Getting Here
Travel is easy if you plan ahead
The nearest train station is Windermere – 8 miles away from the hostel.
There is a limited direct bus service route – we recommend checking the Stagecoach journey planner. The 516 service runs multiple times a day from Windermere Station to Elterwater.
Outside bus operating times we recommend taking a taxi from Windermere Station where they are readily available at a cost of around £25.
Catch the bus to Ambleside, then change to the 516. For the 516 timetable click here.
From the South, exit M6 at Junction 36 and follow A590/A591 to Windermere and follow the road to Ambleside. Take the A593 from Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge, then take the B543 to Langdale and follow signs for Elterwater.
From the North, either proceed to junction 36 and follow the route above, or for a more scenic drive leave the M6 at junction 40 and take the A66 towards Keswick and pick up the A591 south to Ambleside and then follow the directions above
For up to date travel information check with Cumbria Police here. This service is designed to provide you with information regarding the current state of Cumbria’s roads and the immediate surrounding areas in relation to road traffic collisions, weather, delays as a result of incidents and congestion, though it does not usually provide information about traffic delays due to roadworks.
The hostel has a 7Kw electric car charger that it is available to book in advance.
National Cycle Network Regional Route 37, then links from Skelwith Bridge all the way to Elterwater. For more information go to the Sustrans website
The Cumbria Way runs from Ulverston to Carlisle and through the Great Langdale valley; there is also a network of footpaths that run through the valley.
For those walking in, Sherpa Van can be arranged to move your bags from place to place for you.
Once in Elterwater
Continue through the village, past the Britannia Inn on the right hand side, and past the National Trust Car Park on the left and over the bridge. At the end of the bridge, the road forks, turn left and the hostel is around 100m further, on the right hand side.
If you have any trouble finding us at all, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01539437245.
A cup of tea, a misty morning, and this glorious old tree!
#treesofinstagram #notjustlakes #lakedistrict #lakedistrictviews #morningbrew
One of our favourite views, but we’ll give the bench a miss for now 🤦♂️
#langdalepikes #elterwater #lakedistrict #lakedistrictwalking #lakedistrictlife
A moment of calm, water under the bridge, Elterwater.
#elterwater #calm #relax #nature #lakedistrictlife
These lovely ladies stayed with us as part of their 3 Day Cumbria Way attempt. Cracking weather for it!
#fellrunning #cumbriaway #getoutside #exploremore #lakedistrictwalks
Slater’s Bridge, in Little Langdale, just a short walk from the Hostel, which dates back to the 17th Century, was described by Alfred Wainwright as “the most picturesque footbridge in Lakeland, a slender arch constructed of slate from the quarries and built to give the quarrymen a shorter access from their homes”
Some of our favourite walks from the front door take us over this beautiful old bridge.
📷 @geobilb0
#slatersbridge #langdale #lakedistrictwalks #lakedistrictphotography #lakedistrictlife
We’re Hiring: Hostel Assistant
Elterwater Independent Hostel, Lake District
Immediate start | Seasonal role until the end of September (with potential for more!)
Do you enjoy working with people, take pride in creating welcoming spaces, and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves? We’re looking for a friendly and flexible Hostel Assistant to join our team for the busy summer season.
This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You’ll support across reception, housekeeping, and food & beverage, helping us deliver a warm welcome, high standards, and a memorable guest experience.
What We’re Looking For
A positive, can-do attitude
Reliable and adaptable
Happy to work flexible hours, including weekends and bank holidays
Pride in delivering excellent customer service and maintaining clean, welcoming spaces
Previous hospitality experience is helpful but not essential — we value enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn above all else.
What We Offer
Minimum of 30 hours per week
Pay at National Living Wage
Accommodation availabl
The opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District.
Interested?
To find out more, please email your CV and a short note explaining why you’d like to join the team to:
adrian@elterwaterhostel.co.uk
#jobs #hospitalityjob #jobsincumbria #lakedistrictuk #lakedistrictnationalpark
Dinner is served 🍽️
Join us from 6–8pm for a relaxed evening meal, with everything from Cumberland sausage & mash and chilli (beef or 5 bean) to curries, pasta, quiche and 12” pizzas.
Fancy something lighter? We’ve got soups, toasted sandwiches & baguettes too. And don’t skip dessert… sticky toffee pudding is calling 👀
Non-residents welcome – come in, grab a table, and enjoy!
New breakfast menu now being served! 🍳☕️
Join us daily from 7:30–9:30am for everything from a hearty Cumbrian breakfast or veggie Fell Walker, to pancakes, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
Pair it with our fresh bean-to-cup coffee for the perfect start to your day.
Non-residents welcome – pop in and enjoy!
We’re delighted to share that we’ve been awarded a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star Food Hygiene Rating! A huge thank you to our fantastic team for their hard work and commitment to maintaining the highest standards.
We’re also excited to introduce our refreshed dining experience, with new menus and a more relaxed, café-style approach. You can now enjoy:
🥐 Breakfast served between 7:30am – 9:30am
🍽️ Evening meals available from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
It’s all about great food in a more casual, welcoming setting.
Keep an eye out for more posts coming soon as we showcase our new menus… we can’t wait for you to try them!
A fantastic effort from Jen and Rich, completing this year’s first Elterwater Hostel 23 Before Tea round in 8 hours 35 minutes.
The day was also a recce for Jen’s planned attempt to break the female record later this year — so watch this space.
Best of all, they were welcomed back to the hostel with tea and sticky toffee brownie, which sounds like just about the perfect finish.
Well done both!
#ElterwaterHostel #23BeforeTea
Bring your group together around the breakfast table!
There’s something special about starting the day with good friends, good food, fresh coffee, and time to connect before the day’s adventures begin.
When you stay with us as a group, you can add our buffet breakfast served in a relaxed space to gather and plan the day ahead, perfect for walking groups, school trips, retreats, corporate teams, or friends exploring the Lakes together. Fuel up, slow down, and start the day right together.
Get in touch to add group breakfast to your booking!
Part 3: The Reveal
And here it is…..
Our new reception, bar servery and refreshed lounge/dining space are complete and we couldn’t be happier with the result.
Lighter, warmer colours, a more open layout and a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door.
It’s now a space to check in, grab a drink, sit back, and feel at home.
We’d love to know what you think and even better, come and see it for yourself.
