We try to keep our prices lower on our website than on Booking.com or Expedia, so you’re more likely to get a better deal when booking directly with us. Our website shows our live availability and you can place your booking easily. Independent Hostels links directly to the websites of hostels across the UK, so you can search nationwide and still book direct. Now, we can’t promise you that every accommodation provider will offer better rates or more attractive deals on their websites, but it is worth spending that extra minute to save that extra pound. 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
Stunning group accommodation allows up to three dogs
December 13th 2019
The renovated 18th century former racehorse stable now serves as dog friendly group accommodation in Northumberland. View details
February Half Term at Earby Hostel
December 12th 2019
There’s so much to do for families around Earby. Thornton Country Park farm park just over the hill. Or take… View details
Country lanes and access to the National Cycle Route 2, Ashclyst Farm Hostel caters to cyclists
December 11th 2019
The hostel has lockable bike storage shed and space for repairs. This combined with its location, which is nearby to… View details
Warm and welcoming dog friendly hostel on the Isle of Mull
December 9th 2019
Dog friendly accommodation on the atmospheric Isle of Mull, handily right next door to a dog welcoming traditional pub. Fresh… View details
Climbing hills or digging for bones Platts farm has it all
December 7th 2019
Long stretches of beach and plenty of fresh welsh air Platts farm is sure to be a doggy favourite View details
Eco-friendly Shropshire bunkhouse wins praise from sustainable building architect Charlie Luxton, of TV’s Building the Dream
December 5th 2019
Architectural designer Charlie Luxton, presenter of Channel 4's Building the Dream, is urging people to book a stay in Fordhall… View details
Stag and Hen weekends on the banks of the River Tay
December 5th 2019
Fancy a BBQ or some water activities on the River (egress available). The Tay Bunkhouse is set up and designed… View details
Got the winter Blues? Plan for sunny Summer walks and brighten your day.
December 5th 2019
The Farnham Walking Festival (16 May-7 June) will introduce you to the beautiful Surrey and Hampshire Countryside. With nearly 70… View details
Spring into action, Easter at the Tudor Barn
December 3rd 2019
The average Easter experience can usually be summed up with two words; chocolate coma. Tudor barn would love to offer… View details
Special Offers & Late Availability
Winter walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park
December 12th 2019
Late availability at The Star Bunkhouse in Bwlch View offer
Where do you really want to be for Christmas? Roaring fire, moutains, glass of wine? Yes you know this is where you want to be.
December 11th 2019
Late availability at the Wild wool Barn in Ennerdale. Dates available until 28th December, including CHRISTMAS DAY. Exclusive use of,… View offer
Christmas availability
December 9th 2019
Shining Cliff hostel has two days available over Christmas and New Year - the hostel is available to book on… View offer
Celebrate Hogmanay on the Isle of Lismore
December 3rd 2019
Just a short hop from Oban this tiny island is a special place to welcome in the New Year. Lismore… View offer
Free Christmas Lunch!
December 3rd 2019
Kendal Hostel is offering all guests staying with us on Christmas Day a free Christmas lunch! View offer
Christmas Discount for a magical Christmas break on the Island of Mull
November 30th 2019
Use voucher code “CHRISTMAS” online when booking for a special discount of 10% on any whole room booking over the… View offer
Twixmas in a Georgian manor house
November 27th 2019
A warm and friendly lounge, large dining room seating 25+ and luxury 7 seat spa Jacuzzi. The Manor House Activity… View offer
A truly magical Christmas at Alnwick Youth Hostel
November 27th 2019
Wishing for a magical retreat this Christmas? Look no further than Alnwick Youth Hostel. The historic town of Alnwick has… View offer
Winter in the Lakes
November 26th 2019
Now is the perfect time to come and enjoy the Lake District Fells at their most peaceful. View offer
Cozy and affordable rooms in the heart of Newquay
November 25th 2019
Use promo-code DIRECTBOOKING for 10% discount on booking on this website or www.surfinnewquay.com View offer
Tudor barn in Suffolk suddenly available for Christmas
November 21st 2019
Enjoy Christmas in an atmospheric Tudor barn with space to cook, be together ... and apart. Celebrate at feast-laden oak… View offer
Join the Hogmanay House Party at Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge
November 21st 2019
Spend New Year within walking distance of Loch Ness and join the cosy Hogmanay party in the Loch Ness Backpackers… 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.