Perhaps one of your New Year resolutions is to live a greener life. If so we can help!!! Holidays in hostels or bunkhouses have great ECO credentials. 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
There is still space in our “Inn” to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2020 with family and friends
January 19th 2020
Don't miss out this year and book with Plas Isa in Dolgellau Snowdonia, now! View details
Walkers rejoice Skirfare Barn have Easter availability for rambling through the Yorkshire Dales
January 18th 2020
Being renowned for it's footpaths the Yorkshire Dales outshines itself as a walking holiday spot. Skirfare Barn happens to be… View details
We are going “More Green”.
January 18th 2020
This spring, the Viking Centre is installing LED lighting with additional outside lights in the play area, adding an Air… View details
Setting off on a coast to coast dog walk? Lands End Hostel has you covered
January 17th 2020
Being only half a mile from Lands End this hostel would make a perfect starting or finishing point for the… View details
Book now for Christmas/New Year 2020 – 21 – It’s never too early!!
January 17th 2020
Up to 20 friends and family can enjoy a celebration to remember on this most beautiful Scottish island. View details
Egg-ceptional accommodation, Falmouth Lodge Backpackers have Easter availability
January 16th 2020
Of course you could stay in this Easter, but why would you when a trip to Falmouth. Be by the… View details
Caving, climbing and chocolate Ingleton has it all
January 16th 2020
Something for everyone, Ingleton Yha Greta Tower is a perfect Hostel for a break this Easter. View details
Why not enjoy February half-term here at Seahouses Hostel!
January 16th 2020
Rooms available from Tuesday 18th February onwards… Perfect for families, friends or groups; we offer bright spacious and comfortable accommodation,… View details
Easter sandwiched between 3 national parks
January 16th 2020
You'll be spoiled for choice at the Punch Bowl Hotel. Located in Low Bentham the hotel is close to The… View details
Special Offers & Late Availability
Escape for half term to the Highlands and base yourselves at Àite Cruinnichidh
January 18th 2020
We have private and family rooms available 14th through to the 20th February inclusive. If you are looking to try… 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
Late availability at the Iconic Hostel in the Woods, Derbyshire!
January 10th 2020
Availability for sole hire or book a bed/room on the 24th-26th January due to a cancellation. Sole use is £280… 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
Family Holiday for February Half term in Rhoscolyn, Anglesey
January 8th 2020
Outdoor Alternative has late availability for families looking for a February half term get away in stunning Rhoscolyn, an area… View offer
Make your plans for Half Term now
January 8th 2020
Nothing better to help you get over the January Blues, than booking your next trip away. Come and stay with… View offer
MAY HALF TERM adventure base in the Lake District
January 6th 2020
Rookhow Bunkbarn, a fantastic base for mountain biking, wild swimming, canoeing and hill walking. Available May half term 22nd-28th May View offer
Easter bunnies on the farm in Suffolk – for 22
January 3rd 2020
The Old Brooder bunkhouse has availability for 13-19 April for a midweek 2-night min stay during the Easter holidays -… View offer
February half term in the Lakes
January 2nd 2020
We have availability for February half term at New Ing Lodge in Shap in the edge of the Lake District.… View offer
Make 2020 The Year for a Great Personal Outdoor Challenge?
January 2nd 2020
Organise a group outdoor challenge for over 5 people with an overnight B&B stay at Alston Youth Hostel and we'll… View offer
Summer holidays fun at Shining Cliff hostel in Derbyshire
January 2nd 2020
Book-a-bed is back at Shining Cliff hostel from 20th - 31st July! A wonderful 100 acre woodland setting to base… View offer
Special Offer: Mid Week sole use of the Roaches Bunkhouse from £120 per night
January 1st 2020
Clean, bright self catering accommodation at the foot of The Roaches gritstone edge in the Peak District. 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.