Denton House in Keswick … I really liked this hostel — it was clean and friendly and quiet (since I was there on a weekday!). According to the staff there had been a group of party-ers there that weekend). I ended up getting a whole girls' dorm room to myself for two days, which was awesome.
Great kitchen, lots of spices and soy sauce and even pureed garlic, wow. Pretty nice clean showers, though I had to tie a string to keep the water on hot! Separate bathrooms throughout the hallway.
Side note: I couldn't find the staff when I first came in, and some other hostellers showed me where my room was until I ran into someone maybe 15 minutes later to check-in. They were all really friendly, just not around much during the day, I think, since they're busy. :)
HI - YHA Borrowdale - Longthwaite Hostel in Keswick … A very well situated hostel that provides excellent meals after that long day in the hills, easily accessible by public transport. Most of the other hostelers were friendly, settled down at night quickly. The hostel had a lot of info on local places of interest. We didn't have typical Borrowdale weather.
Ambleside Backpackers in Ambleside … Excellent hostel. It has friendly staff and some great local pubs/walks. Ambleside is a great place to go, and this hostel is the best I've ever stayed in! If you're going to the Lakes go here. Ambleside is amazing!
The Walkers Hostel in Ulverston … really enjoyed our stay here. The dog was wonderful. Even took her for a walk up the hill. She was fitter than us. Brilliant atmosphere. I believe an upgrade was taking place later in the year.
Rookhow Centre in Grizedale … I have visited this hostel regularly ever since the building was first converted. I have always been bowled over by the setting — from the profusion of snowdrops in February to the glorious autumn colors. The woods are mapped for orienteering, including a Trail-O course for wheelchair users. Rookhow is Merseyside Orienteering Club's favorite venue for weekends away. The accommodation is very cozy, especially now there is a wood burning stove to gather round in the lounge/kitchen area. Robert and Lesley are wonderful hosts, with a friendly dog and duck, too!
YHA Helvellyn Hostel in Penrith … I really loved this hostel. It was fun and friendly and you couldn't ask for easier access to hiking trails. The views were gorgeous, the town charming, and did I mention the views? I want to go back as soon as possible. The food was truly excellent. If they're making it when you get there, try the amazing vegetarian nut loaf! The family-style dining really helped me get to know my fellow hostelers. Many of the other guests were British families on vacation, which was a special treat for an American tourist like me. The one drawback -- being YHA employees, the hostel staff would only direct us to other YHA hostels. They wouldn't tell us that there were many lovely independent hostels in the area (in fact, they lied to us). While I understand this policy in principle, they took it a bit too far, really inconveniencing our planning. At all YHA hostels take staff recommendations with a grain -- no, a bushel -- of salt.
HI - YHA Windermere Hostel in Windermere … The staff here were extremely friendly and helpful. The hostel is in a beautiful, quiet location and transportation is available to take you wherever you need to go. The kitchen has everything you could possibly need (except, unfortunately, free tea and coffee).
Denton House in Keswick … This was an ideal place to stay while we were on our rugby tour. We all enjoyed the friendly staff and the warm wake-up call to a hot cooked breakfast. The pack lunches the staff prepared for us were superb, and I will definitely keep this hostel in mind for the next time I come. Thanks a lot from the whole of the Oldham Rugby Union Club!!!
Ambleside Backpackers in Ambleside … Really amazingly nice and helpful staff! They let me check-in and go to my room even before checkout time since I got there early by accident. Really nice clean rooms with comfy beds, and a big kitchen. It's just outside of the town; I did have to ask for directions from several different stores, but I found it in the end. It was raining so I didn't explore the paths too much around the hostel. (I just went to the waterfall which was also nearby.) Highly recommended; great for the town and for walking. Ambleside has a bazillion outdoor equipment and touristy shops, which is too bad, but it's still a nice area and worth checking out.
HI - YHA Hawkshead Hostel in Ambleside … I stayed here recently as a part of a UK Youth Parliament Northwest residential. I had the time of my life! The food was fantastic, the house was beautiful, and the facilities were excellent. The house contributed to a warm, relaxed atmosphere, and there was substantial space for all the youth workers and the numerous teenagers staying. The surroundings were breathtaking, and the grounds were large and mature. I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend at Hawkshead, and would recommend it to anyone who wants a perfect destination for a large party of people.
Rookhow Centre in Grizedale … I have visited this hostel both privately and in my capacity as a residential childcare worker. It really is a marvelous place. Not only is the location almost magical in itself, and the facilities (showers, beds, kitchen) excellent, but Robert and Lesley, the wardens, could not be more helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. It sits in 12 acres of its own woodland, which contain, now, a beautifully constructed yurt. And the wildlife, light, and overall sense of otherness is a joy to behold. This without forgetting the toad ladder on the hall's front steps. Recommended. Rusland is beautiful. You'll not be disappointed.
HI - YHA Hawkshead Hostel in Ambleside … I came here last week. came back today for a geography trip and it's a fantastic place! The view from the dinning room is amazing! The food is awesome too!
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