It has been a tough summer for all accommodation businesses, but the worse effected are hostels and bunkhouses. Over two thirds of our accommodation has now reopened and you can support them by booking a stay this Autumn or Winter. Read more
Independent Hostels UK
Independent Hostels UK is the largest network of hostel and bunkhouse owners in England, Scotland and Wales. We believe in Direct Booking and on this website everything you say and everything you pay goes direct to your hosts.
Many hostels and bunkhouses are re-opening having implemented government guidelines to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Booking an entire hostel or bunkhouse for the exclusive use of a limited number of households is now possible with many places offering reduced rates for smaller groups. At other places you can book en-suite bedrooms with Covid-19 measures in place in the shared areas.
All tourist accommodation is now allowed to open in England, Scotland and Wales. You can share self contained holiday accommodation with one household in Wales, with two households in England and with three households in Scotland.
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.
There will be some temporary changes to the way places operate in the New Normal. We are working hard to get all these details updated on this website. Click here for the latest updates.
News from the Network
Read the latest natter from hostels and bunkhouses across the UK
Ninebanks is a Worldwide Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice winner!
August 7th 2020
That means that Ninebanks Hostel and Chalet have been rated in the top 10% of the Hotels category WORLDWIDE on… View details
Newquay in September
August 7th 2020
Blue Room Hostel Newquay has lots of availability for September. View details
Extended opening at Hebden Bridge Hostel!
August 5th 2020
We've decided to keep the hostel open right through Autumn and Christmas... View details
Houghton North Farm on Hadrian’s Wall Trail is open with limited availability
August 4th 2020
Due to the pandemic we are leaving a 72 hour break between all our room bookings, so this limits the… View details
Availability in August and September at The Chapel House on The Gower.
August 3rd 2020
Delighted to be back open. Just hosted some brave climbers who were tackling Rhossili Cliffs. View details
Southsea Rocks just off the seafront has availability this summer.
August 3rd 2020
Southsea Rocks provides economically-priced private rooms in the Southsea and Portsmouth area! It is in an attractive side street just… View details
Re-opening on Wednesday, the refurbished Ye Old Ferrie Inn and Bunkhouse
August 3rd 2020
New windows, a lovely solid oak floor and newly decorated rooms. Plus a brand new bridge to reach us. Covid… View details
Open for summer 2020, Springhill Farm Accommodation near Seahouses on the Northumberland Coast
August 3rd 2020
We now two Springhill Cottages, in addition to the bunkhouse, wigwams and camping View details
The Dales Bike Centre in Swaledale has availability from 3rd August.
August 3rd 2020
In the tiny village of Fremington, on the coast to coast walk and surrounded by the best biking in Yorkshire.… View details
Special Offers & Late Availability
Due to cancellation
August 5th 2020
August Bank Holiday weekend. Our two holiday cottages have become available. View offer
Due to cancellation
August 4th 2020
We have availability in our Waterslacks Barn for a minimum of two nights from Wednesday 19th August through to Tuesday… View offer
Come and stay at Womerton Farm Bunkhouse on the Long Mynd in Shropshire.
August 1st 2020
We have vacancies for 4-6th August and 17-18th August and various dates in September. Come and join us for a… View offer
Drop everything – come to Suffolk for 14-16th August weekend!
July 31st 2020
One remaining August farmstay w/e in the Old Brooder bunkhouse: Fri 14 (4pm) to Sun 16 Aug (midday) @ special… View offer
Cancellation 14th-17th August at Rookhow, Lake District
July 27th 2020
Availability for weekend of 14th-17th August. 3 nights for the price of 2: £600. Sole use. 2 households. 72 hours… View offer
The Long Barn, just 20 mins from the Ceredigion Coast and the Cambrian Mountains, is Open with reduced prices.
July 24th 2020
Penrhiw is an organic farm with views over the Teifi Valley in the Welsh countryside. Local activities include fishing, swimming,… View offer
The Mascall Centre in Ludlow is re-opening on Monday 3 August
July 23rd 2020
We have VisitEnglands We’re Good to Go badge to show that we are following Government and public health guidelines. Book… View offer
Earby Hostel is Good To Go!
July 22nd 2020
Earby Holiday Hostel and Waterfall Cottage have been certified as "Good To Go" and now look forward to welcoming guests… View offer
Special Offer for Exclusive Hire Small Family Groups
July 21st 2020
Whilst the Government rules are that only 1 or 2 family groups can stay together overnight we are offering a… View offer
All rooms en-suite at Helmsdale Hostel. An excellent base to explore local attractions.
July 20th 2020
An amazing coastline with beautiful beaches and breath taking scenery. Discounts throughout October to March for stays over two nights… View offer
Rural Bedford gets thumbs up..
July 17th 2020
We are open [!] and welcome enquiries for late July and August stays. Here's what they thought last weekend. View offer
Gibbshill Farm hostel in Northumberland National Park
July 14th 2020
Explore Hadrians Wall in Northumberland. Groups welcome from Friday 17 July 2020 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.