Elterwater
Elterwater Hostel
Hostel · Elterwater — Shared dorms, private bunk rooms and a self-catering kitchen in Langdale.
Places to stay / Hawkshead
HAWKSHEAD · COUNTRY-HOUSE HOSTEL
YHA Hawkshead
A country-house hostel overlooking Esthwaite Water, with private rooms, shared dorm beds and grounds to enjoy between days out. A budget option for exploring Hawkshead, Beatrix Potter country and the walking and cycling routes around Grizedale Forest.
Last updated: 25 October 2026
At a glance
- Country-house setting overlooking Esthwaite Water
- Shared dorm beds and private rooms
- Some en-suite rooms: check the room type
- Self-catering kitchen, restaurant and bar
- Free on-site parking, subject to availability
- Ground-floor lodge rooms: discuss access needs
Plan your stay
Compare the rooms and beds available for your dates. Read the accommodation description, inclusions and cancellation terms before booking.
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Location
Area
Esthwaite Water, south of Hawkshead village
Address
YHA Hawkshead, Esthwaite Lodge
Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0QD
A country-house base overlooking Esthwaite Water
YHA Hawkshead occupies a Grade II listed Regency-style building at Esthwaite Lodge, south of Hawkshead village. The grounds and lake views give it a different feel from a stay in the centre of town.
Use it as a base for a mix of village visits and time outdoors, or leave space in your plans for a slower afternoon back at the hostel.
Dorm beds, private rooms and outdoor stays
Choose a shared dorm bed or compare private rooms for your party. Accommodation is spread between the main house and the Courtyard Lodge, with shared bathroom facilities and some en-suite options. Check the individual room description before booking.
Camping and glamping options, including pods, are also offered at this site. Their facilities, bedding and booking arrangements can differ from a hostel-room stay, so check which accommodation is available through your chosen provider.
Explore YHA Hawkshead in photos
Self-catering, meals and shared spaces
A shared self-catering kitchen gives you flexibility over food costs. The hostel also has a restaurant and bar, with lounge and dining spaces where you can sit together after a day out.
Confirm current meal service, breakfast inclusions and dietary requirements ahead of your stay. Hostelworld lists free Wi-Fi; check coverage directly if connectivity is important to your trip.
Hawkshead, Esthwaite Water and days out
Start with our Hawkshead guide and Esthwaite Water guide to plan your break. Grizedale Forest and Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top are other outings to consider.
Check opening dates and any ticket requirements for each attraction. For walks or bike rides, choose a route for your ability and the conditions, and plan how you will get back to the hostel.
Arrival, parking and access
Free on-site parking is listed, subject to space. Use the hostel’s directions for Esthwaite Lodge and plan the final part of your journey ahead if travelling without a car.
The main house and Courtyard Lodge have steps at their entrances. Ground-floor rooms are available in the lodge, but YHA’s January 2024 access statement says the facilities do not meet modern accessibility standards. Discuss individual requirements directly before booking. Read the access statement →
Hostelworld lists check-in from 5pm to 10pm and check-out before 10am. Follow your booking confirmation and bring the required identification.
Useful questions
Can children stay?
Yes, with an adult. Hostelworld requires the lead booker to be at least 18, and children under 12 must stay in private accommodation. Check the full room and age rules for your party.
Can I bring a dog?
Pet arrangements depend on the accommodation and booking type. Confirm an eligible option, restrictions and any supplement directly with YHA before reserving.
Does a private room mean an en-suite bathroom?
No. Check the specific room description and select an en-suite option if you need a private bathroom.
What should I check before booking?
Read the rate’s cancellation and payment terms, check towel and meal inclusions, and confirm any access needs directly.
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