For Sandy and I, our goal was simple. To complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. We had last made the round of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough back in the summer of 1984 soon after we had first met. Now, 35 years later, it was time for another go! Read more
Independent Hostels UK
The largest network of hostels and bunkhouses in the UK.
Independent Hostels UK is a network of accommodation owners. We are very different to online travel agents like Booking.com, Airbnb or Hostelworld, who charge up to 20% in commission and service fees. Even the YHA charges booking fees to the independent hostels which are affiliated with them.
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.
Do you want to know exactly what is a hostel, bunkhouse or a camping barn? Find out here.
All over the UK
There are over 420 bunkhouses, hostels and camping barns in the network with locations all over England, Scotland and Wales.
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
Retreat to Corris. A homely hostel with vibrant energy
February 25th 2020
There couldn't be a better fit for retreat locations. In the Snowdonia national park Corris hostel provides a wonderful atmosphere… View details
Calling all LEJOG or JOGLE ers
February 25th 2020
A lovely hostel just half a mile from the start/finish line and from NCN 3. Great accommodation at a great… View details
Fancy a swim?
February 24th 2020
Tay Bunkhouse is just the place for a less than usual swimming trip... View details
Dog friendly group accommodation at The Jonas Centre
February 24th 2020
Sometimes a break away from it all is exactly what you need. The Jonas Centre consists of twelve Scandinavian style… View details
On the foot of Snowdon Rhyd Ddu is perfect for those extra long group dog walks
February 24th 2020
Available to groups this hostel is right by the Snowdon horseshoe with paths up practically right outside the door. View details
Cragg Camping Barn is an ideal base for Lake explorers
February 23rd 2020
Easter in the Lakes is always a magical time and the location of this camping barn helps fully realise this.… View details
Argyll Backpackers has Easter availability
February 23rd 2020
Overlooking Loch Fyne this hostel offers astounding views with a calm atmosphere that only Scotland could provide. Whether its a… View details
Kendal Hostel has been voted for North West Family Business Network Peoples Choice Awards. Can we count on your vote?
February 23rd 2020
Kendal Hostel has been delighted to find that we have been voted for the Peoples Choice awards through the Family… View details
Perfect Base to Explore the southern Lake District by Bike or on Foot
February 23rd 2020
Whether you are a road cyclist, mountain biker or walker you will find plenty of fantastic routes on the doorstep.… View details
Special Offers & Late Availability
Half Term late availability in the Lake District…
February 24th 2020
Due to a cancellation, we now have the 22nd - 29th May 2020 available to book at our Hawse End… View offer
Put a Spring in your step this Easter and follow the Tea Pots!
February 19th 2020
A long Bank Holiday weekend is the ideal time to walk The Isaac's Tea Trail and the perfect way to… View offer
Low carbon footprint holidays in Suffolk
February 13th 2020
5-15% discounts for Cycling Clubs, and sausages for others who arrive by bike. We have bikes to borrow - and… View offer
Adventurous Easter holidays in the Lake District
February 11th 2020
Ready to have an eggciting time? Come and stay at Derwentwater Independent Hostel in beautiful Borrowdale near Keswick. View offer
Rooms of all sizes are available for February Half term at Treks Bunkhouse in Snowdonia
February 10th 2020
Located 900 feet above sea level in the majestic Moelwyn mountains near the village of Ffestiniog, Treks Bunkhouse has just… View offer
Hop over the Shropshire hills this Easter
February 9th 2020
On the edge of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies Womerton Farm Bunkhouse View offer
Perfect Base to Explore the southern Lake District by Bike or on Foot
February 4th 2020
Space available over February half term - exclusive use and on a nightly room basis. View offer
Wanting to stay in a home away from home for Easter?
January 29th 2020
Rejoice because at Plas Isa that's exactly what you can do, the hostel is well known for its friendly atmosphere… View offer
Family Rooms – 15% OFF!
January 27th 2020
Families get 15% off for February half term 15th Feb - 1st March, and Easter 28th March - 20th April!… View offer
Easter at Palace Farm
January 21st 2020
In the North Kent Downs AONB Palace Farm Hostel provides 4* Hostel accommodation. What better place to stay for Easter… View offer
Special offers available for February half term 2020 in Northumberland
January 15th 2020
The Joiner's Bunkhouse is the ideal place to get the family and extended family together in rural Northumberland. Outdoor space… View offer
Last dates available during Easter holidays for family fun on Anglesey
January 9th 2020
Easter breaks are very popular with groups of friends and family here at Outdoor Alternative. We still have some availability… 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.