Elterwater
Elterwater Hostel
Hostel · Elterwater — Shared dorms, private bunk rooms and a self-catering kitchen in Langdale.
Places to stay / Ambleside
AMBLESIDE · LAKESIDE HOSTEL
YHA Ambleside
A hostel on the Windermere waterfront at Waterhead, with shared dorms, private rooms and places to eat, relax and meet other travellers.
Last updated: 25 October 2026
At a glance
- On the shore of Windermere at Waterhead
- Shared dorms and private rooms
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Self-catering facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Limited parking: check charges and registration
Plan your stay
Compare private rooms and dorm beds for your dates. Check the bathroom arrangements, total price and cancellation terms before reserving.
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Location
Area
Waterhead, Ambleside
Address
YHA Ambleside, Waterhead
Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0EU
Stay by Windermere in Waterhead
YHA Ambleside puts the lake at the centre of your stay. It stands beside the waterfront and Ambleside Pier, with the town centre about a mile away. The shared spaces offer somewhere to unwind between outings.
Use our Windermere guide to plan days around the lake. Choose walks and boat trips separately, checking routes, sailing times and the weather before setting out.
Choose a dorm bed or a private room
Shared dormitories suit travellers booking a bed, while private rooms offer another option for families and friends. Compare the exact room type and bathroom description before booking.
A private room can be worth comparing with several individual beds. Look at the total for your whole party and check any age or occupancy requirements.
A look at YHA Ambleside
Meals, drinks and self-catering
The restaurant and bar provide an easy option after a day out. Self-catering facilities give you flexibility over food costs and meal times.
Check what your rate includes and ask about current meal service, kitchen access and dietary needs before arrival.
Explore Ambleside and the central Lakes
Spend time around Waterhead or head into Ambleside for shops, cafés and an evening meal. For another day out, browse our guides to Rydal Water and Loughrigg Tarn.
Travelling without a car? Windermere station connects with buses towards Waterhead. Check the current timetable, stop and last return for your date.
Parking, access and arrival
Parking is limited. Register your vehicle at reception and confirm current charges; do not assume a space is available or included.
There is no lift. A ground-floor accessible en-suite room must be arranged directly with the hostel. Discuss your requirements before booking.
Hostelworld lists check-in from 5pm to 10pm and check-out by 10am. Follow your confirmation and bring the required photo ID.
Useful questions
Do I have to book a shared dorm?
No. Private rooms are also listed. Compare the available options for your dates.
Is the hostel in the town centre?
It is at Waterhead beside Windermere, about a mile south of central Ambleside.
Can a larger group book through this link?
Hostelworld states that bookings for more than 16 people are not accepted. Ask YHA directly about larger groups.
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