"The bar and communal area are like a ski lodge with open fire and great ambience."
natasha S from United Kingdom
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"Quiet and beautiful location, efficient and helpful staff, facilities in general."
Julia from United Kingdom
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"The location was perfect for our hike up seathwaite fell."
Andrew from United Kingdom
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"The location is extremely pretty!!!! Just ideal for a trip in Lake District."
Waris from United Kingdom
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"Borrowdale YHA has a very special feel about it."
mrnicklight from United Kingdom
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YHA Borrowdale: Lakeland hostel by the river in Borrowdale Valley with mountain views
Location & Walks
YHA Borrowdale is set by a river in Borrowdale Valley, offering fine mountain views. The hostel is a recommended stop on Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk. Bustling Keswick is about 7 miles away, and Whinlatter Forestry Centre is 10 miles away with a Go Ape course and walking and mountain-biking trails.
Dining & Bar
The bar serves Cumbrian ales and fresh meals, with cosy log fires in winter. A coffee house, snack bar, and restaurant are on site. Guests can use the shared kitchen for self-catering, and breakfast is offered daily with hot meals.
Rooms
The majority of rooms contain bunk beds, with shared bathrooms. Private rooms with shared bathroom, dormitories, and family rooms are available. Additional accommodation includes landpods and camping pods.
Facilities & Accessibility
The hostel is wheelchair accessible, with facilities for disabled guests including an emergency cord in the bathroom, a lower bathroom sink, and toilets with grab rails. On-site parking is available (subject to availability), with a discounted rate of £5 per vehicle for 24 hours for overnight guests. Other facilities include a cycle store, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, and a garden with outdoor furniture and a picnic area.
Entertainment & Activities
The garden offers outdoor furniture and a picnic area. The cycle store provides secure storage for bicycles. Indoor activities include a games room with billiards and a TV lounge.
Highlights
Location: By the river in Borrowdale Valley with mountain views on Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with emergency cord, lower sink, and grab rails
Dining: Bar with Cumbrian ales, restaurant, coffee house, and self-catering kitchen
Activities: Games room with billiards, board games, TV lounge, and garden with picnic area
Accommodation: Bunk beds, private rooms, family rooms, landpods, and camping pods
Parking: On-site parking with discounted rate of £5 per 24 hours for overnight guests
“YHA Borrowdale presents a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, particularly for those seeking a base for outdoor pursuits in a stunning Lakeland setting. The common areas, notably the lounge with its real fire, create a sociable and cozy ambiance, complemented by helpful staff who seem to anticipate needs. While the accommodation itself is clean and functional, the property truly shines through its excellent value and its prime location, making it a noteworthy choice for enjoying the fells.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukcumbria
Select your room type
Yha Borrowdale offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
2 Bed Private Room
2 persons
6 m²
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Bunk Bed Male Dormitory Room
1 person
8 m²
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Bunk Bed Female Dormitory Room
1 person
8 m²
1 Bunk bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
Yha Borrowdale offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.1/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Billiard tables
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Dining
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Children
Board games
Game room
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Heating
Garden furniture
Self-catering
Shared kitchen
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
YHA Borrowdale invites guests to indulge in simple, hearty meals that celebrate comfort and warmth. The onsite dining options cater to a family-friendly atmosphere and vegetarian preferences, ensuring every meal is satisfying and nourishing after a day of adventure.
Restaurant #1
Vegetarian Comfort Food
Ambiance
Casual and family-friendly, perfect for unwinding after outdoor activities.
Key Offerings
Start the day with a hearty cooked breakfast featuring sausages, bacon, eggs, and hash browns, alongside a selection of continental delights including fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts, and pastries.
Reservation
No
Breakfast only; exact hours may vary.
Yha Borrowdale Location
Longthwaite, Borrowdale, Rosthwaite,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Honister Slate Mine
3.26 km
Landmark
Rosthwaite Stepping Stones
1.25 km
Landmark
Lake District National Park
2.36 km
Landmark
The Bowder Stone
2.07 km
Landmark
Castle Crag
2.11 km
Landmark
Great Crag
1.31 km
Landmark
Lodore Falls Beauty Salon
1.25 km
Landmark
Millican Dalton Cave
1.75 km
Landmark
Castle Crag Hill Fort
1.69 km
Landmark
Standing Stones
1.71 km
Landmark
Derwent Water
6.56 km
Landmark
Watendlath Tarn
2.57 km
Landmark
Holy Trinity
3.18 km
Landmark
Plumbago Mines
3 km
Landmark
Holy Trinity Church
3.16 km
Landmark
Grange Methodist Chapel
3.17 km
Landmark
Dale Head copper mine dressing floors and associated buildings 400m north of Dale Head
3.41 km
Landmark
Dale Head
3.48 km
Landmark
B5289 Road
3.24 km
Landmark
Loss
3.3 km
Landmark
Long Work Lead Mine
3.38 km
Landmark
Chandravadan Parekh's Monument
3.43 km
Landmark
High Spy West
3.5 km
Landmark
Copper Plate Copper Mine
3.55 km
Landmark
Reecastle Crag Hillfort
3.67 km
Landmark
High Tove
3.88 km
Landmark
Surprise View
4.8 km
Landmark
Glaramara Stone Axe Factory
3.82 km
Landmark
Near Tongue Gill Copper Mine
3.84 km
Landmark
Castlenook Lead Mine
3.85 km
Nearby
Borrowdale C of E Primary School
460 m
Restaurants
Restaurant at Hazel Bank Country House
950 m
Hazel Bank Country House Keswick
Explore Rosthwaite
Explore Longthwaite
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Rosthwaite Stepping Stones
15 minutes' walk
Stepping stones over the River Derwent, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape and a perfect spot for family photos.
Lake District National Park
25 minutes' walk
UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunning lakes, mountains, and diverse wildlife; excellent for scenic walks and nature enthusiasts.
The Bowder Stone
25 minutes' walk
A massive granite boulder with impressive views and trails; worth visiting for its historical significance and accessibility.
Castle Crag
25 minutes' walk
A prominent peak within the Borrowdale valley; it provides excellent hiking opportunities and panoramic views from the summit.
Hiking at Castle Crag
25 minutes' walk
Challenging and scenic hiking trails around Castle Crag; suitable for all skill levels with breathtaking views.
Lodore Falls Beauty Salon
15 minutes' walk
Spa offering a range of wellness treatments; perfect for relaxation after a day of outdoor activities.
Fishing at Derwent Water
70 minutes' walk
Popular fishing destination with stunning scenery; permits required, and rentals available for gear.
Cycling on Borrowdale Valley Trails
25 minutes' walk
Scenic cycling trails suitable for all levels; bike rentals can be arranged in nearby villages.
Restaurant at Hazel Bank Country House
12 minutes' walk
Fine dining with locally sourced ingredients; renowned for its seasonal menus and warm atmosphere.
The Derwentwater Hotel Restaurant
15 minutes' drive
Classic pub fare with a local twist; offers outdoor seating with stunning views and a cozy interior.
The Borrowdale Hotel
20 minutes' walk
Traditional British cuisine in a charming setting; known for hearty meals and an extensive wine list.
The Riverside Bar
15 minutes' drive
Casual dining with a vibrant atmosphere; offers a wide range of drinks and light bites, ideal for relaxing evenings.
Keswick Theatre
20 minutes' drive
Local theatre featuring live performances, films, and events; a great spot for family-friendly shows and cultural experiences.
The Pheasant Inn
15 minutes' drive
Lively pub with local ales and live music on weekends; friendly vibe suitable for all ages.
Borrowdale Brows
10 minutes' walk
Outdoor entertainment area perfect for family activities; features picnic spots and scenic walks along the river.
Jazz Nights at The Borrowdale Hotel
20 minutes' walk
Regular jazz performances, making it a perfect evening out for music lovers and a vibrant atmosphere.
Getting around
City Centre
Rosthwaite 6 min · 500 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 119 min · 78.7 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 216 min · 143.5 km
Bus
Bus stop 14 min · 9.3 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
No internet access available.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 11.95 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
25
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Yha Borrowdale from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.1/10
Comfort
8.0/10
Facilities
8.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Pros
Good breakfast
Tasty evening meals
Local ales
Cosy accommodation
Helpful staff
Cons
Dated building
Dirty kitchen
Noise disturbances
Guest reviews
based on 341 reviews
8.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Yha Borrowdale
As a solo traveler, if I book a twin room, can I ensure it will be a private stay without sharing?
10 November 2024
Currently, shared rooms are not available for booking, ensuring a private experience in the reserved accommodations.
Is there an option to check in later than 10pm if my arrival is delayed?
15 January 2025
The latest check-in time is 10pm. Unfortunately, no staff will be on site after this hour.
Are there facilities for guests to prepare their own meals during their stay?
5 February 2025
Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen for cooking their own meals.
What are the nearby options for launching a canoe? Is there calm water accessible?
22 March 2025
Nearby Derwent Water offers multiple places to launch along the eastern shore, ideal for calm water activities.
Can I expect reliable WiFi while staying here, as I may need to work remotely?
10 April 2025
WiFi is available, but connectivity may vary due to the remote location of the hostel.
Is there a safe place to store my bicycle during my stay?
15 May 2025
Yes, secure bicycle storage is provided, and guests can request the key at reception.
What are the options for bringing my dog during my visit?
20 June 2025
Dogs are permitted in camping pods or while camping, with a small charge for their stay in the pods.
Are there any options for breakfast meals onsite?
3 July 2025
Breakfast offerings are available, including a variety of cooked and continental options, which guests can enjoy.
Is the accommodation pet-friendly? Can I bring my dog?
8 August 2025
Dogs are welcome in designated camping areas and specific accommodations, with certain restrictions in common areas.
Does the hostel offer any dining options for guests looking for meals?
12 September 2025
There is a restaurant on-site serving a diverse menu of meals, perfect for dining after a day of exploration.