YHA Helvellyn

Hostel is in an idyllic situation: ideal for exploring the hills around Glenridding and Ullswater lake. Unfortunately, the track up to the hostel is in an extremely bad state of repair and desperately needs resurfacing. Risk damage to suspension or exhaust of car. Better go on foot.

It pains me to give a poor review for a YHA. We love the charity and hostel a lot (this was our third trip in 2024 already) but unfortunately it didn’t live up to expectations. We booked a Landpod. They’re brilliant, we’ve stayed in them many times before. We specifically chose one this time because of a disability in our party which meant we needed proximity to a loo, knowing from previous visits that the small outdoor block was just steps away from the pods. Unfortunately we were told at check in that this block had been out of use all season, something which wasn’t on the website when we booked and wasn’t confirmed to us ahead of time by email or by phone so we could make an informed choice (we would, through necessity, have booked elsewhere). This is very poor. The nearest loos which we were told to use were under the mine tunnel, in through the front door (which has an electronic lock at night) along the corridor and down the stairs. There were four, though one didn’t have a lock, a safeguarding risk in a mixed facility and also therefore out of bounds to us. The hostel was full and very busy, as was the bathroom. This made an already challenging situation worse. More generally, the self catering kitchen was absolutely filthy, the worst of any hostel we’ve stayed at ever. There were open packets of food and uncovered ingredients (including mouldy things), leftovers, leaking and spilling packages strewn on every surface, making it impossible for others to prepare food. When we mentioned this, large groups were blamed, but it could certainly have been managed more robustly by staff to make the kitchen more pleasant, or frankly just even usable, for other visitors. For balance there were some good things … from what we heard, staff seemed to be good at giving advice on walks. The pod beds were comfy, breakfast was good. Overall though we’re gutted to have booked something in good faith which the YHA, despite having a website and sending me numerous confirmation emails and text messages, knew was not available but failed to tell me in advance.

Staff were great and location could be considered good for some as it is located at the base of some of the Helvellyn ascent routes, however, it is also a 25 minute walk from Glenridding, so consequently there are no shops in the immediate vicinity. Staff were great as said, and there is a communal kitchen and drying room, though the WiFi was virtually not working at all, and any little spark of life had to be taken from a very specific part of the ground floor building. Honestly, for the price paid, to not have working WiFi, I would consider it quite the rip-off. The room door was also not functioning properly, and though the bathrooms were clean, and the showers good, it is priced too high for a place without basic 2024 amenities - i.e. WiFi (there is no mobile signal).

I stayed at this property a few months ago and every now and then, I am reminded of my stay at Yha Helvellyn. My partner and I had camped out the night before our stay at YHA and we got sick due to the weather being so cold and windy. Our check in at YHA was supposed to be at 5pm that day. We were so sick and exhausted that we went to the property to inquire if we could some how get an early check in or at least shower. The staff were kind enough to tell us that the rooms were not ready but we could use the showers and store our luggage. In about 30 mins one of the staff members told us that the room gad been prepared on priority with no extra charges. We were surprised and so grateful for the kindness. Both of slept like babies after a really tough camping experience. I don’t remember the names of the staff mentioned, but the Housekeeping staff and FOH members were absolutely amazing. They probably don’t even remember us but I will remember this experience for life. Thank you to the entire team for making us feel at home.

We hired the entire hostel for a walking weekend with a range of friends. Had a great stay and the warden was perfect, they provide lots of info before we arrived. The location is ideal for HELVELLYN and also the other surrounding hills. More generally, I would highly recommend YHA for group hostel hire.

What a stay! This place was a gorgeous little mountain stay for me and my son who had spent the day climbing Catbells and boating on Derwentwater. The staff were friendly, helpful and a good laugh! They created a lovely welcoming and homely feeling to our stay. The surrounding gardens are phenomenal - a lovely mountain rocky river to back and a great view of Helvellyn to the side! Brilliant for star gazing on a clear night. The room was perfect for us - really clean and comfy beds with shared showers which were powerful, hot and clean! Ideal after a long day hiking. The food was excellent and we enjoyed a game of cluedo while we had a drink and waited for our meal. This was the first of what I hope to be many YHA stays with my children getting away from the crazy pace of day to day life- what a gift - thank you so much! My son even bought me a year's YHA membership on the back of this stay for Christmas, so a real win! We will be back!

Staying in Patterdale and fancied a walk up to the lead mine from Glenridding. I couldn't tell from googling whether YHA Helvellyn had a cafe or not, although I could see they offer breakfast and evening meals. I'm delighted to report that they have the Hole in the Wall cafe where you can call in and have wonderful cake and hot drinks - inside or outside, depending on the weather and your preference. The staff were extremely helpful and pleasant and we really appreciated the opportunity for a hot drink, a sit down and some great cake. So stride out with confidence and take the opportunity for some reasonably priced refreshment in amazing surroundings.

I love YHA's I think value for money and quality they can't be beat. I stayed in a land pod this time and it was brilliant. Its not fancy but practical, enough space, very cosy, comfortable beds and very quirky. If I had the option at all hostels I think I would choose a pod just for value and the extra privacy. The hostel itself at Hellveyln is set in the most beautiful location and incredibly placed to crack on with some of the best mountains. The facilities are spot on, lovely new bathrooms, well equipped kitchen, the social areas and bar and really pleasant places to be and to top it off the staff here are fantastic, really lovely genuine people. I wish I posses the ability to do this place justice as it really is a gem of a place.

Warm welcome, modern facilities, in an awesome location. All the usual great catering options and self catering too. Staff really helpful and friendly. Private room was clean and showers and toilets exceptionally clean. Would definitely return! Just be aware you need to travel off road for last section of approach - most cars will be ok but not if low suspension