YHA Hawkshead
YHA Hawkshead descritpion
Set in a stunning Regency mansion overlooking Esthwaite Water, YHA Hawkshead stands within beautiful grounds just a mile from Hawkshead village. It offers a restaurant, a games room, and a shop for guests.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery is located in nearby Hawkshead, and Lake Windermere is only a 10-minute drive from YHA Hawkshead. The lush greenery of Grizedale Forest is just outside the hostel, home to excellent mountain biking trails and a Go Ape! treetop adventure course.
Guests can relax in the TV lounge and common room, or enjoy a game of pool in the games room. There is also a library in the hostel, and the beautiful grounds provide plenty of space for relaxation.
Cycle storage is provided, along with free parking. Guests can make use of a washing machine and laundry facilities, as well as a drying room for clothes.
As well as a restaurant, this YHA features a self-catering kitchen, as well as a dining room where guests can enjoy meals prepared in the kitchen.
The majority of rooms contain bunk beds
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Facilities of YHA Hawkshead
Outdoors ：Grounds
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Game Room | Library
Food & Drink ：Restaurant
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Packed Lunches | Laundry | Meeting/Banquet Facilities
General ：Shops (on site) | Family Rooms | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for YHA Hawkshead
Review 1：We had a faulty toilet, which we reported to reception at check out. Apologies were sincere from the staff and a discount was provided which was well accepted.
Review 2：The location was good, the staff were friendly, and the facilities were adequate.
Review 3：dimly lit areas around our pods. poor reception of internet around pod at times. Found it difficult to gain access to the free wifi.Could have done with being shown around the facilities like group kitchen, and lounge areas. Had to find out for ourselves, with the help of other guests.
Review 4：Great views, good location for aiding sightseeing to other areas. Great for kids. Plan your day at your pace. Not tied in to having a specific breakfast time or eve meal meant u could plan your day better. Although option to have breakfast and eve meal would have been nice to try. Wasn't told by staff about meals being available i.e cooked for u till end of stay.
Review 5：No wardrobe (lockable) to store my possesions ( 4 bags,helmet,bike suit) so every thing piled up in a corner-on the floor (unsecured). Plus two sleepless nights, due too constant snoring of other parties.
Review 6：All staff were very helpful, and made me feel warmly welcome at all times
Review 7：There is no any indication that the pod does not include beding on booking's website but it is appear on the confirmation email. The hostel reject my cancellation request without charge. When I ask if I can change to the bunk bed room , they say there are 20 pounds additional cost required. Moreover, the response of booking staff is very slow and it is not helpful to my case. We would like to try the camping experience but who will want to sleep without beding at the cold night ? Although the reception allow us to change to a bunk bed room with same price on the arrival, the condition of the room is not good, the room has small window so it is quite dark in the room and it is next to the toilet and bathroom so it is very noisy when the others using them.
Review 8：Booking.com failed to provide the Hostel with my amended booking reservation. I turned up with my Partner to find my reservation hadn't been received. Millie was working on reception and couldn't have been more perfect. It was 10.30pm, the place was fully booked, we had travelled 5 hours and didn't know the area well. She arranged for two beds to be made up for us in an unused room. We were the "classroom girls". We were given that night free of charge together with a full breakfast on the house the morning. They had our reservation for the next night but we got that for free too. I couldn't praise the staff more. Totally not their fault and all down to Booking.com. Terrible! Just a tiny thing about the Hostel, water pressure was terrible for the showers. Other than that, really great place to stay and great location.
Review 9：The staff were wonderful after our troubles on the Friday night. Just brilliant. Great food, with Veggie option for breakfast. Great location. Beautiful building and really great area to sit outside. Dorm Rooms more than comfortable however when we return, which we will, I would like to stay in one of the pods.
Review 10：Booking.com did indicate that we had a cabin with beds but this was not the case the cabin with beds was double the price which we paid when we got there as we hadn't taken sleeping bags.
Review 11：Everything was perfect it was a magical two days in woods with a short walk away to hawkshead village. Staff where above and beyond.
Review 12：Couldn't check in earlier than 3 even though the place was very quiet. It is a mile away to Hawkshead & the walk is quite dangerous on country roads with no paths. Wifi only works in 2 places. Can't get 3G anywhere apart from halfway down the drive. 2 out of 3 bedside lamps didn't work. We were next to shower room which was very noisy when people were in the shower
Review 13：For the price it was comfortable, we had a triple room with shared bathroom. Staff were really nice. Gorgeous gardens. Free parking
Review 14：SHARING TOILETS. FAMILY ROOMS SHOULD HAVE OPTION OF ENSUITE . EXTERIOR NEEDS RENOVATING . TOO MANY WASPS IN THE KITCHEN AREA
Review 15：STAFF, BEDDING CLEAN , LOCATION VERY SCENIC .
Review 16：The rooms were to small not suitable for young children and the food was over priced for the amount given and the quality not worth it at all! Also didnt find the staff to be very helpful, We checked out early it was not enjoyable for my kids also the location was out the way long drive to go an see anything
Review 17：The scenery
Review 18：The location of the hotel is perfect. It is so beautiful, tidy and clean. The staff are so nice and helpful. I would like to recommend the hotel to others.
Review 19：The staff member who checked us in and out was very friendly and informative. The room was clean and comfortable. The views from the location were stunning. The whole experience was very good
Review 20：Sharing toilets but I realise this keeps costs down.
Review 21：Felt comfortable and safe for my young children to explore. Breakfast was excellent in taste and value.
Review 22：We had booked the day before and when we arrived, we were not down for that day but in two weeks time. The only pod available didn't have a lock so we left. We had travelled 4 hours to get there. Very upsetting.
Review 23：Midges in self catering kitchen as was warm night & windows all open!
Review 24：Very friendly and helpful staff. V comfy bed,peaceful night not noisy room. Excellent value for money.
Review 25：We liked everything! We will return.
Review 26：Location, location, location! Very friendly staff. Comfotrable all round. We stayed with our 11yr old daughter for just one night.
Review 27：Campers wash up area was very dirty so I wouldn't have used it. Used communal kitchen instead but that would have been a problem if it had been out of bounds.
Review 28：Great value, staff were lovely and welcoming. Good dinner at the supper club. The camping pod was clean.
Review 29：If you have a well behaved dog, you should be allowed to have it at the campsite area. We rented a cabin, and unfortunately the policy says animals are not allowed.
Review 30：You serve a good breakfast, your selfcatering kitchen is very well equipped, and toilets are clean. There is also lots of parking spaces. So well done. The cabin was ok. Enough room for 2 adults + 1 child with access to double socket for devices.
Review 31：Staff were friendly and welcoming, very helpful and always on hand. We stayed in a "pod" which was superb. Breakfast was lovely. We will be back!
Review 32：I know the pods are meant to be like camping but we aren't very good at roughing it.(bad backs). I know we were told what to expect in email prior to arrival, but 4 mattresseswould have made the whole experience perfect. Sorry for being picky.
Review 33：Gardens and staff lovely
Review 34：Fantastic for visiting Beatrix Potter's house, a National Trust property just a short drive away from Hawkshead. Lovely terrace view of the lake, we had cocopops and milk was 50p at the reception, resulting in breakfast on the terrace with lovely lawns for the kids to play frisbee on, what more could you ask for?
Review 35：We did find the mattresses quite hard the first night but were so tired the second that we would have slept anywhere! No mugs in the kitchen on the Saturday morning when we had an early breakfast at 7am.
Review 36：Very convenient location, staff friendly on arrival and leaving. Being able to come and go at all hours was useful - our husbands were doing the Montane 50 race and finished at 23.25 so we got back to the YHA at 2am.
Review 37：Nothing.
Review 38：Staff was very friendly and helpful. The self catering kitchen was very handy. All cooking utensils were supplied, as well as cutlery and plates, bowls, etc. They also had refrigerators to store food in. It was a hostel so the rooms were not 5 star quality, but they were clean and the beds were comfortable enough.
Review 39：No WiFi, no actual it was good to talk to the children for once.
Review 40：I haven't stayed at a youth hostel for years. These pods are wonderful for a weekend and the youth hostel had first class facilities.
Review 41：It's a little bit far from Hawkshead. The service is too basic. I don't feel very welcomed. Things are a little bit shabby.
Review 42：Good basic YHA service. But comparing to professional ones with ample facilities and customer caring, this hostel is not excellent.
Review 43：We stayed in the Pods at Hawkeshead which were clean, close to facilities at the YHA and were a lot more comfy and sound proofs than sleeping in a tent. Would definitely stay again and I have already recommended these to others.
Review 44：my youngest son had one piece of toast with honey and i was charged a childs breakfast for it, thought it a touch unfair.
Review 45：Myself and my two young sons stayed in pods, they were brilliant, took our blow up beds and duvets and we were very cosy! The facilities were great, showers etc. Lovely setting.
Review 46：Kitchen in separate building than the dorm. The electric socked in the room were not working the next morning. The pillows were not very comfy, had neck ache the next morning.
Review 47：Only stayed for a night. It was okay. The location was nice. Had shower in the room.
Review 48：The internet site said restaurant so we wrongly assumed this meant a restaurant!! It actually means that only the supper club runs with one choice. Luckily half a mike down the road was Hawkeshead and we had a super dinner at the Queens Head pub!
Review 49：The grounds were lovely and our boys had great fun playing on the tyre swing and running around
Review 50：English breakfast was of very poor quality..everything was pre cooked and left on hot plates for so long that egg yolk was hard, 1 bacon u get also also totally dry and hard, even toast must have been sitting there for ages, totally cold and old. Continental breakfast was also very poor and limited. Probably the worst breakfast we ever had.
Review 51：Location was excellent and all facilities were as required and expected. Atmosphere was relaxing and family friendly and I can't recommend pods highly enough, camping but without any pain. Heater was a saviour as well as having plugs and light, so warm and cosy with great views, highly recommended
Review 52：Nothing put a damper on the break.
Review 53：All the facilities you could imagine, needed nothing (other than our sleeping bags it being a carpeted, lighted & warm pod). We ate in the hostel - take your appetite....huge portions! Beautiful scenery, big house was great & pod not far at all. Plenty to do & recommendations on adult & child friendly activities greatly received. Cannot wait to return.
Review 54：Expensive for the pod when you could get a guest house for roughly the same price. Not enough parking provision and not able to have the cars next to the pods. Also the 3pm check in was too late with no option to make it any earlier.
Review 55：Facilities, location, breakfast & staff were great
Review 56：Stayed in house and had to go out to self catering kitchen, worth it but odd to do so.
Review 57：Staff were great, self catering kitchen great, beds great, room great and price great.
Review 58：The only downside was the doors opening and closing in the morning. Could do with a cushioning on the door to stop them banging. Wouldn't put me off coming back though.
Review 59：Jim on reception was so friendly and helpful. The breakfast was lovely.
Review 60：Staff very friendly, location excellent, service great and food was lovely. Will definitely be returning and would highly recommend. Stayed in a camping pod, warm and does as it says. Don't forget to bring some bedding and a camp bed! The place was warm and clean too..
Review 61：Could not alter temperature on shower as thermostat was broken. Not enough crockery and sitting area in self catering kitchen
Review 62：Wifi and check in were both easy to use
Review 63：The hot water didn't work in the shower block for 2 of our 3 nights which although we could use the facilities in the house was a bit disappointing. Also bring back the parking in the pod area. Without this area campers are driving on / parking on the central grass which really spoils the atmosphere / look of what was a perfect open grass area.
Review 64：Love this place! Friendly staff, beautiful views and great facilities. Loved the introduction of 'supper club' this year - excellent value and a perfect opportunity to meet lovely like minded people.
Review 65：We had a fabulous stay in the Pods, which we used for the first time. The pods are warm and cozy and just right after a wet cold day out exploring. The staff were all very helpful and our little girl loved playing in the family room. The cooked breakfast was excellent and very good value. We will happily go back again.
Review 66：nothing you can complain about
Review 67：Our air mattress broke & the lad at reception provided us with a fantastic replacement from a store, very helpful, if he sees this review he may remember, thanks James
Review 68：Lovely location, great facilities for family use. The camping pod was spotlessly clean and lovely and cosy with the heating on. Breakfast was delicious and brilliant value. We will definitely be back!
Review 69：just a bit noisy for the small children at night...but it was half term and only to be expected. Not the fault of the hostel (will bring ear plugs next time!)
Review 70：splendid old house in fantastic setting, big gardens for runabouts and lots of fungi to id!). the grandchildren made friends quickly, slept well, enjoyed the friendly chef and are already nagging us to go again! Ceilings amazing!
Review 71：Noise room companions (snoring and some came home late) showers (have poor strenght)
Review 72：Comfy bed Drying room Bike storage room Food Clean Lot of parking space
Review 73：YHA should show this property a bit of TLC. The staff do their best and keep everything clean, but parts look a bit run down. No need for an expensive revamp, just a lick of paint.
Review 74：Lovely location and excellent, helpful staff. Facilities fairly comprehensive.
Review 75：Excellent location for mountain biking right out of the front door. Lovely location and out look from hostel. Easy walking to Hawkshead where there is good selection of pubs offering food - although walk is along side of quiet road.
Review 76：Electric hook up is very low amps. Our kettle tripped it but the supplied heater in it was ok.
Review 77：We rented two of the pods here and they were great for a late summer autumn weekend in the lakes. Good value too. Comfortable without the cold and damp when you get back from the walks . Big enough to have friends in for a drink too
Review 78：Nothing!
Review 79：We stayed in a large pod for 3nights. We were very impressed with the pod, it was warm and roomy with lights. The pods/camping area was a 2min walk up the bank to the loos and not much further to the very well stocked kitchen. We ate twice in their dining room, nice homely selection and our child ate for free. Beautiful location in the heart of The Lakes. Will be returning and highly recommend.
Review 80：I've stayed with the YHA in recent times but my wife was worried thinking that there were going to be streams of studenty types hanging around playing guitars and drinking but it was further from the truth. The oldies outnumbered the youngies, the place was quiet and peaceful. We had a 3 bed room to ourselves in the courtyard and it was very clean with plenty of hot water and a bouncing radiator which we turned off before turning in. Staff were excellent, very friendly, breakfast in the morning was great and we will definately be going back. Cracking location
Review 81：Without prior warning to be waked up at 6:30 am by builders and in next half an hour to find ourselves in middle of building site when check-out is due by 10:00 am. Photos available on request.
Review 82：our pod was unlocked when we arrived as the lock did not work, we could not lock it from the inside either and when we mentioned this to staff they said it had been broken for months. we had to leave all our belonging in an unlocked pod while we went into hawkehead village for dinner. We also felt very vunerable sleeping in the pod which was not locked especially as someone came into our pod in the middle of the night thinking that it was there pod.
Review 83：the location and the size and comfort of the pod
Review 84：The facilities in the kitchen were very dated and there weren't many utensils that one requires for self altering considering how busy the centre was. Also some food in the fridge-which was labelled as requested-was out of date by over 10 days. Sanitary bins in ladies were full to the top and needed emptying.
Review 85：The camping pods were lovely and the chairs provided were a nice touch. As was the lamp and the heater. Hawks head was easily accessible. The staff on reception were always very friendly and helped choose a good walk for the next day. The board in reception with suggestions was a great touch and helped notify us of mint fest in Kendal which was a lot of fun and we might have misses out if there was no promotion.
Review 86：Found a Caterpiller in my salad. No lock on shower door. Breakfast was supposedly 7:30-9:00am, when we arrived at 9:02am, the breakfast bar was empty and we were told we had missed breakfast and staff made it clear they were not willing to offer anything other than cereals and two slices of cold toast.
Review 87：The location.
Review 88：I would have like that they can provide you with some info. Understand they are very busy and are a hostel, so we took some maps and info with us. They have some leaflets for you to take.
Review 89：From the moment we arrived, Mat made us feel at home. Even though we made it there very late, he was in a very good mood and offer his help with anything we may need. We stayed 3 days in one of the camping pods with our 15 months old toddler. Love the pods! Bigger than expected and warm as it has a heater. It also has a lamp. The rest, you need to take with you. The toilets and showers are a couple of minutes from the pods as well as a washer. There are only 3 showers and 2 toilets, but never had to wait more than 5 minutes for the shower and nothing for the toilet. Fairly clean. Food for breakfast good for what you pay, good selection: full english, fruits, yogurt, cereal... Dinner very good, lots of food. Great price and children under ten eat for free with one adult. Both nights have very good food and paid 30 for the 3 of us including drinks. Everybody working there was helpful and friendly. Would repeat for sure!
Review 90：A few small issues with door on pod but staff very helpful and caused minimal disruption (broken blind and loose door knob).
Review 91：Great location at a good cost. Really good breakfast. Camping pod great as an alternative to bringing tent. Really great stopping place for all activities at Grizedale Forrest.
Review 92：Beds are too short. At 6 foot I am tall but not unusually tall but the bunk beds which in my room had metal ends were too short and I couldn't lie flat out which made for a very uncomfortable night.
Review 93：The grounds are lovely with large garden area and some great climbing trees for the kids. Friendly staff and nice to have the option of a cooked meal.
Review 94：Being told it may be shut in winter Nothing else...it has switched this family onto YHA Thanks Matt should be promoted!!!
Review 95：Proximity to lake for dawn photography Bar facilities Amazing breakfast Great showers Matt was a top fella Wonderful secluded place Listed beautiful building Ample parking Quiet Games room Pods were fabulous
Review 96：When I visit there I find out there is no bed in my room which is fairenough.because I have booked pod cabin.but I have asked for if they canprovide me some other room I am happy to pay some more money if itrequired.but there was no other room available.then I have been given aoption to stay in ambel side yha hotel.but receptionist asked me to payhere in hawkshead and she said in ambel side they will not charge uanything.as I went to ambel side I have been given a room which was tosmall with the kid.i have ask reception.how much is my room price shesaid its 29 pound but I have paid 50 for it.i have ask them are theygoing to change my room which worth 50 pound and good for me or myremaing money.she said this is the money which hawks head have transferto them they can't give me a new room unless I pay extra.then Itried to speak to elle in hawks head who took my payment.she saidbecause u have canceled the room with us thats why we have charge u butI did'nt ask for cancelation this the offer I have been given and itwas good for me and I choose it.but rather than sorting my problem shestart to argue.was not intrested.totaly help less which was realystressful.
Review 97：Kitchen area is a bit dated Bunk beds would be uncomfortable for tall people, but o/k for me 5'8"
Review 98：Very clean room Excellent location Good staff Good all round experience and we enjoyed our 3 night stay
Review 99：Quite a walk away from town, own car helpful, they charge you for wifi
Review 100：Clean, nice people, nice view, directly at a lake, good food available and good self-catering kitchen
Review 101：You would need a car to get to Grizedale forest really. Difficult to go anywhere outside of site, as not many walking routes. Lock on the Pod was broken, which was reported but not fixed.
Review 102：Great little games room with pool table and TV. Power sockets & heater in Pod. Food was good quality and kids under 10 eat free.
Review 103：Dirty toilets Layout of campsite and general site POD power kept tripping out despite following instructions POD door could not be locked properly
Review 104：Clean Pod
Review 105：Bathroom facility a little shabby.
Review 106：Great facilities and convenience for families. Great location, only 15 mins from Ambleside. Staff helpful and room comfortable. Games room and communal rooms/gardens great for kids too. We would stay again,thanks.
Review 107：We booked a 'pod' and imagined a romantic evening of countryside and relaxation. We arrived at 8pm and the location is about a 25 minute walk from the local village. We opened the door to our pod that cost £57 to find it empty.. No bed.. No towels.. We went to reception to be told we must bring everything and the pod is simply a wooden structure similar to camping. As the pod cost more then some Of the local hotels we were stunned to find it was simply a shed in a muddy camp site. The lady on receptions response was 'we don't have bedding, your definitely roughing it tonight' close to tears she took pity on us and gave us 2 duvets and a pillow. An uncomfortable night on the floor laid ahead... Trying to think positively we said ok it is what it is can we order some food? No food available after 7pm (this was 7:15pm) so hungry and cold we spent the night on a floor.... Next day a 30 minute queue for a shower (there are only 2 for the whole site) no electrical points to dry your hair etc. All in all a horrific experience. The site should be better equipped to deal with guests. Take my advice and stay in a hotel!!!!
Review 108：Location was good for the lakes
Review 109：Supper club was excellent. Great grounds for kids to explore.
Review 110：The Halloween day
Review 111：Had a brilliant time in the camping hut with my four year old daughter love clean facilities and very handy for windermere and Ambleside
Review 112：The huts are lovely, warm, and clean. The facilities, for example, the self catering kitchen, that is fully equipped.
Review 113：Shower with no stream
Review 114：Nice people and good price
Review 115：Great staff very helpful great breakfast
Review 116：Plenty of facilities on site. Toilet/showers were clean and Beds comfortable. Very friendly staff. Overall a very pleasant stay.
Review 117：no close toilets
Review 118：location
Review 119：Showers and floors are quite dirty
Review 120：Okayish place to stay while visiting the Lake District. The staff was really friendly
Review 121：Bunk beds
Review 122：Location was very nice
Review 123：a bit too far from the nearest bus station and village
Review 124：cheap price with decent accommodations
Review 125：Other campers at 1 in the morning
Review 126：The pods were very cute!
Review 127：Nothing
Review 128：The location was right great .views across the lake were marvellous.
Review 129：Excellent from start to finish, fantastic stay in one of the Pods! Couldn't recommend Hawkshead YHA anymore.
The Fine Print
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.All bookings for more than 16 people will not be accepted by YHA and will be cancelled.Please note that towels are not included in the room rate. Guests can hire them at the property or bring their own.The majority of rooms contain bunk beds.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.