Last week we took a trip to one of our favourite places in the UK, the Lake District. However, this time instead of booking a hotel or hiring a cottage we decided to try the Ambleside Youth Hostel instead. We had never been yo a youth hostel before and I was a little bit dubious about it but after some research and realising we could stay in a family room and didn’t have to share with others I figured it would be no different to a hotel really, just a lot cheaper and in a great location, on the lake in Ambleside. For more information about our trip you can read our full Ambleside Youth Hostel review below.
The Youth Hostel Association
Having had a look at the website I discovered that the youth hostel association was nothing like I had imagined it to be. It was a charity that raises money for under privileged children by offering cheap accommodation across the UK, BUT the properties on offer were a million miles away from what I had pictured in my head. They actually offer a wide range of accommodation across stunning buildings in fantastic locations and you can book private rooms as well as family rooms. Alongside the beautiful buildings like this one in Stratford-Upon-Avon they also have a range of glamping, camping, tipis and lodges on offer too.
First impressions of Ambleside Youth Hostel
It took us a little while to locate the building as I honestly thought it was a hotel and a posh one at that, so we circled a few times until we saw a sign and realised that actually that gorgeous building was in fact a youth hostel.
We parked the cars and admired the gorgeous view, it literally is on the lake shore and the views are just breath taking. I went to check in whilst my husband unloaded the car and unfortunately, I was told we had been booked into the wrong room, it was a family room but without an en suite. I asked if we could be moved but (not surprisingly) they were full so there was nothing we could. I wouldn’t normally be too worried about an en suite but with a 5 year old and a 2 year old who both wake in the night for the loo I wasn’t looking forward to midnight dashes across the landing to a shared toilette, but we were two hours from home and I wasn’t going to let it stop us having fun.
We were shown to our room which comprised of two sets of bunk beds, one with a double on the bottom the other with two singles, there was also a sink in the corner and that was about it. A simple room but a great one to use as a base whilst you go off exploring with plenty of space for all four of us to move around.
The food at the Youth Hostel
That night we decided to eat in the youth hostel bar and I was glad we did. The bar could give any hotel bar a run for its money, it was clean, smart and the staff were lovely. We found a table with views of the lake and it was such a relaxed environment. The food was delicious and reasonably priced with a great selection of children’s meals to choose from.
If you don’t fancy eating in the restaurant there is a self catering kitchen where you can cook your own meals which is fab if you are trying to cut down on price or if you are staying in a large group.
The next morning we were heading out for the day so we didn’t stay for breakfast, although it did look great. We did however notice that at the far end of the car park is a little hut and you can book to do various water activities during your stay, making this an even better location. Next time we will definitely book some activities ahead of our trip and make the most of the lake.
Overall Ambleside Youth Hostel Review
What can I say? I am a youth hostel convert and I would absolutely 100% look at staying here again or try out one of the other youth hostels across the country for a cheap, yet wonderful, family night away.
To bag yourself a bargain check out their last minute deals.
Edit – we have now stayed with the youth hostel association a few times including in a teepee in the Lakes, a bell tent in Stratford upon Avon and in a very large family room Oxford city centre.
