Time to Rediscover Lake District Youth Hostels

Lake District Youth Hostels offer affordable accommodation in stunning locations. They are available for everyone - you don't need to be a member to use them.

It is time to sweep away yest-a-year memories of Youth Hostels. Gone are the days of bizarre chores, large dormitories and inconvenient opening hours. Lake District Youth Hostels are inexpensive and booking is per night, allowing greater flexibility to explore Cumbria. Hostels, such as Wasdale Hall and Hawkshead are converted mansions, with fabulous grounds. Whereas other Hostels are remote cottages and shepherds bothys perfect for walkers who like to get away from it all.

A number of changes have taken place at Youth Hostels in recent years.

These include:

• Organic and locally sourced dining*

• An increase in family and smaller rooms, rather than dormitories

• User friendly opening hours

• No chores

(* not available at all Youth Hostels)

There are 25 unique Youth Hostels in the Lake District.

Two of the larger hostels are situated on the shores of Lake Windermere: Lakeside, which is the largest outdoor activity centre in Europe; and Waterhead an impressive Hostel commanding an excellent lake-front location. Both of these Hostels are large and lend themselves to school activity. If you are after something more tranquil then read on.

In contrast Black Sail Youth Hostel is a converted shepherd's bothy, accessible only by foot. Another remote hostel is Coniston Coppermines. Although accessible by vehicle (via a non-metalled road), Coniston Coppermines is predominantly a walkers hostel, ideally situated to explore Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam and for those completing the Coast to Coast walk.

Facilities vary at each hostel. These can include a games room, cycle store and/or drying room. Self-catering kitchens are popular amongst visitors and some hostels also provide BBQ areas. Hostels providing meals often try to use local and organic food, where possible. Silver How restaurant at Butharlyp Howe Hostel in Grasmere is a fabulous example of this, serving local and organic food, wines and ales.

If the idea of a heavy back pack is putting you off. Then why not take advantage of the YHA shuttle bus. The bus shuttles between eight Lake District Youth Hostels (Easter to October) for a nominal fee. It also makes stops at Oxenholme and Windermere railway stations.

Disabled facilities are available at Arnside Youth Hostel just south of the Lakes. This converted Edwardian manor is perfect for exploring the Southern Cumbria.

Youth Hostels are available for everyone to use, although not all hostels accept guests under three years of age. Booking ahead is highly recommended and essential at some Hostels. Prices vary at each Hostel, with an average cost per night being around £14 (less for under 18's). YHA Membership is not necessary, but non-members pay a small daily sur-charge, often making it financially viable to become a member.

Each Youth Hostel in Cumbria is unique in some way. From the pretty National Trust owned Victorian Mansion in the Langdales with open fires to more remote walkers Hostels at Honister Pass and Helvellyn.

Article submitted Friday, October 10, 2008
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