YHA Ilam Hall
YHA Ilam Hall descritpion
Set in a Gothic mansion, YHA Ilam Hall has 84 acres of beautiful parkland, a traditional restaurant and stylish lounge. The YHA is situated in the Peak District, and offers views of Dovedale.
The YHA Ilam Hall has dormitory rooms with shared bathroom facilities. The magnificent Victorian building also houses a sumptuous lounge with a TV, games area and Wi-Fi access.
The on-site restaurant serves traditional evening meals and light lunches. The cafe-bar offers light snacks and beverages, and there is also a kitchen for self-catering guests.
YHA Ilam Hall Hostel is a National Trust property, and the Manifold River runs through the beautiful grounds. Alton Towers is a 15-minute drive away, and Chatsworth House is a 30-minute drive.
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Facilities of YHA Ilam Hall
Outdoors ：Grounds
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Game Room | 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 costs GBP 2 per day.
Services ：Packed Lunches | 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 Ilam Hall
Review 1：smell of fish and chips in the rooms above the cafe and no sound proofing in the bedrooms.
Review 2：location and the immediate surroundings at Ilam Hall were fabulous, and very clean.
Review 3：Not enough quiet communal areas to sit back and relax in. Wi-Fi very hit and miss..not available in bedroom. Showers lacking in pressure/flow.
Review 4：Great location. Beautiful building. Comfortable rooms. Friendly & Helpful service.
Review 5：No phone service, though the free wifi in the lounge area will do it
Review 6：Friendly staff, amazing looking and managed hostel, good breakfast and perfect location, even though is in the middle of nowhere, the views are beautiful
Review 7：There was nothing not to like about about the accommodation or location.
Review 8：Great location and easy access to local area. The late bookin times was a great help.
Review 9：Food options were not very good (little choice); no double bed in the family room; no TV; free wi-fi was hit and miss
Review 10：Location was fantastic; beds were comfortable; games room; breakfast was nice, if somewhat limited
Review 11：None
Review 12：The setting of the Ilam Hall is beautiful and our children loved the open space and freedom to explore the grounds. We loved staying in this historic building and enjoyed the food and drinks.
Review 13：The manager at reception was great! They have board games that you can use for free which is a fun idea! I loved it here, I'd definitely come again!!
Review 14：I loved all about this place apart of snoring roomate. So even the bed was very comfortable, I had no sleep there.
Review 15：I loved this place. Beautiful place with even more beautiful walks in a surounding nature.
Review 16：No phone reception and limited wifi made it difficult. Also the basement kitchen and self catering dining area smelled damp and felt dingy.
Review 17：The setting and grounds and views were spectacular. The large communal lounges were also well equipped and comfortable
Review 18：Damp smell near self catering kitchen.
Review 19：Beautiful Hall in an amazing area of beautiful countryside, lovely company in the dorm with other walkers, very helpful staff. Nice mix of families, old and young people. Wifi good in communal areas. Cheap rates.
Review 20：Room was too warm, heater was on, didn't know how to switch off. Breakfast was good but could of offered extra of bacon/saus/egg when not having beans/hash brown etc.
Review 21：Clean, secure, loveley position. check in simple.
Review 22：Family room with two sets of bunk beds was very small. This room was exceptionally small and not suitable for a family of four
Review 23：Excellent location, Clean and Tidy
Review 24：This is a very beautiful building. My daughter declared, "Wow, wow, wow we're staying in a castle!" as we drove up to it. The staff were VERY helpful as we were first time youth hostellers and never having considered it before, we were VERY impressed. Take your own towels and toiletries but bedding provided.
Review 25：The corridor to my room smelt of wee because I was (fairly) near the toilets. I was also extremely annoyed that the apparent 'free wifi' didn't work. Why advertise something that for pretty much the whole day I was there didn't exist. I didn't want the wifi for long either, I needed to send one email and use it for my sat nav on way home, which obviously I couldn't. This was really quite an inconvenience. The staff did print off instructions for me to get home which was very kind but I didn't expect to be driving home three hours without a sat nav.
Review 26：The location was absolutely amazing. And the hostel was v cosy.
Review 27：Very slow on serving evening meals,despite pre ordering.
Review 28：Location, could do a variety of walks from the hostel. Attractive grounds and building. Good food. Plenty of outdoor activities in area for us and 4 grandchildren.
Review 29：Wifi didn't work in the rooms. No signal. Food is expensive and wouldn't recommend the dinner. Breakfast was okay but you only for one of item and have to be up quite early.
Review 30：Staff are lovely and polite and you can have a laugh with them! Rooms are good value for money! Games room is good and fun.
Review 31：The food was awful school dinners seemed a luxury. The set up was a little strange, you ordered your food and given a time slot which was fine but it all got put on a hot plate and you had to guess to see if it was yours. I asked a member of staff & she just shrugged her shoulders.
Review 32：The staff were friendly and the rooms were clean.
Review 33：There were just two problems. 1. no mobile signal (which would have been fine except two people from the party needed to check on elderly relatives). There is a pay phone though. 2. We realised as the kids were going to bed that their key cards only gave them access to their own rooms and they couldn't get to the parents' rooms if they needed us in the night. Fortunately the staff were helpful in adding the extra rooms to the cards.
Review 34：The location was amazing. The walks from the YHA were stunning. The lounge was really comfortable and 'homely'. For the price the room and bed were great. Having the choice to eat at the restaurant or bring your own food was really appreciated. The grounds were fantastic and the kids spent most of their time their playing with other kids on the old copper beech tree – climbing, making rope swings and leaving us adults to chat :-)
Review 35：Too many school children at breakfast. Not something that can be helped I suppose.
Review 36：Giant games room was awesome (shame the tables were all a bit broken). Went on nighttime walk and saw a hedgehog, bats and rabbits!
Review 37：Parties of school children, running around at night kicking doors and shouting. very poor Wifi Felt sorry for a dog owner, dog allowed in lounge first 3 nights not allowed last 2 nights, grumpy un dog loving staff.
Review 38：Fantastic area and views, well kept grounds young lady who checked me in was very helpful.
Review 39：Rude reception staff would not allow me to collect a key card before 'check-in'. I explained I was at a wedding in the Hall and we left for the reception venue before the allotted check in time. This meant we had to collect our keys and wake everybody up when the coach returned at midnight!!
Review 40：The actual hall and accommodation was great. I stayed in a shared bunkhouse which was full of keen walkers. I would stay again
Review 41：At the time of my visit the internet wasn´t working - but they fixed it immediately.
Review 42：This was just a lovely experience! The best accomodation I have ever experienced! Great place, building, dormitories, personnel, food, surrounding environment... I am not amazed that this place won an competition for the best hotel in UK! :-)
Review 43：Be prepared to tell your friends and family where you are as phone signal was almost non existent! Obviously this is just the area and no fault of the Hostel!!
Review 44：I liked that we were able to begin our walks straight from the Hostel and didn't use the car at all. The Hostel was impressive in wonderful grounds, extremely clean and comfortable, all staff were both friendly and helpful and meals were affordable, hot and very tasty.
Review 45：I found quite a few of the staff had an unfriendly attitude, with a few notable exceptions. Only half the lamps worked in any of the rooms - annoying if you want to read in the evening. Why not simply change the bulbs? Some of the rooms very small indeed. I found the food pretty below average for the most part.
Review 46：Outside, the garden. The National Trust Café at the back of the hostel, nice food. Some nice walks.
Review 47：That we only booked 1 night,wish we had booked for longer
Review 48：Both grounds and accommadation were fantastic.far far exceeded my expectations as never stayed in yha before however would definitely try again as it was faultless in every way.perfect location for an alton towers vacation as only a short drive away.food was exceptional and extremely good value for money.family of 6 ate 2 course each totalling £36 as under 10s are free
Review 49：Our stay was very comfortable. Ilam Hall has a very welcoming and homely feel to it. Our children enjoyed their stay and have done each time that we've visited.
Review 50：the fact that the children's play area is located in the room advertised as "quiet room/library"
Review 51：The fabulous location and friendly staff
Review 52：There was 24 of us .the building and grounds we're beautiful and ideal for a large party. However I would go there with just my wife or a few friends and spend more time in the grounds
Review 53：I liked pretty much everything. Having never stayed in a YHA I wasn't sure what to expect but as the location was in a National Trust property I thought it worth risking. I was with my son so the fact that one of us (he) had to sleep in a top bunk wasn't a problem to me; had my wife and I been travelling it would have been a different matter; that said, we had an en suite room with a shower that had the water on a push-button timer of which I wholeheartedly approved. I have been told that some accommodations do have rooms where two may sleep at 'ground' level' The staff were all helpful and pleasant. Breakfast was good being cooked as well as 'continental' although 'rationed' portions seemed a bit post-war. The egg yolk was orange which, I understand, denotes freshness. A 3-course dinner was offered at £11.50 and although we had intended dining out, we were both 'tuckered out' having been to Alton Towers for the day, when we read that evening's menu it was perfectly acceptable so we ate in. The food was not Cordon Bleu but perfectly tasty and very good value. Beds & pillows were comfortable. The Wi-fi was a bit restricted but functioned well in the lounge. There is a games room with table football & table tennis plus a large enough TV on the wall so we got to watch the football. I have absolutely no complaints and it was better than the Ibis Budget hotel in which I had recently stayed.
Review 54：More wifi access points would be good.
Review 55：Ilam Hall is an excellent base for a Bank Holiday Weekend away. Our group of ten adults (some walkers, some not) had a great time. The accommodation and especially the food was excellent value.
Review 56：Sleeping next to a dormitory full of young lads. Didn't sleep to well, but not the staff or buildings fault.
Review 57：Friendly and helpful staff, beautiful scenery.
Review 58：Through no fault of the hostel, a young group of people staying in rooms either side of ours were very loud and kept us awake late into night. This is probably a rare thing but the hostel could maybe have been a bit more aware of this.
Review 59：This hostel actually looks like a 5 star hotel, in a fantastic location for anyone who loves the countryside. The hostels amenities were excellent and staff are extremely helpful.
Review 60：Very noisy room, had no sleep and with a young family placed amongst hoards of teenagers that were not controlled at all.
Review 61：Lounge was lovely and self-catering very good even if it is in the basement. Good location for walks.
Review 62：It was amazing to stay in a gothic manor house, set in national park with beautiful views and wildlife. Perfect escape and not too far from alton towers
Review 63：The service for the breakfast buffet was very slow, and the cooks were very impolite.
Review 64：lovely welcoming girl on reception (Kelly). My friends and I had a really good laugh playing board games in the games room. Good beer too. Perfect location for Alton towers. Exceptional price.
Review 65：The main meal we had was lacking taste and four of us one adult two 12 year olds and an eight year old had the same opinion, very poor. Ten o'clock checkout to early.
Review 66：Location,scenery peace and quite. Facility's very good. Would definitely go back if in the area again.
Review 67：Very poor central heating! Small bunk beds, Toilet seat was insecure, room was very crowded for 6 people, very unsatisfied with the fact that there wasn't even hand wash in the toilet. No free teabags?!
Review 68：The location was absolutely breathtaking and refreshing! The local residents of the village were incredibly polite and king
Review 69：I'd booked a 2 bed room but the room contained 4 beds.
Review 70：Cooked evening meal, friendly and helpful staff, wonderful location close enough to walk to Dovedale.
Review 71：The staff were not great on arrival, we were early and were told pretty rudely that we were!! It was not clear that we could get parking tickets at a reduced rate from the hostel and so we paid the NT prices at first. If self catering, take your own knives!! You have to buy alcohol from the hostel which is fairly expensive.
Review 72：Beautiful building and great surroundings! You really do need a car (unless cycling is your thing) Beds were firm and comfortable. Self catering kitchen allowed for us to make breakfast/dinner at a convienient time for us and our 3 1/2 yr old. There is a small selection of toys and books for children his age in the lounge which was a lovely touch. Alton Towers is a very easy drive, about 15 mins. If you like pubs/shops near by this is not the place for you.
Review 73：We were there literally overnight so access to wifi in the room instead of public ares only would have been perfect!
Review 74：The staff were charming, nothing too much trouble, the room just what we required- no frills but clean and practical, bathroom good also.
Review 75：The rooms were far too warm and there were a lot of lights burning all night. Only stairs need that degree of illumination.
Review 76：a lovely hostel in a great location for walking in Dovedale.
Review 77：There was a lot of dust under the beds and along the walls and we could feel the dust in our throat by the morning after a nights sleep.
Review 78：The grounds were well looked after and the christmas tree on entry was cosy. The room was basic with shortage cupboards for each person. The bed were very comfortable and the bathroom was clean.
Review 79：Nothing
Review 80：If you are looking with somewhere a bit more interesting than a hotel and are on a budget this is a great place to stay. Nice lounge with table football, big screen and ping pong.
Review 81：Great location, although it did take a while to find it! Set in stunning grounds. Food was excellent. Professional staff. Great place to stay if visiting Alton Towers.
Review 82：The bunk beds although ideal for young families were awkward for older members of he family. Some choice of ordinary beds even if a little bit more expensive would be good.
Review 83：The helpful welcoming staff were great . The relaxed self catering system along with your cooked breakfast made our stay easy. The big social indoor space and the grounds enabled varied activity for our 27 people of 3 generations possible. The whole feel was child friendly.
Review 84：The family room - the shower room was unclean - when you used the shower it left the whole bathroom including the floor soaking for hours. Found the food a little basic.
Review 85：Location was beautiful as were the grounds.
Review 86：Loved this place from the history to the facilities to the very eco friendly set up. Staff were fantastic and great place to stay for Alton Towers. Highly recommend for value for money
Review 87：Nothing!
Review 88：Beautiful setting, phenomenal architecture, Facilities were excellent and rooms spotless. Staff were friendly and helpful. Close to Alton Towers,
Review 89：On our second night our corridor was 'invaded' by a school group of extremely noisy teenage boys. There was just me and my 8 year old daughter (in a 2 bed room) and the school party. The noisiest part of all was when their teacher stood outside our bedroom door and gave a demonstration on how to put on a duvet cover. Apparently they had been told there was a young person present on their corridor but this didn't prevent the constant yelling and running up and down. Eventually at 10 pm when the noisy teacher returned I asked him to keep the noise down. We were woken at 7.30 by a similar level of noise which penetrated my ear plugs. The staff apologised, but could they not have organised accommodation so that an 8 year old child didn't have to share a corridor with a school party?
Review 90：We loved the building, it's location and facilities. We enjoyed a very peaceful and relaxing first night.
Review 91：The metal rungs on the bung beds, hurt my feet!
Review 92：The welcome, the service, the food, the staff, the location, the building, the bar and the ambience. Certainly nothing like the youth hostels I visited some 40 years ago!
Review 93：Room 201 was near main door on stairs and was loud when residents were coming through and banging the door. Hostel was busy and slightly noisy until 11.30.
Review 94：The setting, the views the hostel facilities and family quad room was spacious and clean with ensuite toilet and shower.
Review 95：Noisy corridor after 10pm. The current 11pm quiet curfew is too late and was not enforced anyway when I stayed. Disturbed sleep every time someone comes in the room due to lack of simple maintenance items (squeaky hinges/clunking door closers/rattly door furniture). Free wifi for non-members would be good.
Review 96：showers and accommodation generally very clean and well presented.
Review 97：It would have been more useful if the self catering facilities was mentioned prior to out arrival, mainly because of the distance to the nearest shop as then we could have been better prepared.
Review 98：I was particularly impressed with the self Catering kitchen facilities both for it's cleanliness and access which proved extremely useful given the lateness of our arrival.
Review 99：There was nothing we didn't like.
Review 100：The staff were wonderful, extremely helpful and very friendly. The location and surroundings were beautiful & the hall offered everything we needed for our short break
Review 101：The location and surroundings was so beautiful we couldn't believe we were actually allowed to stay there! Rooms have everything you need. Basic but comfortable. Friendly staff. Good food reasonably priced and fantastic lounges and games room. To top it all very easy access to Alton Towers! We will definitely be back.
Review 102：The ridulus price of food. Had a terrible night as we were by the stock door so there was a lot of bangs and crashes during the night. Also staff members stood at the bottom of the stairs and had loud conversions/phone calls at 23:00+ which is unacceptable.
Review 103：Loved the location
Review 104：That I didn't have more time there
Review 105：Location close to Alton Towers Beautiful buildings and grounds Relaxed and informal Self Catering choice as well Friendly and helpful staff
Review 106：The facilities were craving with a good touch.the matresses were over used and i think needs replacements. The door lock cant lock when your inside.
Review 107：I love the location, the building was ok.
Review 108：Room too small to accommodate 8 adults - 6 would be better. In particular, I was in room 303, which is directly above a staff room. The noise was a real problem and on Sunday night (24th August) there seemed to be a party going on in there that was so noisy we had to complain about it. This is definitely a problem that needs addressing (i.e: soundproofing) as I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned before.
Review 109：Location, food, service, facilities, friendliness of staff, packed lunch!
Review 110：Food was not as good as expected. Having seen the sample menu, I was expecting a little more than food straight from the freezer! Shower heads aren't very good, water basically dribbles out. Wifi only available in reception area.
Review 111：Location, amazing building and surroundings, self catering facilities, friendly and helpful staff, clean rooms and comfy beds. Overall great experience, negative comments are very minor and would not stop me from recommending the hostel or returning.
Review 112：Food portions - looked like a child's portion so I'd recommend having three courses. People who snore and think it is acceptable for others to put up with it.
Review 113：Location is on the White Peak and ideally suited to walking directly from the youth hostel. Showers were great. Relaxing lounge. Polite and friendly staff. Food quality is good.
Review 114：One female staff was very rude and said that we should next time book another hotel because we made noise. Where in fact we came late and were settling in and unpacking. Some of the other guests made a lot of noise and their kids knocked on the door and ran away. Also some guests were really drunk and talking rubbish
Review 115：We were a group of boys and found this hotel for a decent price. The hotel was clean and it looked like a castle from the outside. The rooms were much better than expected.
Review 116：In Room 302 banging doors in the late night/early morning as staff moved around meant that sleep was disturbed on two nights.
Review 117：Location for walking was superb. Parking good. Lounge and games room useful. Breakfast ok.
Review 118：Our room was a bit noisy at night - noise of what sounded like toilets flushing all night. Food choice for evening meal was limited, especially the kids menu.
Review 119：Location and building are amazing - as the grandchildren said - it's like staying in a castle! Staff were great - very friendly. Breakfasts are delicious - lots of choice. Lounges are very comfortable and well equipped.
Review 120：Parking charges situation a bit unclear. Given the wrong room (should have queried but too tired and didn't fancy shifting all our bags for one night!).
Review 121：Swallows in the entrance hall! Beautiful countryside on the doorstep. Staff really helpful and let us have dinner despite not having booked in advance.
Review 122：We were in room for 6 with ensuite. The room was very stuffy & window did not open enough to let in air. There was also a strong odour coming from toilet & shower area into the bedroom.
Review 123：Very pleasant, helpful staff. Very clean bed linen. Great value breakfast. Perfect location for visiting Alton Towers. Amazing scenery & grounds.
Review 124：Room was not cleaned and no bed sheets. Wifi too expensive at £5p.p. and then it only worked in reception area. No mobile phone signal anywhere at the hostel. Found hair in food, staff apologised but were not wearing hair nets.
Review 125：Rural setting and history of castle. Convenient to Alton Towers. We liked the games room.
Review 126：Was a very hot day/night and room was baking - difficult to ventilate a tower room with little windows though.
Review 127：Location was beautiful, accommodation & food were great value for money.
Review 128：it is very disappointing that such a beautiful hotel has unhelpful and unhappy staff. I asked the reception staff to book a taxi for the next morning for us. Next day, 1 hour before leaving, I asked the receptionist to confirm whether her colleague had have booked the taxi for us and she just said that she is not able to confirm or call the taxi company and she didn't have any info about it. Of course,m the taxi never arrived and we have to wait an hour for another taxi to arrive. She could have avoided all of this if when I asked her, she would just pick up the phone and dial the taxi company either to confirm the booking or to make a new booking. her attitude was just very rude. no smile. no apologies. nothing. refuse to confirm a taxi booking
Review 129：location value for money cleanliness
Review 130：Room was a bit grubby in the corners
Review 131：Fantastic location Wonderful walks from the doorstep A beautiful building Really friendly and helpful staff A great welcome Great value food
Review 132：The fact it was so noisy! People extremely loud late at night and then we were woken at 7 am by petrol lawnmowers cutting grass around building,no need for that so early!!Guy serving breakfast was a bit sour faced on both mornings but I suppose not everyone can be cheery first thing!
Review 133：When I checked in was greeted by a very friendly chap who went through the ins and outs. Location beautiful,area surrounding is truly stunning. Rooms basic but that's absolutely fine.
Review 134：Little attention to bits left in the room when cleaning, but not disappointing.
Review 135：Beautiful grounds, excellent location for Alton Towers. The room was more than adequate for a few nights stay and the £4.99 Breakfast offering everything you would want from a 3star hotel. I will be visiting even more youth hostels in the future.
Review 136：Excellent value for money.Very clean and staff very friendly
Review 137：More options for the breakfast
Review 138：Rooms were cheap and clean and ideal for a short stay!
Review 139：Nothing at all
Review 140：Excellent staff, fantastic location, extremely clean.
The Fine Print
All guests must show a valid photo ID upon check-in. Driver’s license, passport, student ID or similarly recognized national identity cards are accepted.Please note that towels are not included in the room price. Guests can rent them at the property or bring their own.All bookings for more than 16 people will not be accepted by YHA and will be canceled.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.