I'll be honest, out of all the places I thought we'd end up celebrating the new year I didn't think an embassy was a very likely option. But hey here we are! Read more
Independent Hostels UK
Independent Hostels UK is a network of accommodation owners. We believe in Direct Booking and on this website everything you say and everything you pay goes direct to your hosts.
We are the largest network in the UK, featuring over 420 bunkhouses, hostels and camping barns with locations all over England, Scotland and Wales.
Book a room, book a bed, or hire the whole place for a holiday with family and friends.
All over the UK
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 exploring the outdoors and independent travel.
Many have private rooms, sometimes en-suite and there are often bunks in dorms. What all independent hostels 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
Follow @palacefarmhostelcampsite on insta!
May 29th 2020
Follow for stunning photography of the Kent wildlife and updates on the Cuthbert's gradual preparation for guests. View details
The first key workers cap in North Wales was knitted for our postman, Ianto
May 29th 2020
As well as volunteering as a First Responder, Meinir from Sgubor Unnos Bunkhouse on Tanrallt Farm has been masterminding a… View details
Thanks NHS!
May 29th 2020
Shining Cliff hostel is surviving the lockdown in several ways, including Kate working as a nurse at her local hospital,… View details
Rookhow Zoom Cafe during lockdown
May 29th 2020
Rookhow Bunkbarn have helping reduce social isolation in their local community with Zoom coffee afternoons and meditation sessions. View details
Barmouth Viaduct will get its £25m Restoration
May 27th 2020
This Grade II timber railway viaduct, across the stunning Mawddach Estuary, is an essential route for many long distance paths,… View details
Independent Hostels sew scrubs for care staff
May 27th 2020
Furloughed staff at the head office of the Independent Hostel network, have been working with volunteers in their village to… View details
Alston Youth Hostel staff help their community get through the coronavirus crisis
May 25th 2020
With our hostel closed we've volunteered to be drivers for the Alston Essentials delivery service getting vital supplies out to… View details
We’ll Meet Again, Do Know Where But Don’t Know When!
May 22nd 2020
One day we won't have to social distance and will be able to meet up again with our families so… View details
Video Tour of Kendal Hostel
May 19th 2020
See this hostel tour as Adam Redshaw (The Geocaching Guy) interviews Jan and Kristina at Kendal Hostel. View details
Special Offers & Late Availability
Can you picture yourself on holiday in an historic house in the Lake District?
April 3rd 2020
Book now to claim a 15% discount on any booking between 3rd Jan and 30th June 2021 at Thorney How… View offer
Space and wildlife right at the centre of Wales
April 2nd 2020
Mid Wales Bunkhouse and Camping is in a quiet area which is splendidly wild. Be it summer or winter it… View offer
The Jonas Centre is temporarily closed from 25th March 2020.
March 25th 2020
It is with a heavy heart that we close the centre for the health, welfare and well-being of our guests,… View offer
Ludlow Mascall Centre is closed until further notice
March 24th 2020
We look forward to seeing you when it is safe to re-open. View offer
Sorry we are closed, says Galson Farm Hostel
March 23rd 2020
We would like to thank all you lovely people who have chosen to book our hostel. If you are due… View offer
Sadly Lochness Backpackers has now had to close.
March 23rd 2020
We truly hope we will be back in time for the summer, so we can welcome lots of lovely healthy… View offer
Sadly the K Fellfarers committee have now decided that we must close High House until further notice
March 21st 2020
We will contact those with bookings in the next few months as soon as possible. We look forward to welcoming… View offer
Edens Yard Backpackers is closed to new bookings.
March 20th 2020
We thought this wise due to the communal nature of our accommodation. We will be honoring verified bookings from Booking.com… View offer
Slack House Farm. CLOSED until FURTHER NOTICE
March 20th 2020
The Barn at Slack House Farm is closed until further notice, when COVID is no longer regarded a threat. View offer
Want to holiday in the fresh air? Get sole use of our bunkhouse with 3 days rest between bookings.
March 17th 2020
All Stretton Bunkhouse can offer you a rural location with immediate access to the Long Mynd, Shropshire. Come and cheer… View offer
Enjoy Sole Use of The Roaches Bunkhouse in the Peak District National Park for up to 42 people
March 17th 2020
To lift your spirits during this time we are offering 20% off exclusive use for up to 42 of your… 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.