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The best hostels in Elterwater

Some of the best backpacker spots in Elterwater

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Set in a stunning Regency mansion overlooking Esthwaite Water, YHA Hawkshead stands within beautiful grounds just a mile from Hawkshead village.

Everything was great. Clean and tidy. There was the most charming lady called Rebecca. So amazing and friendly and outstanding customer care. Alfie is also such a warm welcoming Scouser with a great character. There was another lady who had brown hair who worked on reception and breakfast, I think from Cheshire or somewhere. Unfortunately this lady was quite rude and abrupt. Made me not want to go up to reception when she was there. Not sure if she was having a bad day or a bad few days, but I reccomend she spend a day or two with the others and learn great customer care.
Review score
8.1
Very Good
1,035 reviews
Price from
$78.34
1 night, 2 adults

The YHA Ambleside sits on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District. It offers a range of budget accommodations and a café serving local food.

Best hostel I stayed in during my monthlong trip to the UK!
Review score
8.4
Very Good
1,591 reviews
Price from
$71.82
1 night, 2 adults

Set in a grand Victorian mansion, YHA Langdale is a National Trust property with leafy grounds, cozy log fires and a restaurant. The Lake District hostel is located between Elterwater and Grasmere.

Beautiful building with good indoor areas to sit and chat and lovely outdoor seating right next to a free to visit arboretum.
Review score
8.3
Very Good
317 reviews
Price from
$97.93
1 night, 2 adults

Overlooking Lake Windermere, this YHA hostel is located in the picturesque village of Troutbeck, 2 miles from Windermere.

It was clean and nice place I love the location and the staff but the it would have been really nice if you could avail staff to order food as you pay for everything anyways.. however rest was fine. Really countryside area feeling was great.
Review score
8.5
Very Good
397 reviews
Price from
$84.87
1 night, 2 adults

Located in Eskdale, 12 miles from Muncaster Castle, YHA Eskdale provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant.

All the members of staff we spoke to were very helpful and friendly. There was plenty of space in the common areas to relax. We went for the Continental breakfast which was simple and cheap although we would have liked more options in terms of cereal and perhaps a yoghurt to go with granola.
Review score
9.0
Wonderful
284 reviews
Price from
$65.29
1 night, 2 adults

Surrounded by lovely greenery in the heart of vibrant Keswick center, YHA Keswick is just a 10-minute walk from Lake Derwentwater. It features a restaurant and self-catering kitchen.

YHA Keswick truly exceeded our expectations in every way. The hostel is perfectly located in a beautiful and central area, making it an ideal base for exploring the surroundings. It's situated close to a variety of shops, cafes, and local attractions, which makes it very convenient for guests who want to experience the charm of Keswick.One of the standout features of the hostel was its exceptional cleanliness. Everything, from the common areas to the rooms, was spotless. The staff went above and beyond to maintain high standards of cleanliness, and they were always available to assist with any requests. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff made our stay even more enjoyable. We stayed for two nights, and the shared bathrooms were incredibly well-maintained—sparkling clean and stocked with everything we needed. It was clear that all the residents took great care to keep the shared spaces tidy, which made a huge difference in the overall experience. The sense of community within the hostel was apparent, and it added to the positive vibe of the place.The hostel also offers a small but cozy restaurant where you can grab a meal or a snack, which was a nice touch after a long day of exploring. Additionally, the luggage storage facility was extremely convenient, especially for those who arrive early or need to store their belongings after checking out. The location itself is hard to beat—nestled near a picturesque river, it offers a peaceful and scenic atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a group, YHA Keswick is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an affordable, clean, and well-located hostel in a beautiful part of the UK. Overall, we had a fantastic experience, and I would highly recommend YHA Keswick to anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Keswick. It's a hidden gem that offers incredible value for money.
Review score
9.1
Wonderful
674 reviews
Price from
$78.34
1 night, 2 adults

Located in the market town of Keswick in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Denton House Hostel is just a 5-minute stroll from Keswick Leisure Center.

The member of staff who I met, Christina, was absolutely lovely. I was absolutely soaked and freezing after a walk on the Skiddaw tops but she let me check in early, which was a real bonus. Thank you, Christina. Fantastic single showers and a wonderful location. Car parking is free, and the Wi-Fi is good in the areas where it reaches - this included my dorm, Walla Cragg. Only a five minute walk into Keswick
Review score
8.4
Very Good
743 reviews
Price from
$125.35
1 night, 2 adults

Set by a river, this Lakeland YHA in Borrowdale Valley has fine mountain views and an informal atmosphere. Enjoy family-friendly walks, laundry facilities and hot meals.

Old building with lots of character, in a great location with ample free parking. Friendly staff. Clean kitchen and nice dining area/bar.
Review score
8.6
Excellent
442 reviews
Price from
$97.93
1 night, 2 adults

Located in the Cumbrian countryside, conveniently located to visit the Lake District, YHA Helvellyn has on-site free parking and a bar.

Location in a beautiful peaceful place.
Review score
8.5
Very Good
464 reviews
Price from
$78.34
1 night, 2 adults

Located in Thirlmere, within 6.8 miles of Derwentwater and 16 miles of Buttermere, Fisher-gill Camping Barn provides accommodations with a terrace as well as free private parking for guests who drive....

It's a quiet little place. Deffo not the spot for getting drunk and partying. There's a nice cozy pub close by too
Review score
7.8
Good
139 reviews
Price from
$70.51
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in Elterwater
Looking for a hostel?
Budget travelers know there's no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: Save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a little more.

Hostels that guests love in Elterwater

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  • Avg. price/night: $105.77
    Review score
    9.3
    Wonderful · 171 reviews
    very cheap independent hostel in a beautiful large house in a beautiful quiet location, a wonderful retreat and for roaming the lakes. incredibly cheap.
    Guest review by
    keyna
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $105.77
    Review score
    9.3
    Wonderful · 171 reviews
    Best hostel I’ve stayed in in England. Super friendly staff, super amenities.
    Guest review by
    Elizabeth
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $189.33
    Review score
    8.9
    Excellent · 505 reviews
    Great location, charming traditional pub, good beer, tasty food, helpful staff, comfortable room and huge bed, spacious bathroom and lovely shower. Extensive breakfast menu and everything cooked to order. Reasonable evening menu, with wonderful fish pie.
    Guest review by
    judy
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $189.33
    Review score
    8.9
    Excellent · 505 reviews
    Food was excellent. We walked to our accommodation and only needed one night stay as was walking on again, doing the Cumbria way. All of Elterwater is a little pricey when other surrounding towns are a little cheaper for accommodation. I think because of the lack of accommodation it is overpriced. However was a truly excellent visit.
    Guest review by
    Rosemary
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: $105.77
    Review score
    9.3
    Wonderful · 171 reviews
    Lovely hostel at a quiet place. 5mins walk to the bus stop. The owner and staff are friendly.
    Guest review by
    Ling Ling
    Travelers with friends
  • Avg. price/night: $198.47
    Review score
    8.6
    Excellent · 590 reviews
    Great location and parking. Lovely friendly staff. Nice ambience. Good quality and varied breakfast. Beautiful gardens.
    Guest review by
    Heath
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $189.33
    Review score
    8.9
    Excellent · 505 reviews
    Great location, very nice and friendly staff
    Guest review by
    Stephen
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $105.77
    Review score
    9.3
    Wonderful · 171 reviews
    Breakfast was awesome, Dinner was awesome too. I like that you eat together so you can chat with other occupants. There's a nice lounge area and a nice area to sit outside. I really like that the rooms are 6 beds and not like 12+ like some Hostels. Location is great, super convenient bus route, nice pub in the village.
    Guest review by
    Joseph
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $189.33
    Review score
    8.9
    Excellent · 505 reviews
    Always a delight to return. Great pub great location.
    Guest review by
    Richard
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $105.77
    Review score
    9.3
    Wonderful · 171 reviews
    Great location and friendly staff,nice grounds to sit and enjoy a quiet drink. The hostel has a range of local ales at a reasonable price. even though there is no parking on site the staff allowed me to park my motorcycle. there is a National trust car park about a 100 yds from the hostel for car parking. The staff go that extra mile for there guest.
    Guest review by
    Eric
    Family with young children