HI - YHA Coniston - Holly How Hostel

HI - YHA Coniston - Holly How Hostel is a real find in the Lake District in the quiet town of Coniston. Since it's located off most of the major tourist routes, you can really appreciate the wonders of Cumbria here with friendly locals, beautiful views, and above all, peace and quiet.

The Location

Coniston has a real village feel to it and unlike many other centres in the Lake District is not crawling with other tourists. You can get there by local bus, or a bus from the train station in Windermere. Or simply take the pretty driving route here which is probably how most people arrive and far easier. Once you have arrived however you don't have to worry about transport anymore, this location is all about walking and water sports. The hostel is located just a little bit out of town, but it's very walkable, so you can easily get in and get what you need, but then enjoy the quiet location as well.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are sixty beds here in nine rooms -- you can choose from four-, eight- or ten-bed dorms. The rooms have bunk beds and are simply furnished but at least they have power points (there is often a dirge of power points in some old YHAs). There is no storage space, just a chair or two. Bathrooms are very clean also.

Common Spaces

There are a lot of communal areas in this hostel. The kitchen is a little tucked away from the rest of the action, which is a shame, because if you are self-catering and most other people are taking meals in the lounge you don't interact that much. It is possibly less well stocked than some other YHAs we've stayed in, but perfectly adequate. For example there is no communal food left, not even salt or sugar available or oil for cooking, so you really need to come prepared.

There are couches, books, a TV, and tourist information in another lounge, but they do not have internet. Plus there's a bar just off reception where you can have a drink at the end of a long day's walk or outing. Fancy ale on tap? You don't see that in many hostels. The windows from the bar and the lounge open out onto the lawn around, which is quite nice.

Given its location, Holy How is pretty quiet, however they do get groups and the odd traveler but it's not a pumping vibe by any means. It would suit couples, families, and those not bent on lots of activity. The village itself is a pretty quiet place but there are some cafes, restaurants, and pubs and even an internet cafe. The staff are really friendly but you get the impression they are keen to talk because it isn't really busy.

Summary

The hostel is really clean and tidy, with one of the prettiest locales in the Lake District. You can book meals here, which is handy, and it seems well set up to accommodate groups and families. There's good parking and plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around also.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2010