The best family-friendly hostels and YHAs in the Lake District

Hostels and YHAs in the Lake District are no longer just for backpackers or walking groups passing through. Many now offer private family rooms, self-catering facilities, and excellent locations for exploring the National Park with children, making them a strong option for family stays.

From grand historic buildings to hostels overlooking lakes and mountain valleys, these properties offer a unique and affordable way to experience the Lake District. While some remain part of the YHA network, others are former YHA hostels that are now independently run, whilst retaining the friendly atmosphere and practical facilities that make hostels such a good choice for families.

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Best Lake District YHAs for families

With around 19 YHA hostels spread across the Lake District, there’s a surprising amount of choice for families looking for affordable, well-located accommodation in the national park. From lakeside bases to remote valley stays, most YHAs offer private family rooms, self-catering kitchens, and on-site cafés, making them a practical alternative to hotels and holiday cottages. We’ve narrowed it down to the best options below.

Families can also take advantage of YHA’s breakfast offer, where one child under 10 receives a free breakfast with every adult Classic YHA Breakfast purchased by guests.

1. YHA Ambleside

Best for: Families wanting a lakeside base with plenty of facilities
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Parents love this YHA because it feels more like a lakeside hotel than a hostel. Sitting right on the shores of Windermere, it offers direct lake access, a large outdoor terrace, and stunning views from many of the family rooms. The hostel has plenty of communal space, including a restaurant, bar, self-catering kitchen, and table tennis, making it easy for families to relax after a day exploring. Its location beside the Ambleside ferry landing means boat trips are literally on the doorstep, while Ambleside town is within walking distance. For families wanting easy access to Lake District attractions without relying on the car, YHA Ambleside is hard to beat.

2. YHA Hawkshead

Best for: Families needing space for kids to run around
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Set in a grand country house overlooking Esthwaite Water, YHA Hawkshead is one of the most family-friendly YHAs in the Lake District. The extensive grounds provide plenty of space for children to run around, kick a football, and explore, while indoor games and large communal lounges help keep everyone entertained when the weather turns. Families also love its location close to Grizedale Forest, with family cycling trails, woodland walks, and Go Ape all nearby.

3. YHA Borrowdale

Best for: Family walking holidays in the heart of the fells
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Situated in one of the Lake District’s most beautiful valleys, it offers direct access to family-friendly walks, including routes around Derwentwater and the ever-popular Cat Bells. The peaceful setting feels wonderfully remote, surrounded by dramatic fells and woodland, yet Keswick is only a short drive away. Unlike some of the larger YHAs, Borrowdale has a more traditional, outdoorsy feel, making it a great choice for families who want to swap screens for fresh air and spend their days exploring the landscape.

4. YHA Helvellyn

Best for: Families seeking a mountain escape
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Tucked away high in the hills above Glenridding, YHA Helvellyn offers one of the most spectacular settings of any family hostel in the Lake District. Surrounded by fells and far from the busy tourist hotspots, it provides a genuine opportunity to switch off and immerse yourself in nature. Walking routes begin right from the doorstep, while nearby Ullswater offers opportunities for boat trips and gentler family adventures. Families looking for lots of attractions and plenty of dining options may prefer Ambleside or Windermere, but those wanting peace, fresh air, and unforgettable mountain views will love YHA Helvellyn.

5. YHA Langdale

Best for: Family walks straight from the doorstep
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Set in the heart of the beautiful Langdale Valley, this YHA is perfectly placed for families who want to spend their days exploring on foot. A number of family-friendly walks begin right from the doorstep, including routes to Elterwater, Stickle Ghyll waterfall, and the surrounding countryside. Unlike some of the more remote mountain hostels, you don’t need to tackle challenging fells to enjoy the scenery here. Streams, waterfalls, and spectacular valley views are all within easy reach, making YHA Langdale a great choice for families wanting a classic Lake District experience without spending hours in the car.

6. YHA Windermere

Best for: A central base for exploring the Lake District
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YHA Windermere offers a peaceful woodland setting just 7 minute drive from the tourist hub of Bowness-on-Windermere, making it one of the most practical bases for a family trip to the Lake District. Children have space to play around the hostel grounds, while a huge range of family attractions are within easy reach, including boat trips on Lake Windermere, Brockhole, and the shops and cafés of Bowness. Unlike the more remote valley YHAs, this is a great choice for families who want flexibility and variety, with easy day trips across the southern and central Lake District without long drives.

Best Lake District hostels for families

Alongside the YHA network, a small number of independent hostels in the Lake District also work well for families. These are usually smaller, more low-key places, often in excellent walking locations.

7. Elterwater Hostel

Best for: Quiet Langdale valley walks from the door
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A calm, well-run base for exploring one of the Lake District’s most beautiful valleys, Elterwater Hostel works particularly well for families who want scenery without effort. Gentle riverside walks, picnic spots, and easy routes into Great Langdale all begin close by, making it simple to spend full days outdoors without needing the car.

Inside, the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, with private rooms and a good self-catering kitchen that suits low-fuss family stays.

8. Denton House Hostel

Best for: Budget base right in Keswick town
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Everything in Keswick is within easy reach here, which is the main appeal. Families can walk to cafés, parks, playgrounds, and Derwentwater without needing the car, making it a practical base for active stays.

It’s simple and functional rather than scenic or character-led, but that works well for families who plan to be out all day and just need a comfortable place to sleep and cook.