Read about my stay at YHA Borrowdale Youth Hostel in the Lake District. But this is a slightly different YHA experience, instead of staying in a hostel dorm room I opted for one of their camping pods, located next to the main building.
Camping pods seem to be popping up all over the place, so why not try your first pod at YHA Borrowdale! They are perfect if you want to experience the outdoors without the hassle of putting up a tent or if you want to see what camping is like for the first time without spending money on all the gear.
If you want to keep going on hiking trips over the autumn and winter months, without having to buy all the expensive camping gear a pod might just be for you!
Here I will tell you what’s included in the camping pods and will let you know all about YHA Borrowdale Hostel in this idyllic location in the Lake District.
YHA Borrowdale Information
Hostel Address
YHA Borrowdale, Longthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5XE
YHA Location
The YHA Borrowdale is located in a perfect location if you love hiking. The youth hostel is situated a relatively central location, although closest to the northwestern and central fells. The closest main town is Keswick.
If you’re planning on hiking some of the big hikes, Helvellyn, Scafell Pike or Great Gable then Borrowdale is perfect, with hiking trails leading directly from the YHA in many directions.
Hostel Facilities
As youth hostels go, this was is pretty impressive, it’s a fairly big hostel but plenty of space for everyone. The prime spot in the evening has to be the huge table in the bar area, a great place for socialising too.
You can also borrow board games from the hostel reception.
- Lounge area
- Cosy licensed bar
- Self-catering kitchen
- Games room
- Drying room
- Outside picnic benches
- Breakfast and meals available
- Free Wi-Fi (The Cloud)
- Bedding included
- Towels available to hire
Please note although there is Wi-Fi, the connection is very hit and miss so be prepared to having an amazing detox from social media, emails and that bright blue screen. It’s wonderful 🙂
Read next: UK Hiking Instagrammers You Must Follow
YHA Hostel Options
- Camping
- Camping pods x 3
- Dorm rooms (single-sex only)
- Private rooms (1-6 people)
Hostel Costs
For the 4 nights in the camping pod, it cost me £56 (with the member discount) so £14 per night, bargain! (The cost was split with a friend so she paid the other half of the pod)
- Camping from £7 children/ £9 adults*
- Camping pods from £25 (for 2 people)*
- Dorm rooms from £13 per night*
- Private rooms from £25 per night*
Further discounts – If you become a member you can save £3 per night! Click here for annual membership information
*All rates correct at time of writing. Check the latest prices and availability here.
About YHA Borrowdale
Arrival and Check-in at YHA Borrowdale
I arrived late at YHA Borrowdale, mainly due to traffic and leaving late from home. The last check-in was at 11 pm and I pulled into the car park at about 10.15 pm. The main reception was closed but I popped into the bar and was able to pick up the camping pod key.
At the hostel reception, they gave me information about the breakfast and where the showers and toilets were. The main doors are locked at 11 pm. You can either have a code to get in or use the outdoor toilets and showers.
Both the outside toilet and shower rooms have automatic lighting, great to see that the YHA is conscious about saving electricity.
Since it was already dark, the path was lit so I could easily find my way to the camping pod.
Read next: Best places to hike in the UK
YHA Borrowdale Camping Pods
After initially planning to stay in a private room, my poor organisation meant they had booked up by the time I went online, which resulted in booking the camping pods! Maybe a bad decision for November but I decided to go for it. However, the camping pods at YHA Borrowdale were a great surprise.
I’ve stayed in a few camping pods, some include extras and some are simply a pod! But as you can see from the photo, the camping pods at the YHA, include beds and bedding. They also have a small heater and light, with 2 power points, a row of four hooks, a rubbish bin and a roller blind too.
Ironically, it was actually too hot with the heater on, it’s such a small space that you can keep it on low and the camping pod is toasty and warm.
And with all of that you have the advantage of stunning views directly out of the camping pod doors, complete with your own porch area, two chairs and a table.
Overall, a real luxury camping pod, in my opinion!
Overall Thoughts on YHA Borrowdale Hostel
I’ve stayed in a few YHA’s around the UK, up until now YHA Boggle Hole was one of my favourites in the North York Moors. But I think the YHA Borrowdale is now a top contender.
The camping pods certainly made it a very different experience from other YHAs that I’ve stayed at but overall the hostel is very welcoming and whether you’re staying in a tent, camping pod, dorm or private room you’ll still have a lovely time.
I can imagine staying in the camping pods in the summer would be wonderful, maybe sat outside with a glass of wine! However, with the little heater, the pod was lovely and warm. As I mentioned, the first night I was actually too hot!
One thing that was also great, although I was staying in the camping pod I still had full use of the hostel facilities, including self-catering kitchen dining area and bar.
Overall a thumbs up for YHA Borrowdale and the camping pods and yes, I would definitely stay at this youth hostel again.
What are your thoughts on staying in camping pods at a YHA? Do you have any questions about YHA Borrowdale? Ask me in the comments below.
YHA Charity
Did you know YHA was a registered charity?
Youth Hostel Association, known as the YHA is a registered charity. For more information on how to support YHA click here for details.
For further information or to book go to https://yha.org.uk/hostel/borrowdale
More Photos of YHA Borrowdale Hostel
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Becky thanks for this. Do you know if you are allowed as camp fire outside the pod at all?
Hi Nick, I’m sure they aren’t allowed, there’s no fire pit area so I’m pretty sure it would be a no.