YHA Helvellyn is a traditional hostel in a unique location - 963ft up the third highest mountain in the country, in the most beautiful national park in the UK! It is an ideal base for starting your adventure and the perfect place for peace, quiet and easy access to scenic landscapes for walking holidays, activity breaks and school trips.
The hostel is good for mountaineers and walkers with the Helvellyn range literally on the doorstep. Mountain bikers will also be entertained with the longest downhill ride in the country from summit of the mountain! In the winter months there is a ski slope with a drag lift 40 minutes walk (or ski) away from the hostel and we are the closest accommodation to some of England’s greatest snow and ice climbing. There is also plenty to do for those that wish to relax or have children with them, with plenty of low level and less strenuous walking starting right from the front door!
The lake shore village of Glenridding is just a 20 minute walk away with several cafes shops and pubs, plus the opportunity to take a trip on the Ullswater ether by Kayak, sailboat or the steamer. This hostel is for those that wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to come and enjoy the relaxation and adventure of spending the night on the side of a mountain. Don’t miss the spectacular 60ft Aira Force waterfall on Gowbarrow Fel!
The Hostel
YHA Helvellyn has 70 beds in a selection of dorm beds and private rooms. The Youth Hostel has excellent self-catering facilities and a lounge which can be used for socialising and relaxing.
Due to our fantastic location the hostel is quite basic but well kept! We have 18 rooms in total all containing bunks, we have several with 2 beds, 4 beds, 3 beds a double room and a few larger 6/7 bedded rooms - 70 beds in total. All the bathroom facilities are shared and are dotted around the building.
We have a fully licensed bar with a good selection of local ales and a fantastic restaurant, which can home-make all your favourite traditional dishes so you can put your feet up and relax after your day out in the park. We also have a well equipped self-catering facility and dining room. We have two lounges; one in the bar and one hidden lounge! You will have to explore the building to find it...
Camping
We have camping space for five people with absolutely stunning views over the Patterdale valley. Campers are welcome to use the hostel facilities including the self-catering kitchen and toilets and showers.
This hostel is occasionally made available for hire on an exclusive basis. This means that you can have the place to yourself and choose how many of your friends, family, club mates, etc., join you. We allocate availability for exclusive use in blocks, typically up to 90 days in the future. If you are looking for space to stay with us on a normal shared basis, and can’t see any availability three months or more into the future, then this hostel may be being held for Exclusive Hire.
The track to the hostel is suitable for cars and minibuses but not coaches.
Pets are not permitted at YHA Helvellyn. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
At YHA Helvellyn we strive to cater for everybody. Unfortuantely none of our bedrooms or bathrooms currently meets modern standards of accessibility.
We have:
For more information please download the full access statement here (95KB)
