YHA Ambleside stands on the northern shore of Windermere at Waterhead, a stone's throw from the cruise pier, with lake and mountain views from the lounge, the garden and many rooms. It is the best-value bed in the central Lakes, and it suits walkers, families and groups. Rooms range from shared dorms to private rooms and private en-suite rooms, and group bookings of 16 or more are possible. Reception is open 24 hours, and guests have 24-hour access after check-in. The Lakeside Restaurant and Bar, open to the public from 11:00 to 20:30 daily, serves meals, and breakfast is served from 07:30 on weekdays and weekends. There is a self-catering kitchen, a shared lounge, a games area, a licensed bar, a drying room and a luggage store, plus a free on-site car park controlled by number-plate recognition, so you must register your car at reception. It is the cheapest option in this guide by a wide margin.
Location and getting around
Waterhead is the best place to be without a car. The cruise boats leave from the pier outside, buses run to Grasmere, Keswick and Windermere station from the stop nearby, and Ambleside town, with its shops, pubs and outfitters, is a short walk. Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Water and Skelwith Force are walkable from the door, so you can start a hike without driving. In winter the lake is quiet, and the lakeside lounge is a lovely place to watch the weather.
The rooms
Choose a private en-suite room if you want hotel comfort, a private room with shared bathroom for a saving, or a dorm bed for the lowest price. Families should check the room types and book early for school holidays, and groups can take over wings of the building. Bring your own towel if the booking says so, and use the drying room for wet kit after fell walks.
Good to know
The hostel is a busy, social, practical place rather than a quiet boutique. Breakfast is served on a set schedule and is a good start before a fell day. Car parking is free but limited, so if it is full there is limited on-street parking nearby and a pay-and-display car park a few minutes away.
The hostel is wheelchair accessible. The reception, the opening status for winter and any seasonal closures should be checked when you book. It suits budget travellers, school and walking groups and anyone who wants the best location for the least money.
Why stay here
- ✓Windermere lakeshore location
- ✓Private en-suite rooms and dorms
- ✓Lakeside Restaurant and Bar
- ✓Breakfast served daily
- ✓Self-catering kitchen
- ✓Drying room for wet kit
- ✓Free on-site parking
- ✓24-hour reception
Good questions
Where is YHA Ambleside?+
On the shore of Windermere at Waterhead, close to the cruise pier, with Ambleside town a short walk away.
Can I book a private room?+
Yes. Shared dorms, private rooms and private en-suite rooms are all offered, and group bookings of 16 or more are possible.
Is there parking?+
There is a free on-site car park controlled by number-plate recognition; register your car at reception. If it is full, there is limited street parking and a pay-and-display car park nearby.
