We had rented a cottage behind the YHA and I noticed they did meals. Called in one evening to try it. The meals are standard hostel fare, by this I mean that they are reasonable and plentiful which after wandering up and down the hills is what you need. You get a great view of Lake Windermere from the dining... More

I'm usually more of a fan of the smaller YHA hostels which tend to be a little less impersonal, but Ambleside is great, especially as it cost me just £10 a night to stay there and with my members discount this was reduced to £7 a night. Dorms are clean, bunks are comfortable and the people you meet at hostels... More

You'd generally be required to pay a lot of money to stay in a lakeside located pile such as this......but that's the beauty of this shabbily genteel grand old lady of a hostel.......The YHA has acknowledged it has probably seen better days and a refurb is planned but I've little bad to say. The staff are a little brusque (but... More

I stayed here for one night in September 2012 to break the journey to Scotland. The hostel sits sweetly in the shore of Lake Windermere, one of the finest locations and views I have ever experienced! I booked a private room for just me, no breakfast due to an early start. The room was in the eaves on the third... More

Like a previous reviewer I can't understand the moans, It's a Youth Hostel!! OK it's getting a little tired but helpful staff, comfortable beds, reasonable food and Jennings in the bar. What more could you ask after a day on the fells. Only downside was the self catering kitchen, overdue for refurbishment and short on equipment.

Ok, this is a youth hostel, not a hotel nor a B&B, so it's unfair to compare directly. We stayed overnight on a motorbike tour having ridden 350miles and it was just fine - a comfortable twin room (bunk beds), good showers and all the facilities we needed (bar, cafe, kitchen, nearby pubs and restaurants). The location is FANTASTIC -... More

I am really not sure why so many people are griping about this hostel. You really shouldn't book hostel accomodation of you are expecting 'extras' such as soap, towels and free wifi. The rooms are standard and sleep 6 to 8; so yes there will be some noise if you share dorms as people go to bed/get up at different... More

This was our second go at youth hostelling, and we really enjoyed the experience, though we were a bit worried when we read some of the other reviews beforehand. The boys' room overlooked the lake, and although small was fine; the girls' room looked out on the houses in the street behind, but was a good size. Both rooms were... More

The YHA Ambleside is a 20 minute walk south of central Ambleside. The location is great as it's by the lake and there is plenty of space on the waterfront to sit and watch the sunset whilst having an evening drink. The staff are very friendly and helpful and on the whole the facilities are good. These include a large... More