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.
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.
Post 2: The Build, From idea to reality
With the old reception removed, work began on creating a new modern, multi-functional space – bringing together reception, bar servery and a more open connection to the lounge and dining area.
Behind the scenes there’s been a lot of careful planning, building (and a fair bit of dust!) as the new counter took shape. Every decision was about making the space more practical for our team and more welcoming for our guests.
Nearly there…
Refurb Part 1 - The Strip Out!
Big changes start with brave decisions… and this was one of them.
We’ve said goodbye to our original reception cubicle to make way for something much more open, flexible and welcoming.
It’s served us well over the years, but it was time to rethink how this space works for our guests today.
This was the first step in transforming our reception and lounge into a place that feels warmer, more relaxed and better suited to how people really use the space.
Watch this space 👀
We are very pleased to be ranked 1st in TripAdvisor top 5 Hostels in the Lake District.
With an average 4.9 out of 5, based on around 375 reviews,
Small, friendly and tucked away in one of the prettiest valleys in the Lakes, it draws rave reviews for its “relaxed”, “homely” feel and “big breakfasts”.
In November, one reviewer gave the hostel a five-star rating on TripAdvisor. “Excellent venue for outdoor activities,” they said.
“The hostel is clean, well-equipped, comfortable, warm, and all the staff are welcoming and most helpful.”
Read the whole article here:
https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/25809020.best-hostels-lake-district-ranked-tripadvisor/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1769961366
Think hostel food = sausage & mash? Think again…
Our GM may say he’s a great chef…
…but after this 40th birthday feast, we’re inclined to agree 👀🔥
🥩 Tomahawk steak
🍖 Lamb rumps
🥔 Dauphinoise potatoes
✨ Very happy guests
Got a group staying with us? Fancy something a bit special?
We love an excuse to get creative in the kitchen
Happy Birthday Alfred Wainwright
A man who shaped how we see and walk the Lake District, with a legacy deeply rooted in the Langdale Valley.
His love for the fells lives on in every path explored and every quiet moment enjoyed.
At Elterwater Hostel, we’re proud to be part of the landscape he inspired so many to cherish.
Cold, snowy days here in the valley but that hasn’t stopped us cracking on with a big project behind the scenes.
Lots of hard work happening despite the weather and it’ll all be worth it.
Keep an eye out for updates coming soon…
