This time it was Mary’s fault. She wanted a training weekend in preparation for the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, a stunning multi day run in Switzerland and Italy. I was keen to join her as last time I didn’t see the views, Read more
Independent Hostels UK
We are the UK’s largest network of hostels and bunkhouses.
Hostels and bunkhouses have self-catering facilities and provide great value accommodation for one night or more.
They range from rural barns to city houses and are ideal for independent travel and exploring the great outdoors. Groups, families and individuals of all ages can be sure of a friendly welcome.
What is a hostel, bunkhouse or a camping barn? Find out here.
We believe in Direct Booking and on this website everything you pay and everything you say goes direct to your hosts. Book a room, book a bed or hire the whole place for a holiday with family and friends.
All over the UK
There are over 440 bunkhouses, hostels and camping barns in our network with locations all over England, Scotland and Wales.
From Shetland to Cornwall, there are independent hostels in the national parks, on the coast, on mountains and in historic cities.
Some provide simple accommodation, others are luxurious. Many have private rooms, some en-suite and there are often bunks in dorms.
What they all have in common is shared areas for relaxation like kitchens, lounges and gardens.
News from the Network
Read the latest natter from hostels and bunkhouses across the UK
Stay in a Best Price Guarantee, VisitScotland Quality Assured, Green Tourism Gold Award winning hostel!
September 16th 2019
And with under 18s staying for free, this is a bargain you can't afford to miss! View details
Camp in the peace & quiet of Snowdonia countryside.
September 15th 2019
A tents-only campsite, away from the road, on a acre plot next to the house and bunkhouse. One night bookings… View details
Snowdonia National Park
September 15th 2019
Bala boasts the largest natural lake in Wales and lies within the Snowdonia National Park, which boasts the largest mountain… View details
Luxury bunkhouse on a working hill farm in Northumberland available for the festive season.
September 14th 2019
This toasty warm bunkbarn sleeping up to 8 people is available most of December and January. There is no minimum… View details
Ideal location for Groups or School Accommodation in Cornwall
September 14th 2019
Falmouth Lodge Backpackers is perfectly located for Groups and Schools wanting to either explore Cornwall, enjoy our coastline and beaches,… View details
Spend Christmas in a tranquil, woodland setting with family and friends.
September 14th 2019
Currently available for all dates between 23rd to 29th December at £340 per night with a discount for more than… View details
A Stunning Residential Base in the Lake District for Schools
September 14th 2019
With our own residential base, minibus transport and fantastic instructors, Humphrey Head is ready to create a magical adventure the… View details
Combine the Lleyn Peninsula Coastal Path with the ancient North Wales Pilgrims route.
September 14th 2019
Aberdaron is a coastal oasis for walkers enjoying long distance trails... View details
Explore the cave systems of the Yorkshire Dales
September 13th 2019
Caves and potholes including the famous Gaping Ghyll system and the White Scar show cave. View details
Special Offers & Late Availability
Welcome to the bottom bunk club…
September 16th 2019
A great idea for friends who want to book the whole hostel at Elterwater...without having to climb a ladder to… View offer
Last Minute Availability 8th-10th November 2019 with £300!! off a weekend stay at Chellington
September 16th 2019
Amazing Autumn Getaway in beautiful Bedfordshire countryside at The Chellington Centre. We're offering a £300 discount for 8th-10th November sleeps… View offer
Bottom Bunk Club
September 16th 2019
A Mid-Week Bed Breakfast and Evening Meal offer for sole use of Elterwater hostel aimed at those groups who are… View offer
Free Independent Hostel Guide for all bookings, while stocks last!
September 13th 2019
Start your adventure at The Star Bunkhouse, then work your way around the UK via the network of independent hostels.… View offer
Pentre Bach Bunkhouse Autumn availability
September 11th 2019
We currently have weekend availability through Oct to Dec.Also plenty of midweek availability too. View offer
Big Discount at Marthrown of Mabie
September 5th 2019
Due to a cancellation we have EVERYTHING available 20th and 21st September so we are offering a 25% discount on… View offer
‘3 FOR 2’ 3 nights for the price of 2 this Autumn & Winter @ Rookhow Bunkbarn in the Lake District
August 30th 2019
Mid-week Mon-Thu Autumn & Winter 2019 (excluding Christmas & New Year period). View offer
Special Offer: Mid Week sole use of Roaches Bunkhouse from £120 per night
August 30th 2019
Clean, bright self catering accommodation at the foot of The Roaches gritstone edge in the Peak District. Around the corner… View offer
Don’t want the summer to end? Then book your room at Plas Isa now for September.
August 29th 2019
Still plenty of availability for single, double/twin or family rooms. With the kids back to school and most people back… View offer
Christmas and New Year Offer
August 28th 2019
Spend your 2019 Christmas or New Year on the enchanting Isle of Mull. Achaban House hostel sleeps 14 and is… View offer
Discounts for groups at Green Man Backpackers Chepstow!
August 27th 2019
Family friendly accommodation within one mile of the NCN. View offer
Get Inspired
Articles and inspiration from our travel writers
Independent hostels, like youth hostels, have dorms and private rooms, flexible lengths of stay and self catering kitchens ideal for groups. Many of the former youth hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns sold by the YHA and now operating independently are listed on this website. Only five percent of the accommodation featured on this website is affiliated to the YHA ( Youth Hostel Association ) or SYHA ( Scottish Youth Hostel Association ), so you are doubling your choice of self catering accommodation by using both Youth Hostel and Independent Hostel networks. Most of our accommodation is ideal for walkers, cyclists and family holidays while City, Backpackers and Boutique Hostels cater for young or independent travellers. Unlike holiday cottages, hostels/bunkhouses are ideal for a stop-over to break a long journey. They are often available for stays as short as one night and are much better value then hotels. Hostels are sustainable by nature and many are Eco Hostels with green awards. Some are ideal for retreats. Over a quarter of the accommodation on this website is dog friendly and many have some level of accessibility. There are hostels in England, Scotland and Wales. A selection of hostels and bunkhouses welcome stag and hen parties and over a hundred are within walking distance of a pub. Nearly every hostel and bunkhouse has a self catering kitchen and many provide a Best Price Guarantee, ensuring the prices they offer you through this website are the lowest you will find. Hostels and bunkhouses provide self catering accommodation by the Sea, in the Mountains and in National Parks. They also provide Group accommodation ideal for schools, groups, D of E expeditions and reunions of families and friends. The head office of Independent Hostels UK has achieved the Green Tourism Gold Award. Keep in touch with our newsletter follow our facebook or twitter, view a map of UK hostels or buy the guidebook.