Here we try to answer your questions. If you have any questions not answered below please email us or if urgent please phone us any time from 08.30hrs up to 22.00hrs English time!
How far do we have to walk before we get on the mountains?
We are only 100 metres from the Coast to Coast footpath and many access points to the mountains are only a short walk away.
Can you send me information about attractions and services?
We have an excellent stock of brochures here but our local information centers have a much wider stock and their knowledge of what is open when it's open etc. and are far more up to date. Ring Grasmere Tourist Information on 015394 35245, Ambleside TIC on 015394 32602 or Windermere TIC on 015394 44439 for information or try our links page for local information sites and our local attractions and local information pages.
Is Broadrayne Farm a working farm?
The geese, ducks ,chickens and bantams all live here and have the right of way at all times on the drive and around the farmyard please give them time to move out of the way when driving. Some of them are rare or minority breeds, do ask if you want to know what they are called etc. If you save them any bread crusts you can be sure of friends while you're here. Do observe the usual hygiene rules and always wash your hands after feeding or handling them. The Herdwick sheep we have here around the farm are Broadrayne sheep by family descent , however we do not own or shepherd them now but they are run in the same fields and on the same mountainside together with our neighbor's flock. This has made far better economic sense.
Can we bring children?
Yes they are very welcome! The youngest we have had so far was 8 weeks old however it is only fair that parents with young children book a bedroom for their exclusive use. We can, given notice usually provide a travel cot, this is chargeable at £2.00 per stay . We provide a high chair in the dining room.
We enjoy seeing the children looking at the animals but please do not enter any of the fields around the farm without permission .
If the children would like to feed the ducks and chickens they are welcome but please ask first as they are not all tame. Some have dietary restrictions too. Please ensure everybody washes their hands if you handle them.
We ask all parents to keep their children under control and close supervision while in the hostel and around the farm. None of us want accidents while on holiday.
We are Coast to coast walkers and wondered if there are any camping sites in Grasmere?
Sorry but there are no camping sites or facilities in Grasmere. We have opened the Grasmere Hostel specially for people like yourselves, because over the years we have had many very cold, wet and muddy campers who needed something more than basic camping facilities, such as hot showers and somewhere to rinse and dry off the wet gear. For those of you walking from West to East (as 90% do) on the Coast to Coast; it's a superb walk in fine weather, however you will have just left (Rosthwaite), which is one of the wettest places in England. It is over twice as wet as Keswick and the walk over Greenup Edge has many bogs. We are therefore very used to people coming off this stage of the walk being very tired and wet. Do check to see if we have vacancies before you leave your accommodation in the morning to save yourself hassle and disappointment. We often get people spending an extra day with us resting, sorting themselves out after this particular stretch and visiting Grasmere before resuming their walk. Remember we are only 100 metres north of the Coast to Coast path at Mill Bridge /A591 junction.
No! We are on the main bus route through the lakes and most of the principal centers can be accessed by purchasing a Stagecoach Explorer bus pass approx £8 for 1 day or £25 for a whole week this gives unlimited travel on all stagecoach services through Cumbria . Cycle hire can be arranged to the door or from a hotel in the village. Walkers will find that they can go in a different direction every day or by taking the bus one way ,they can do long linear walks without treading too much ground twice. Taxis too can be economical especially when full .Taking a taxi one way especially to the furthest point of your walk means you won't have to rush off the mountain to get the last bus home. This should also be remembered by those with a car as you avoid car parking charges and you don't have to worry about the car been left in a remote car park. There is a local mini bus service that will take you and up to 8 bikes to any point in the lakes for a reasonable price. Please refer to the local shops and services page for this information.
Do you provide a weather forecast
The daily weather and advice is available from the proprietor but if you feel that you require a full mountain weather forecast then the National Park weather line is available by telephoning 017687 75757 or visiting www.lake-district.gov.uk/weatherline
Where can I keep my bike?
We have a locked bike store right along side the hostel for your convenience. All we ask for is a £1 donation to the Tourism and Conservation Partnership charity which is helping to maintain and restore rights of way in the Lake District.
Is car parking at the hostel safe?
The car park is right outside the hostel front door, also we are situated well away off the main road, so we have always considered it safe. At the time of writing we have not had any problems. However we accept no responsibility for vehicles or their contents while on the premises.
Do we arrange tours or activities?
No there are so many companies doing it and most provide an excellent service. Try the local shops and service page for ideas
- Do we need to bring our sleeping bags/bedding?
- Please leave your bedding/sleeping bags at home as you will find that all the beds are ready made for your arrival complete with sheets, duvet and pillow. Under the bottom bunk beds are boxes containing spare pillows and blankets should you require them.
- Do you provide towels, soap etc?
- No it is usual for hostel guests to bring there own towel etc. in British hostels. however if you forget your towel then you can hire one here.
- Do we provide breakfast/evening meals?
- This is generally a self catering hostel, we will however if given prior notice provide a light breakfast. This comprises of, a glass of fresh fruit juice, toast, butter, jam , marmalade, bowl of cereal and tea or coffee this is priced at £3. 75. We can usually provide packed lunches if given good warning. Good bar meals can be had 400 meters down the road at the Travelers Rest pub and they will provide breakfast if given warning the night before. Walkers are advised to pick up food and groceries from the village before coming on to us. There are several other restaurants, cafes and sandwich shops there to.
Can we cook in the kitchens for ourselves/our group?
There are two self catering kitchens specially designed for ease of cooking whether it be for just yourself or for a whole hostel group. There is a large commercial cooker complete with a 6 ring burner and huge oven for large groups and a smaller domestic cooker for smaller groups and individuals. We have 3 microwaves, toasters and kettles. There are also two fridges and a small freezer. We supply pots, pans, kitchen equipment along with all the crockery and cutlery you need to eat with. Should a large group require it we are willing to arrange sole use of one kitchen.
Is there enough seating for us all to sit down to eat together?
The dining area is adjacent to the kitchens. For whole hostel resident guests users we have enough seating for you all (24 seats) to sit and eat together. This has been very popular and successful.
Do you have a fridge and freezer for all our food supplies?
Two fridges One large, one small and a small freezer are in the kitchens and should you require more freezer space please ask!
Do you have a hostel shop or are there shops locally where we can purchase food?
The nearest shop for food is just over a mile away in the centre of the village. We can lend you a bike and an empty rucksack to get it
(at your own risk)!
Where can we go shopping for outdoor gear, food, wine etc...?
Go to our local shops and services information page. You can click here
