YHA Eskdale (opens in new tab) hostel
about 0.5 km from the start, in a straight line
Ranked first despite not being the nearest, and despite failing the independence test, because it is the only property in the whole 4.83 km radius whose page answers the questions a family driving to the Slight Side start actually has: a cot, a highchair, an outdoor play area, a shared drying room, free parking, breakfast from 07:30 with under-10s at £1, and a bar and restaurant on site in a valley with no shop. Two facts on that page are decisive and easy to miss: reception opens only 07:30-10:00 and 17:00-22:00 with check-in 'From 17:00 - 22:00', so a family arriving mid-afternoon will find nobody there; and the facilities list states 'No mobile coverage', so they will not be able to ring ahead from the car park either.
Worth knowing: “Pets - including dogs - are not permitted in our hostels when staying in a dorm or a private room. … Dogs can stay in our Landpods. There is a £10 charge per dog per night for our Landpod accommodation which is payable upon arrival. … When staying as part of a Camping & Cabins booking, dogs are permitted in the public areas within the hostel (except in kitchens). … Hire YHA Eskdale and bring up to four dogs! Add a dog to your booking at the checkout and bring your four-legged friend along with you. Dogs are not permitted in the bedrooms, on the furniture or in the kitchen, and must be kept on a lead in the grounds. … Highly trained assistance dogs are welcome at any YHA site free of charge.”
The hostel runs on its own renewable generation - biomass and solar - and its grounds hold a mapped nature trail, a wildlife pond and a replica Celtic roundhouse in 15 acres of private woodland.
- Drying room “Restaurant Self-catering kitchen Shared drying room Shared lounge Sole use available Unlimited breakfast Water refill station WiFi”
- Family rooms “What our private rooms offer Bed linen Central heating Cot available Heating Hot water Lock on doors Smoke alarm”
- Evening meal “Hostel facilities Classroom(s) Contactless payments Cycle store Dining room Evening meals Extra-large garden/grounds Free parking on premises … Our snack menu is also available from 18:00 - 20:00. … Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire.”
- Packed lunch “Group catering With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Eskdale (see sample menu ).”
- Parking “Free parking on premises Games Garden/grounds Group meals Highchair Licensed bar Minibus parking on premises Mountain view No mobile coverage”
- Children “Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over to stay at YHA. … Bookings are not available for groups of more than 15 guests under 18, unless accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over. … Under 12s are not permitted in dorm rooms. … Children under 3 can stay with us for free.”