YHA Borrowdale

A gem of a YHA in prime Lake District Location. Traditional old school YHA ambience and family friendly. A school group were there when I stayed, which was good to see. Facilities and room well thought out. Adequate off road parking. Staff polite and attentive. Small bar with beers, spirits and wines available.

First time for us in a YHA. Booked camping land pod. However, storm Kathleen hit and we had to be evacuated into the main building, into a private room for four, which was clean and cosy. The staff who dealt with the evacuation as we termed it were fabulous, including issuing us with a complimentary breakfast for the 4 of us the next day. Friendly and helpful throughout - their hard work should be commended. The bar area and games area were comfortable and well equipped and our children 12 and 9 made the most of the games area. We will return but next time out of storm season!

We absolutely loved our stay here, such a beautiful location, we had a camping pod each, which had heating and bedding provided. The stay was very comfortable and all of the staff were super nice and welcoming. Already looking at dates to come back again!

Fantastic location, staff really helpful and friendly, lovely, quirky atmosphere. Just one thing… the bedrooms - a bit cramped with no storage facilities whatsoever. Basically, just pile your belongings on what available floor space there is! If arriving by car, a lockable holdall or case would be useful.

Beautiful hostel and area. Really cosy place, friendly staff, good food, clean rooms. Perfect getaway. We spent two nights here, with our girls in one private room and us in another. It was the first hostelling experience for the girls, so a bit of a culture shock, but we'll definitely be back. How can you not love the YHA?

Rooms acceptable but nowhere to hang a coat (not a single coat hook in a room for 4!) No chair or table so everything ends up on the floor which wasn't the cleanest! People banging on doors at 3 in the morning - no staff dealing with it so went on for at least an hour. If people are found to be behaving in this manor they should have membership cancelled! YHA always had a respectable reputation it would be a shame to loose that by encouraging the wrong types'. Just my opinion - going to catch up on some sleep now! Generally staff were helpful. Cherrs Long time member.

We were relocated to the pods last minute as they double booked. The pod was cold and stank of damp despite the staff insisting it was fine as they are “outside and wood so can’t expect too much” Moved us inside for the first night, much appreciated. There was an offer to get individual beds in dorms the second but they lost a key and had no spares so couldn’t even do that when it came round to checking in night two. Overall the building is dated and tired, most of the public areas are vaguely clean with counters wiped and floors hoovered but all soft furnishings are damaged, distressed, stained or discoloured. It has the feel of a building long neglected. Nothing not to be expected of a hostel 20 years ago but far below most YHA or otherwise hostels nowadays. Bedrooms are in the same state but bedding was clean and good heating! Self catering kitchen is a joke, incredibly dirty fridges, shelves and hobs. People clearly take care when washing up but in desperate need of an actual deep clean by the staff. Showers and toilets are adequate and pretty clean but most look run down. If we’d have been moved inside night two it would have scored slightly higher but honestly the kitchen is filthy and the pods are sickening to be in. Unless you like the smell of damp dirty carpet avoid! We didn’t stay the night…

YHA as lovely as ever: a retreat from a busy life amongst wonderful people. Borrowdale was great, friendly, well run and a fabulous base to walk. First time in an Eco Pod, much easier then pitching a tent.

Excellent hostel, amazing customer service and friendly staff, go stay here. Games room has lots to do including chess, pool, and table tennis! In my opinion it would be a mistake not to stay here.