My husband was unbelieving but it was true. Inveraray Hostel sleeps 22 people in 10 bedrooms, meaning that practically every… 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 400 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
Sense & Sensibility – Open Air Theatre
July 20th 2019
Saturday 3 August 2019 – We are thrilled to welcome back the critically-acclaimed Read the full article... View details
In 1969, when man first set foot on the moon, a ‘star’ was found in Snowdonia
July 20th 2019
50 years ago, when mankind made its journey to the moon, the founding trustees of our charity journeyed to Snowdonia… View details
The mystic collage of colours that is Cragside Bunkhouse.
July 19th 2019
Some say, if you peep through the curtains at twilight, fairies can be seen dancing around the lakeside... View details
Summer mid week break dates still available in the Tweed Valley at Cleikum Mill.
July 19th 2019
We still have some dates free for booking the Lower Mill and Upper Mill apartments (exclusive use) during July and… View details
Closed for refurbishment. Reopens 10th August 2019
July 18th 2019
Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel near Once Brewed and Hadrian's Wall is closed for refurbishment. It will open again on 10th… View details
Explore the beaches of Anglesey
July 18th 2019
Did you know that Lodge Dinorwig is just a short drive from Anglesey Island? If you are looking for some… View details
Snowdonia is calling…
July 17th 2019
The mountains whisper, in a deep melodious breeze... telling of the and ancient myths and modern legends who climb the… View details
Visit Scotland quality assured accommodation in the Cairngorms
July 16th 2019
From £17 per person! View details
Special Offers & Late Availability
No family rooms left here at Ocean Backpackers for the dates you want??-Grab yourself a six bed dorm instead!
July 21st 2019
Our family rooms are getting booked up swiftly this summer with families looking to spend some quality time together by… View offer
With Autumn just around the corner, check out our availability for special mid-week breaks here at Seahouses Hostel – four nights for the price of three!
July 18th 2019
Seahouses Hostel is located in a pretty coastal village of Seahouses in beautiful, rural North Northumberland. Perfect for schools, youth… View offer
Lots of availability this Summer at Barrington Bunkhouse in the North Pennines
July 18th 2019
If you are looking for unique group accommodation. Somewhere with a dark skies location that won't break the bank. Look… View offer
PROMOTION ALERT! at Bath YMCA
July 18th 2019
During August we are have a fantastic promotion - book 2 nights and get the 3rd night free! Book directly… View offer
Special Offers for Families This August at Earby Hostel
July 17th 2019
Enjoy a family getaway this August for just £100 per night for the whole family, when you book one of… View offer
Comrie Croft: summer holiday destination
July 16th 2019
Late availability through out the summer holidays View offer
Lots of availability in August at Bron-y-Gader Bunkhouse in Snowdonia
July 16th 2019
If you are looking for unique group accommodation. Somewhere with a fantastic location that won't break the bank. Look no… View offer
Reduced rate at Kinlochewe Bunkhouse for Independent Hostel Guide readers (that’s you!)
July 15th 2019
Our bunkhouse has had a lovely upgrade and now also includes wifi. Lovely fresh food and award winning ales next… View offer
Shining Cliff hostel – the hostel in the woods – has only 3 weekends left available to book this year!
July 15th 2019
The remaining weekends available to book this beautiful off-road hostel in the middle of a woodland are 2nd November, 7th… View offer
25% off at Marthrown of Mabie
July 10th 2019
Due to a cancellation we have EVERYTHING available 26th and 27th July so we are offering a 25% discount on… View offer
Lake District – Late Summer Availability offer at Hawse End
July 8th 2019
We are offering a 20% discount on all remaining availability through July and August at our Hawse End Centre near… 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.