but it was full so must have been good. We did have a meal when we arrived which was great.

Review 131：The location, hotel & view was beautiful. The rooms were a good size with plenty of space for all four of us to sleep. The place was homely & welcoming.

Review 132：There is no lift in the hostel, so we have to carry our luggage bags up to 3rd storey. Wifi is only available in the restaurant but room has no wifi. If only wifi is available throughout the property.

Review 133：Nice location with lake view. Free parking is available. Ambleside Pier is within one minute walking distance.

Review 134：Parking is always a proble. Something out of your hands.

Review 135：Staff as always are brilliant I have been coming to the YHA for many years with my family . Excellent food and facilities.

Review 136：Sat night was noisy advise to book a room away from the bar and stairwell. The room was very hot as it had a lot of windows that did not open.

Review 137：The views were fantastic and great food. Fun for children.

Review 138：That we had to change rooms even though we had booked in for a second night through the charity we were walking for. No big deal but would have been easier if they accommodated us as we had a 3am start

Review 139：Individual phone charging points by each bed

Review 140：We were surrounded by two huge school groups who took over almost all the common and eating spaces, as well as the lake front. Beware.

Review 141：Decent breakfast. Warm welcome from staff. Tiny room but clean and functional.

The Fine Print

Please note that towels are not included in the room rate. Guests can hire them at the property or bring their own.If checking in after 22:00, guests should advise the hostel so they can arrange check in.All bookings for more than 16 people will not be accepted by YHA and will be cancelled.Please note this property does not charge an additional temporary membership fee. Discounts are not available for members of YHA (England and Wales) or IYHF as part of this booking.All guests must show a valid photo ID upon check-in. Driver’s license, passport, student ID or similarly recognised national identity cards are accepted.The property have a small car park; if this is full when you arrive there is limited on-street parking in front of the pier and on Lake Road. There is also a pay and display car park, 2 minutes' walk from the hostel, on Borrans Road that offers free parking from 20:00 - 08:00.