How to book - Thorney How Independent Hostel, the very first Grasmere hostel opened 1931

Check Our Rates, Availability, Book Online & Pay Securely

You can book your stay with us right here online via our booking partner Freetobook. All you need to do is enter your preferred arrival and departure dates, then select “Check availability”.

All bookings are provisional until you provide a non refundable deposit equivalent to the first nights accommodation fee.

If you have any questions about your booking, or would just prefer to speak to a human being, you can give us a call on 015394 35597. *All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.*

2013 rates

Please note: for large group accommodation rates please call direct

Main House pricing from £20.50 per person per night with complimentary Contintental Breakfast.

Bunk House beds from £16.50 per person per night, breakfast not included.

Camping Barn beds from £8.00 per person per night, bring your own bedding, breakfast not included.

All weekend bookings are given preference for those booking minimum of 2 nights accommodation.

We can take card payments online – your details will be passed to us securely. You will receive an e-mail confirmation of completed payment. Please contact us direct if you wish to check your transactions or make a payment via phone. All booking enquiries are provisional until receipt of deposit payment for the first nights accommodation. Your booking deposit is non refundable.

Group Accommodation

Groups are welcome at Thorney How. A short walk from the busy Grasmere village and nestled quietly under a mountain we have the best of both worlds right outside our door.

Thorney How has a long history of catering for groups and we aim to continue to offer a quality stay in a fantastic location. School groups, outdoor activity groups, special interest groups, family occasions and celebrations or just a holiday call us and let’s talk. Whatever it is your group may require we will always go 110% to meet your needs. Some group events / activities may incur additional charges.

We can cater fully for your needs or if you prefer to cook for yourselves we have self catering facilities or mix and match whatever suits you. Please note: for group sizes of over 20 our facilities are not appropriate for self catering.

We also have an alcohol licence for those old enough to consume our local beers and fine wines. We ask all guests not to bring or consume their own alcohol whilst at Thorney how.

All groups are required to leave a holding deposit on arrival against breakages or failure to comply with our terms and conditions.

*Please note: for all new group bookings in 2013 onwards please contact us directly as our accommodation is changing and we will need to discuss your requirements with you and check these against our ongoing development plans.*

Special Events (Weddings)

Are you looking for a place to hold an event, celebration or wedding? By special request* you can book out part of or all of the hostel just for your group (restrictions may apply). Our staff will do their upmost to ensure that whatever your event all will run smoothly. Please be aware that this is also a family home, but that the property does enjoy the privacy of its own grounds.

*Special rates may apply

New for 2013 – hold your wedding ceremony at Thorney How – please call and ask for Taylor or Carolyn to discuss.

Thorney How is a beautiful place to consider holding a special event. As we are outside of the village we can offer a little privacy for your group but we are still close enough to enjoy what Grasmere has to offer.

Ring us to discuss your ideas and your needs. Whether it is a wedding, a special birthday, an arts function, a conference or a school group, I’m sure we can help. We have experience of running conferences, festivals and arts events, workshops, training and exhibitions. In April 2013 we will be hosting our first wedding.

We are well placed for outdoor activities so your group can enjoy the surrounding area right on their doorstep. We can also arrange for specialist activity training or adventure guides for your group.

We can cater fully for your needs from our fully equipped kitchen, but also offer a smaller kitchen so snacks and refreshments are easy to access for your guests.

We also have a fully licenced bar with draught and bottled local beers, cider, wines and spirits.

We can host 50 staying guests, plus additional guests attending your event. Social spaces in clude a large reception, a dining room and a private lounge. We also have over 2 acres of private grounds and parking for around 12+ cars. Additional parking may be available close by.

Try us …hostels are becoming increasingly popular as an unusual location for events of all descriptions. What’s yours?

Terms & Conditions

When making a booking, we kindly ask that you read and agree to our terms & conditions, which you can download here as a PDF.

Download as a PDF

Booking enquiries

Booking enquiries can be made by phone, e-mail or online.
When making a booking enquiry please let us know the mix of your party and the
ages of any children under the age of 18.
We will not take bookings for guests under the age of 16 unless accompanied by
an adult.
A group booking is considered to be 6 people or more.
Groups of 8 persons or more are eligible for a midweek only discount of 10%.
Group bookings of 20 persons or more are eligible to a 15% discount at any time.
Requested sole use of individual rooms and not utilising all beds will be charged
at full room cost less 5%.

Reservation policy

All bookings are provisional until you provide a non refundable deposit equivalent to the first nights accommodation fee.
Full payment is due on arrival including any pre-booked meals.
Bookings will only be held for a maximum of two weeks whilst awaiting a deposit payment.
For groups we require the non returnable payment in full eight weeks prior to
the take up of the booking.
Payment for any other beverages and evening meals can be made at the time
purchase.
Booking deposits can be made by via electronic direct bank transfer or by postal cheque payment.
By giving us your debit or credit card details you are authorising us to use this as security for your reservation and your accommodation. Any unpaid cancellation charges, unregistered extra guests or damages and removals (of keys, linen or fixtures and fittings) will be charged to your debit or credit card.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations made for any room within two weeks of booking dates will render you liable for the full amount.
Cancellations made for any room before two weeks of booking dates will result in loss of deposit only.
Please note that cancellations made for group bookings will result in loss of deposit and requires a minimum of 10 weeks notice.
If you arrive with reduced numbers in your party and have not previously advised us 2 weeks before the full cost of the booking will still apply. If you notify us up to two weeks before only the deposit will be non refundable.

Room allocation

The allocation of rooms is subject to availability and the proprietor’s discretion.
We will try to fill any given room with the same family or group.
As this is a hostel our budget accommodation depends on the fullest occupancy, therefore if we cannot take a booking that gives full room occupancy we will let the spare beds in the room. You may if you wish to pay for the unoccupied bed to ensure your family or group privacy – sole room prices are available at a 5% discount of full bed cost.
Where a family includes young children we will endeavor to allocate a room that meets the size of the family. We do have a travel cot but please ask on booking for this. Please bring your babies bedding

Whole annexe / whole hostel

Whole hostel use may be considered on request including weekends. Please note that the hostel is also our family home.
Whole annexe use is available for groups, including weekends. Annexe based group guests will have access to other shared hostel facilities.

Arrivals and departures

Check in time is from 3.30 check out time 11 am

Guest behaviour

All buildings and grounds are strictly no smoking areas anyone found smoking or in possession of or using illegal drugs will be asked to leave immediately. No refund will be given.
All breakages and damage should be reported and will be charged for.
Consideration should be given to other guests at all times. There should be no
noise that disturbs other residents after 11pm and before 7am. Guests who flout
this may be asked to leave with no refunds given.
We operate a no curfew policy.
Leaders bringing young groups to Thorney How are responsible for their conduct and welfare at all times, Thorney How does not provide pastoral care.
Whilst in site under 18’s will not be permitted to buy or consume alcohol. Proof of identification may be required for guests wishing to purchase or consume alcohol on the premises.
It is the responsibility of the guest to ensure their belongings are secure at all
times.
Dogs are not allowed in the property or to freely roam in the publicly accessible areas of the grounds. However, from 1st August 2011 we will have a kennel facility that can accommodate up to 2 dogs.
We do not allow open fires within the grounds, including BBQ’s
Any one who interferes with hostel fire fighting equipment or fire alarms will
be prosecuted.
Bikes may be stored in the building next to the hostel, please bring your own bike lock.
We have limited car parking available – please advise if you are bringing a vehicle and check in advance for parking availability.
There is no charge for parking.
Vehicles above average size will find access difficult. Please enquire before
arriving.