YHA Borrowdale is a huge, busy, and very efficient hostel located on both the Cumbria Way and the C2C (Coast to Coast) hiking trail. There are many large groups that move in and out, and this hostel is well-equipped to handle them.
Despite its size, the wood walls/soft lighting makes you feel like you're staying in a lodge, not a hospital (although it's clean enough to be a healthcare facility!). This is the only hostel we've been to where the check-in desk sells full bottles of wine! Postcards are a few pence, and a full, large breakfast is only a few pounds.
The large dining room manages to feel cosy, not sterile, and the self-catering kitchen is large enough to handle groups that forgo the purchased meals. The rooms are a little cramped -- the standard dorm has four bunks tucked into it, but they love cubbies and wall hooks, so you don't have to use up valuable floor space. Rooms also have a sink and mirror, but there are plenty of clean bathrooms and showers as well. There's a giant drying room and laundry service available.
Since most people hike in/out, they tend to go to bed early. They're either in groups or only there for one night, so there isn't a lot of socializing with other hostelers. While there's not much interaction with the staff either, they are readily available for any questions or help. We highly recommend this hostel.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2006
Location/Contact
5 Average from 1 Rating
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