Water
Famous for it’s lakes and tarns, the Lake District offers a wealth of water based options
Famous for its lakes and tarns, the Lake District is full of options, whether you prefer to be on, or in, the water.
Wild swimming has become extremely popular with many people choosing to swim in the big lakes such as Windermere but also in some of the more secluded tarns. Great care must be taken if you are not an experienced outdoor swimmer. Swim the Lakes is a great source for all the best spots and wild swimming events (and you can find some local favourites below).
For those who prefer to stay on top of the water, nearby Windermere (England’s largest lake) and Coniston offer gentle cruise options, as well as opportunities to hire a variety of boats, and SUPs.
Wild Swimming
There are many excellent options nearby for wild swimming. Ask our team for recomendations when you come to stay, or why not join one of Swim the Lakes‘ many group swims throughout the year.
Coniston Boating
Coniston Boating Centre and Coniston Launch offer opportunities to explore the lake Coniston – the launches run a regular service between various jetties on the lake and the boating centre hire out watercraft from small motor boats to canoes and paddle boards
Coniston Gondola
For the ultimate in gentile water travel, why not follow in the footsteps of the Furness Railway’s Victorian passengers and take a trip on National Trust’s steam gondola. Whether you spend your time chatting to the engineer and inspecting the boiler and valves, in the luxury first class saloon, or sitting in the sunshine on the fore or aft deck, you are sure to enjoy the captain’s stories of water speed records, Swallows and Amazons and of the local mountains. Use it as a means of getting across to Ruskin’s Brantwood House for lunch, or enjoy a full lake tour for an afternoon. If you are lucky, you might even recognise the purser – Charlie volunteers about once a month on Gondola, so she is the person to ask for more details. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/steam-yacht-gondola
Windermere Lake Cruises
With scheduled cruises, or the opportunity to hire your own boat, Windermere Lake Cruises has something for everyone.
We’re delighted to share that we have again received the Travellers’ Choice award from @tripadvisor !
A big thank you to all our guests and everyone who’s left us a review this year!
Summer season is well and truly upon us, but there’s still plenty of availability if you still haven’t booked your next stay!
#travellerschoice #thankyou #lakedistrictnationalpark #elterwater #lakedistricthikers
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!
