A POPULAR Lake District Youth Hostel has been named as one of the best in the UK by its happy visitors.

The Elterwater Hostel, owned and operated by Christine and Alan Thomas, has been praised by its customers and has reached third place in a national contest run by The Great Outdoors magazine.

The reader award, recognised as the UK’s democratic celebration of the best of outdoor culture and in 2021, attracted a record 18,000 public votes.

Back in 2013, the hostel located in the iconic Langdale valley, was put on the market when the YHA decided it was no longer viable to run.

Christine and Alan Thomas, who had spent many happy family holidays at the hostel, were initially thinking about retiring to the Lake District, before taking over the business.

Christine said: “We were winding down professionally and looking forward to retirement.

“It was certainly not on our agenda to buy and run an independent hostel.”

“We see these awards as a huge endorsement for our part of the world, with Great Langdale campsite winning Gold in their category, and multiple other Langdale-based businesses nominated in their respective categories.

“Since rescuing the hostel from closure, as a family we have taken great pride in the project and invested significant time and money into the building itself, including the showers and other facilities mentioned by voters, but this is really just the fabric of the building.

“In addition to the incredible location, which is obviously a major factor in the award, what really matters is the guest experience, which really comes down to the work led here by Nick Owen, our manager, and Charlie Spiller, who have been part of the team here at Elterwater since before we took over, and Andy Hunt who will shortly be joining us for his sixth consecutive season.

"Together with mum, who holds everything together behind the scenes, the team are the real reason we’ve done so well in these awards.”

The couple also operate the hostel with their son Adrian.

He said that the continuity of staff, and their knowledge of the area, enabled the hostel to help every guest make the most of their stay.

Adrian said: “They have a passion for what we are trying to do, and they have their own love of the outdoors.

“So, no matter whether you are a regular or visiting us for the first time, an experienced fell runner or more of a café and museum enthusiast, Nick, Charlie and Andy will make you feel at home and be happy to answer any questions or help you plan your stay.”

The hostel has invested in many green initiatives to run a sustainable business and been involved in the community through sponsorship of junior events at Ambleside sports, and host the long-distance running challenge, 23 Before Tea, which takes in 23 summits around Langdale Valley in a continuous route.

Christine added: “Having consistent staff who offer a long-term view, and engage with and understand our visitors, getting to know many of them over a number of visits

has been invaluable to us as owners as we decide where to target investments and improvements. We are very grateful to our team, and to everyone who nominated and voted for us in these awards and look forward to welcoming new and returning guests again in 2022.”